World Cup: Syria draw with Iran to keep Russia 2018 qualifying hopes alive

World Cup: Syria draw with Iran to keep Russia 2018 qualifying hopes alive

Syria guaranteed a play-off spot in 2018 World Cup qualifying following a 2-2 attract against Iran Tehran.

The guests took a stun lead through Tamer Haj Mohamad's stooping header - the principal objective Carlos Queiroz's Iran had surrendered in 10 qualifying recreations.

In any case, on the stroke of half-time, Sardar Azmoun headed Iran level before giving them a moment half lead.

Syria appeared to be taking off, yet Omar Al Somah coolly opened home an equalizer somewhere down in damage time.

South Korea's goalless draw with Uzbekistan enabled them to assert second place in Group An in the Asian segment and programmed movement to Russia.

It implies Syria will confront Australia in a play-off in October, before facing a Concacaf side in another two-legged tie the next month for a place at the World Cup.

Read more: Football on the Frontline - The inside story of Syria's World Cup dream.
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Investigation

BBC Radio 5 live games news reporter Richard Conway:

The fantasy of Russia 2018 is as yet alive. They are into a play-off at this point.

We headed toward Syria for BBC Sport prior in the year and burned through six days in Damascus and found a genuinely amazing story.

Syria is amidst a six-year war and the group have no cash in light of the approvals. Bunches of Syrians have blended feelings about supporting the group. A few, yet in no way, shape or form all, vibe that the group transcends governmental issues.

The reality they are in conflict for the World Cup is wonderful given what is stacked against them and they have a noteworthy solidarity.

They play their home recreations in Malaysia, which is a 14,000-mile round excursion, and where they will play the home leg of their play-off match.