Football cheer in war-torn Syria

Tokyo: Omar Al Soma's stoppage-time equaliser took war-srtricken Syria into Asia's World Cup play-offs on Tuesday, as South Korea and Saudi Arabia both booked their spots at next year's tournament.

Syria were 2-1 down against Iran and heading out when Al Soma threaded his shot through goalkeeper Alireza Salimi's legs in the third added minute, sparking wild celebrations.

The 2-2 draw means Syria, who have defied the odds while civil war rages in their country, now face Australia home and away, with the winner going into an intercontinental play-off.

South Korea secured a ninth straight appearance at the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan on Tuesday while Saudi Arabia claimed their place at the finals in Russia next year with a 1-0 victory over Japan.

Saudi substitute Fahad Al Muwallad scored a spectacular winner for Bert van Marwijk's side, who qualified for the first time since 2006 with victory over a Japan team that had already reached the finals.

The result pushed Australia into third in Group B and a place in the play-offs, where they will meet Syria, who drew 2-2 with Iran to finish third in Group A.

South Korea's Lee Keun-ho, Son Heung-min and Lee Dong-gook all hit the woodwork but it mattered little as they earned a point that sealed second place in Group A of Asia's qualifying competition behind the already-qualified Iran.

Syria took third spot in the group when Omar Al Soma's late goal earned Ayman Hakeem's side a dramatic draw with Iran that pushed Uzbekistan out of the play-off positions.

Syria took the lead in Tehran and became the first team to score against Iran in 13 qualification matches when Tamer Haj Mohamed netted from close range after Al Soma's free kick had been fumbled by Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
A double from Sardar Azmoun looked to have given Iran all three points until Al Soma - playing only his second match for Syria since his return from a self-imposed exile.

The draw meant Syria finished level on 13 points with Uzbekistan but took third place on goal difference.A wasteful Wales scored two late goals to beat Moldova 2-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday as a diving header by Hal Robson-Kanu and a deflected Aaron Ramsey strike spared their blushes against Group D's bottom side.