While the extravagant nature of spending in today’s game has perhaps gone too far, on Tuesday night, we were all reminded that the beautiful game as we love to know it is still alive and well.

In what was one of the feel-good stories of the year, Syria kept their World Cup dreams alive with a dramatic late 2-2 draw against Iran.

An equalising goal from Omar Al Soma secured a valuable point that moved the Arabic country ahead of Uzbekistan and into a third spot play-off berth in the Group A Asia qualifying table.

The Arab nation, who have been playing their home fixtures in Malaysia, will now face Australia in a two-legged qualifying clash next month.

Should they get past the team from down under, Syria would then play a fourth-placed CONCACAF team – in another two-tie contest – marking their final hurdle to qualification.