Tom Rogic emerged as the injury-time hero for champions Australia thanks to a rocket that confirmed his nation’s spot in the knockouts with a 3-2 win, and condemned World Cup 2018 qualifying rivals Syria to early elimination.
Winger Awer Mabil blasted the Socceroos ahead on 41 minutes, only for 2017 AFC Player of the Year Omar Khrbin to level up less than 120 seconds later at the second attempt. In a contentious second period, Chris Ikonomidis’ back-post effort was adjudged to have crept in and then Omar Al Somah smashed in a penalty-kick that he won for an apparent trip.
Syria appeared poised to remain in the mix for one of the four-best third-placed spots, only for playmaker Rogic to lash home from 20 yards. Another late heartbreak – Tim Cahill’s extra-time header in October 2017 ended their global aspirations – saw the supposed tournament dark horses sink to last place after Palestine drew 0-0 with Group B winners Jordan.
Here are the talking points from a rollercoaster match at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium:
ROGIC STANDS UP TO BE COUNTED
Mile Jedinak’s retirement and Aaron Mooy’s injury left a spot vacant to be the Socceroos’ main man.
Celtic schemer Rogic was preordained to fill this role – and he’s delivered in the UAE. Since the false start – and 1-0 defeat – against Jordan, he’s come up with a glorious assist for Jamie Maclaren in the 3-0 recovery against Palestine and man-of-the-match display against Syria.
Another deep cross picked out Ikonomidis, via dumbfounding defending by Hussein Jwayed, to put Australia ahead at 2-1. Even better was to come when he produced a blistering winner in the 93rd minute.
SYRIA’S TOURNAMENT TO FORGET
After war-torn Syria came together in trying circumstances to make the play-offs for the World Cup, they instantly became favoured for success in the Emirates.
Instead, a tournament stained with regrets has played out. Influential captain Firas Al Khatib’s injury on the eve was allied with disruption for winger Mahmoud Al Mawas – his only start came on Tuesday.
Not even the desperate dismissal of head coach Bernd Stange after last week’s 1-0 loss to Jordan could kick-start them.
SOCCEROOS’ WEAK CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
It was a moment centre-back Milos Degenek will not savour.
His failure to mark potential Al Hilal team-mate Khrbin, when he was expected to grasp responsibility in the absence of the banned Trent Sainsbury, was illuminating.
This was similarly poor to midfielder Massimo Luongo’s meek challenge in the air during the 1-0 loss to Jordan. Take note, round-of-16 opponents Uzbekistan or Japan.