This Thursday, October 5, 2017 (5:00 AM Pacific) Syria will host Australia at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca, Malaysia for the first leg of a play-off series for Russia 2018 qualifying. The winner of this play-off series will play the fourth place team in the CONCACAF region to see who moves on to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
How to watch Syria vs Australia
The Syria vs Australia match will be broadcast this Thursday, October 5 at 5:00 AM Pacific:
TV Schedule: ESPN 3
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
Match Preview
Syria had a surprising run in the third round of the AFC qualifiers finishing third in Group A of the competition with 13 points. The Qasioun Eagles finished above teams like China and Uzbekistan and just behind South Korea and Iran. Syria does have some interesting players on its roster, most notably the duo who play in Saudi Arabia Omar Khribin and Omar Al Soma. This will be a very tough match for the middle eastern side and the home team is the underdog heading into the match.
Australia has usually been a giant in this AFC region, consistently making the world cup with little to no problems. The Socceroos finished the third round of AFC qualifying in third in Group B of the qualifiers just behind on goal differential to second-place Saudi Arabia.
The Aussies do have a more formidable side than its opponent with a few standout players like Aaron Mooy, Matthew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and Tim Cahill. This should be a tough match away from home and head coach Ange Postecoglou may play it safe in this first leg and look for the finishing blow in the second leg at home.
