Australia – Syria PREDICTION & TIPS
The winner of this 4th qualifying round in the Asia zone will play an intercontinental barrier against the 4th in the North American zone. No benefit in terms of motivation
The state of form
Present in Group B of the 3rd qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup, Australia was only 3rd behind Japan and Saudi Arabia. With a record of 5 victories, 4 draws and 1 defeat, the Socceroos finished on points with the Saudis but a smaller difference of goals scored them in a 4th round played against Syria in round-trip matches. Last week, they conceded the scoring in Syria following a penalty equalized at the very end of the game (1-1).
Syria defeated all predictions by winning third place in Group A of the third qualifying round for the World Cup in Russia, behind Iran and South Korea. Fajr Ibrahim’s men presented a mixed record of 3 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats at the end of the 3rd round. Last week, they tied the home draw against Australia in the 4th qualifying round (1-1), which saw the Intercontinental play-off against the 4th in the North American zone. Small advantage
For Australia, the Tauliers Jedinak and Spiranovic were not summoned for this double confrontation. On the other hand, the coach relies on a contingent of players playing in Europe. Rogers (Celtic) Luongo (QPR) and Mooy (Huddersfield) and forwards Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Juric (Lucerne) and defenders Smith (Bournemouth) and Behich (Bursaspor) Kruse (Bochum). The latter scored the only goal of the Socceroos in Syria last week.
On the side of Syria, defenders Al Salih and Midani and young promising Marmour are absent for this meeting. Since the start of the playoffs, the coach can count on goalkeeper Alma, defender Al Ajan, midfielder Al Mawas (top scorer in the 3rd round) and strikers Khribin and Al Soma go). Replacing last week, striker Al Khatib is expected to start again on the bench. Advantage Australia on paper
Australia – Syria – Our prediction
Backed by its supporters, Australia has the assets to win against a Syrian formation not expected at this level of the competition and largely dominated in the first leg (only 34% possession). Victory Australia
Australia – Syria FREE TIPS
Australia – Win @ 1.35
Both teams to score / YES @ 1.85
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90
