this post was submitted on 18 Nov 2023
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Syria beating North Korea seems like a bit of a shock
Syria have Al Somah, who albeit being 34 now was probably the best player in Asia in his prime.
Never heard of him tbh lol
Third all time top scorer in the Saudi League, one of the best leagues in Asia. Was banned from playing for Syria for political reasons until the last 2 matchdays of WCQ for the 2018 World Cup.
First game against Qatar he doesn’t score. Second game against Iran, the best team in Asia he scores a 90th + minute equaliser to send Syria to the playoffs.
In the playoffs Syria now have a genuine superstar against Australia.
First leg Australia 1-1 Syria, Al Somah penalty.
Second leg, Syria take the lead, guess who? Al Somah.
Australia then score 2, including one in extra time.
Syria gets a free kick in the 120th minute, Al Somah takes if Syria score then Syria win the playoff ok away goals.
https://youtu.be/pa43e0YutIQ?si=O1PMH_6uqQAUpFPl
Probably the most heartbreaking football moment ever for me, and I’m not even Syrian lol.
He’s 34 now, and did score against North Korea in that game
Syria got to the playoff last time against Australia (meaning from that qualification they were the sixth best team in Asia) while north Korea as far as I'm aware have been inactive for years.
Not really, North Korea is 115th in the FIFA rankings and haven't played any matches for 4 years between 2019 and 2023.
They're not even vaguely close to the NK you may imagine when thinking of when they qualified for the WC over a decade ago.