Syria’s 3-1 victory over Qatar in World Cup qualifying on Thursday was remarkable for two reasons: 1.) Syria are now in third place in Group A heading into the final matchday, a finish that would see them improbably qualify for the fourth round playoff. 2.) Defeat for Qatar means that they’ve been mathematically eliminated from the 2018 World Cup, so they’ll be the first nation since Italy in 1934 to host the tournament without having ever taken part.
The match was played in Syria’s “home” ground in Malaysia due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War, and a brace from Omar Kharbin and one from Mahmoud Al-Mawas was enough to keep the Syrian dream alive.
After nine matches, Qatar have amassed only seven points while conceding 13 goals, resulting in their place at the bottom of Group A.
26-year-old striker Hassan Al-Haydos has been the one bright spot for Qatar in the third round, scoring four goals including a brace against South Korea in the nation’s shock 3-2 victory back in June.
However, if it wasn’t clear already, it’s now a certain fact that Qatar will be the worst footballing nation to ever host the World Cup.
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