Syria have a good chance, says former great Al Sheikh
Melaka: Syria's fairytale campaign in the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers has sparked global headlines, with the returning Omar Al Soma’s (pictured left) dramatic late equaliser against the Islamic Republic of Iran at Azadi Stadium in September continuing their run into a play-off tie against Australia.
They will now seek to write further history by getting past the Socceroos and advancing to an inter-confederation clash with the fourth-placed team from CONCACAF to vie for a place at next year’s World Cup finals.
This, however, is not the first time Syria have come close to qualifying for football's greatest event. In November 1985, the Qasioun Eagles went into a double header with Iraq knowing that the winners would travel to the tournament in Mexico the following summer.
Unfortunately for the Syrians, a 3-1 aggregate defeat meant that it was their West Asian rivals who went on to make their debut FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986.
Radwan Al Sheikh was a member of the Syrian national team during a successful period in the 1980s and the defender appeared in the first leg of that decisive clash with Iraq in Damascus 32 years ago.
Syria in a training session ahead of their clash against Australia in Melaka, Malaysia
A bout of influenza ruled him out of the second leg in the Saudi Arabian city of Taif but, although Al Sheikh watched Syria crash out, he remembers the 1986 qualifying campaign fondly.
"I can't describe the emotions we had when we faced Iraq," the 56-year old told the-AFC.com.
"We were all determined and filled with an intense desire to help our team achieve qualification and play alongside Maradona in Mexico.
“I could only play in the first leg in Damascus, where I had a shot that hit the post. Raad Hammoudi (the Iraq goalkeeper) could not save it!
"My best memories from my time with the national team are from the 1986 qualifying campaign. Every Syrian, old and young, stood behind us in our attempt to qualify for the finals in Mexico.
“I remember the amazing scene in the Abbasiyyin Stadium in Damascus as the fans filled the stands, wearing Mexican hats. I can never forget those sights."
Al Sheikh's first major achievement at international level was helping Syria qualify for the 1984 AFC Asian Cup, where he played alongside legendary striker Kevork Mardikian, whose son Mardik is a prominent member of the current national team. In the crucial qualifier against Indonesia, Al Sheikh scored the equaliser with a trademark long-range effort.
At the finals in Singapore, Al Sheikh made his mark once again by scoring Syria's winner in a 1-0 defeat of two-time champions Korea Republic. Once again, he displayed his shooting abilities with a powerful free-kick from 40 yards out.
Following retirement, a move to coaching beckoned and he has since settled in Qatar, where he currently works as a youth team coach for Al Duhail.
Although away from his homeland, the former international star has closely followed the Syrian national team's fortunes over the years.
"Syria could not reach the final round of qualifiers until now because of technical difficulties," reflected Al Sheikh.
"Now, we have a very talented generation with great ability. There are players who have gained lots of experience playing abroad."
In his spare time, Al Sheikh doubles up as a television pundit and when asked about his prediction for Thursday's first leg against Australia, he ran his analytical eye over the Syrian team.
Al Sheikh working as a TV Pundit
"I think Syria have a good chance of winning this tie. But they must be wary of making mistakes in and around the penalty box," he warned.
"This game requires concentration and mental strength. Syria have performed well but they are lacking good defensive organisation. They need to avoid errors and move quickly when they have the ball, transitioning from defence to attack in an organised manner."
For the members of the old guard like Al Sheikh, the match against Australia in Melaka will be an emotional affair as they remember that fateful game against Iraq all those years ago.
"Our World Cup dreams were extinguished that evening in Taif. I can only hope the current team will make up for that when they play on Thursday."
PHOTOS: Getty Images, Radwan Al Sheikh Hassan, AFC
Source: the-afc.com
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