A file photo of Iraq team's training session.
Doha: Today’s AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar Group A clash between Iraq and Syria at Al Gharafa Stadium bears the hallmarks of a final as the two sides battle to pick up a first win at the halfway stage of the qualifiers.
It is a clash of the bottom two sides in the group, with Syria having picked up just one point from their first four games - a draw against the United Arab Emirates, while Iraq have fared slightly better - losing just once against the Islamic Republic of Iran but drawing their other three games.
Last time out, Syria suffered a 3-2 defeat against third-placed Lebanon, who had Mohammed Kdouh to thank for a first period stoppage time brace that ultimately set the tone for a second half winner, cancelling out strike duo Omar Al Soma and Omar Khribin’s strikes either side of the break.
Iraq on the other hand looked certain to win in Dubai after Aymen Hussein’s close range finish in the 89th minute put them ahead against the UAE, but they could not hold on in added time, conceding to Ali Mabkhout in the final seconds of the game to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Syria head coach Nizar Mahrous has a few selection problems, with Abdulrahman Oues and Amro Jenniat ruled out with injuries, Mardik Mardikian and Alaadin Al Dali unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions and Mahmoud Al Mawas doubtful after picking up a minor injury in his club’s most recent league outing.
Dick Advocaat on the other side has no such issues with the Lions of Mesopotamia travelling to Qatar in full numbers.
Today’s game is the first between the two neighbours in FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 36 years, and their previous double encounter was one that still lives in the collective memory of football fans in both nations.
Back in 1985, it was down to Iraq and Syria for a spot in the Mexico 1986, with the winners qualifying to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
