If you were starting to despair about the state of modern football, perhaps this will win you back onside.
Syria have only gone and secured a play-off spot in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers following a 2-2 draw against Iran on Tuesday afternoon.
They seemed destined for elimination, with the hosts leading 2-1 deep into injury time but Syrian hearts were sent soaring when Omar Al Somah found space in the Iranian box and deftly placed a right-footed shot under the opposition goalkeeper.
Syria has been engulfed in a six-year civil war and the country has endured countless obstacles in recent years but the football team will have inspired some beaming smiles after keeping the World Cup dream alive.
https://twitter.com/samueloakford/status/905113557343363072
Syrian commentator breaks into tears after Omar Al-Somah's historic goal against Iran. Goosebumps. https://t.co/MSUC2IBCD0
— Mohamed Osama (@TheMOsama) September 5, 2017
Having finished in third place of their qualification group, behind Iran and South Korea, Syria will now meet either Australia or Saudi Arabia in an October play-off before then having to come up against one final hurdle, a two-legged clash with an as-yet-unknown Concacaf side.
Neutrals will all be rooting for Syria to reach the finals given the hardship ongoing in the nation but, in truth, the players are already heroes for even keeping the hopes alive with a stunning showing in Tehran.
https://twitter.com/JuanderfuI/status/905113876131446784
https://twitter.com/JuanderfuI/status/905114817345806338
The above celebrations couldn’t possibly be more deserved.
And Stan Collymore’s tweet on the result pretty much sums it all up.
SYRIA HAVE SCORED IN THE LAST FUCKING MINUTE!!
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) September 5, 2017
