To address, or rather avoid the elephant in the room; to whether the national team, does or doesn’t represent the Assad regime that splits Syria daily is a political topic that can be spun and discussed for days. The return of players opposed to the government has done little to remove heat from the country’s hierarchy. However, the underpinning behind many of the statements from those involved, is that the team represents the Syrian people first and foremost over any political allegiance, something that needs to be keenly focussed upon as we approach the Asian Cup.
On a purely footballing basis, the last cycle has been gruelling. Having ground hopped from Oman to Malaysia, in search of a temporary home, whilst failing to secure worthwhile friendlies or training camps, Syria have made the best of the resources they’ve had at their disposal. The dogged, workmanlike side that started qualification has blossomed into a credible attacking line-up that pushed Asian champions Australia into extra-time for a chance to play on the grandest stages of them all.
Back when the initial qualifying draw was made, Syria became the hipster’s choice of many to make the latter rounds, both for a favourable set of opponents, and the prospect of deploying the hottest striker in the Middle East, Omar Al-Somah. While the latter took time to come into force, the former was illustrated immediately; flying by the likes of Singapore, Afghanistan and Cambodia comfortably, while only dropping points to continental heavyweights Japan, Syria stole a march on their equals, qualifying for the Asian Cup at the earliest opportunity.
The formulation of a top Asian footballing side only really started in latter qualification under Ayman Hakeem, as Syria relocated bases to Malaysia. Setting up initially as the typical underdog, fully utilising a cow paddock of a pitch (drawing against Iran and South Korea), Syria built up a much more succinct game plan, going on to win memorably away in China, before clinching the most prized of equalisers on the final day in the Azadi, to nudge them over the line to the final World Cup playoffs.
While the core of the side became the bedrock of their success, from centre back Omar Al-Midani, through busy wide man Mohammed Al-Mawas, to striking revelation Omar Khribin, who went on to score ten in qualifying before being named Asian Player of the Year, the next stage of their progress was sealed upon the players they welcomed back. National team captain Faris Al-Khattib, a player who had been in self-imposed exile from the national team given his opposition to the Syrian government, put political difference aside for his nation’s hope of qualifying for the World Cup. While his impact on play wasn’t as great as some could’ve hoped for, the moral boost throughout the squad took flight.
In terms of demonstrable aid, the key was enticing Omar Al-Somah back to international football. The physical striker, who has recorded an unrivalled goal-to-game ratio over the last few seasons for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, was reportedly interesting his employer’s nation, before Syria were able to snare his choice. While injury set back his return, the equaliser away in Iran, followed by both goals against Australia in the playoffs, illustrates what a key focal point he is to this side.
Combination play between him and Khribin, now at Saudi domestic rivals Al-Hilal has the potential to create havoc for any Asian defence. While Al-Somah’s form has remained constant, Khribin’s stock has stuttered somewhat since winning his AFC gong in 2017; suffering from several injuries, lacking minutes and eventual poor form. His use, as a support striker to Al-Somah has also damaged his output for the national team, an area of the squad’s tactical vision that needs to be honed ahead of the Asian Cup.
That tactical vision, is now in the hands of German coach Bernd Stange, who remarkably came out of retirement to take the reins of Syria on the run up to January. Having carved out a varied career, that included spells with another war-torn nation Iraq, and most recently with Singapore, Stange is both experienced at continental level and knows how to get the best out of limited resources.
Prospects are difficult to assess after a year of transition, but the target of making it out of the group stage for the first time in their history will be their main ambition. In an even group alongside Jordan and Palestine, tactical tweaking on the run up may be what it takes to see them edge over the line. Mixed friendly results since World Cup heartbreak, tell only half a story, given Syria usually bring their A-game to the biggest stage. No bigger of course than that tie against Australia. Come the final game of the group, Syria set up a rematch of their blockbuster Sydney playoff of last year, which’ll no doubt send a shiver down the spine of the reigning Asian champions.
While it’s been over two years since Syria ensured qualification for the UAE, expectations also need to be put into perspective. A nation that has gone through such turmoil for years, without a successful footballing heritage as a base, let alone the resources to create one, should be celebrated in what it’s achieved thus far, even if their final result, goes someway to exceeding their underdog tag.
Key Men
Head Coach - Bernd Stange (GER)
Former head coach of Iraq, whilst the nation was at war, Stange became Syria’s first foreign coach in 7 years, succeeding the successful and well liked Ayman Hakeem at the end of qualification. An eccentric character, who has coaching experience in Oman and Australia, Stange has made a solid start to his spell in charge of Syria but has yet to be tested in competitive play.
Star Player - Omar Al-Somah
Imperious striker, who’s long overdue call up nearly pushed Syria over the line in World Cup qualification. Boasts an incredible scoring record in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli, a country that tried to lure him to their national side two years ago; the physical striker, likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic is most dangerous in the air and from direct set-pieces. Could’ve joined Nottingham Forest in 2012, but for work permit difficulties.
Cult Favourite - Mahmoud Al Mawas
A busy winger, who’s displays in qualification epitomised the successful nature of Syria’s run to the World Cup qualification playoffs. Diminutive in stature and adept at the late run, who’s played much of his career in Kuwait and Bahrain, Al-Mawas was the scorer of their memorable winning goal away in China, to swing the group in their favour.
Young Prospect - Ahmed Ashkar
One of only a few younger players to break through during qualification. An integral figure for Syria at the recent U23 Asian Cup and Asian Games campaigns. A box-to-box midfielder who particularly caught the eye in Al-Jaish’s impressive AFC Cup campaign earlier this year, Ashkar made his first senior start for Syria in October.
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