Against all odds, Syria’s soccer players have overcome more than six years of civil war and internal political rifts to raise hopes of qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
Forced to play their home games away due to security concerns, Ayman Hakeem’s Syria have embarrassed a succession of better-resourced opponents to sit third in Group A of Asian qualifying, behind leaders Iran and South Korea.
An unlikely win away to Iran on Tuesday coupled with defeat for South Korea by Uzbekistan in the final round would give Syria second spot and direct entry to the finals in Russia next year.
Even if results do not entirely go their way, Syria can still hold on to third spot and have a chance to qualify through two rounds of playoffs.
Political divisions threatened to gut the team early in the campaign, with players refusing to represent their country in protest over the actions of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime during the conflict.
However, they have softened their stance, with veteran striker Firas Al Khatib ending his exile in March before Omar Al Soma was recently lured back to partner Al Hilal’s Omar Khrbin in attack.
Stadiums in Malaysia have offered sanctuary throughout the final phase of qualifying, with only a handful of Syrian fans able to offer their compatriots support.
However, despite being perpetually on the road, the results have continued to stack up.
On Thursday, they defeated Qatar 3-1 at Hang Jebat Stadium in Malaysia, eliminating the rich Persian Gulf state and 2022 World Cup hosts from the race to Russia.
Syria face a formidable task in Tehran against Iran, who have yet to concede a goal in this qualifying phase.
Carlos Queiroz’s team have been imperious, booking their Russia ticket in June, but Syria are bolstered by the return of Al Soma, a player who could turn the tide in their favor.
Syria’s most celebrated soccer player due to his goal-scoring exploits with Saudi club Al Ahli, Al Soma celebrated his return with victory over Qatar.
“Thanks to God, my return to the national team was good,” Al Soma said after the game. “I hope that we can bring joy to our people, who need such joy.”
“I will give my best in the next match in order to win and hopefully we can qualify for the World Cup,” he added.
Along with the in-form Khrbin, who struck twice against Qatar, Syria could have the tools to unlock Iran’s stingy defense.
Asian soccer is no stranger to war-affected nations making a big impact. Iraq won their first Asian Cup in 2007, at the height of the insurgency triggered by the US-led coalition invasion in 2003.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen go into today’s match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim stung from their first league defeat in 16 months. Leverkusen were beaten 3-2 at home by RB Leipzig before the international break, the first loss since May last year for the reigning league and cup champions. While any defeat, particularly against a likely title rival, would have disappointed coach Xabi Alonso, the way in which it happened would be most concerning. Just as they did in the Supercup against VfB Stuttgart and in the league opener to Borussia Moenchengladbach, Leverkusen scored first, but were pegged back. However, while Leverkusen rallied late to
The lights dimmed and the crowd hushed as Karoline Kristensen entered for her performance. However, this was no ordinary Dutch theater: The temperature was 80°C and the audience naked apart from a towel. Dressed in a swimsuit and to the tune of emotional music, the 21-year-old Kristensen started her routine, performed inside a large sauna, with a bed of hot rocks in the middle. For a week this month, a group of wellness practitioners, called “sauna masters,” are gathering at a picturesque health resort in the Netherlands to compete in this year’s Aufguss world sauna championships. The practice takes its name from a
Japanese players are moving to English soccer in record numbers and more look set to follow with clubs attracted by their quality, strong work ethic and value for money. Kaoru Mitoma is the standout talent of five Japanese players in the English Premier League, with eight more in the Championship and two in League One. Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan, believes his compatriots are “being held in higher esteem” by English clubs compared with the past. “The staff at Liverpool ask me about lots of Japanese players, not necessarily with a view to a transfer, but just saying this or
Taiwan yesterday survived Bosnia and Herzegovina to win their Davis Cup World Group I tie at the Taipei Tennis Center. The tight series started on Saturday with world No. 123 Jason Tseng losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to Mirza Basic in the opening singles matchup. However, teammate Tony Wu kept the tie even, dominating world No. 86 Damir Dzumhur 6-2, 6-1. Yesterday, 24-year-old Ray Ho and partner 25-year-old Hsu Yu-hsiou kept up the momentum, making short work of Basic and Nerman Fatic, winning 6-3, 6-4. Tseng then suffered another defeat, losing 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 to Dzumhur in a brutal match that lasted more than two