Iran vs Syria

Asia’s World Cup 2022 qualifying returns to action this midweek as Iran take on Syria at Azadi Stadium in their Group A curtain-raiser.

Iran edged neighbors Iraq to win Group C on a decisive day of Round 2 in Asia’s World Cup 2022 qualifying, with a record of six wins from eight matches (L2). The Iranians have been a force to be reckoned with at home in the ongoing qualifying cycle, winning all four home qualifiers by an aggregate score of 21-1. But it’s worth noting that 14 (66.67%) of those 21 goals scored came in a 14-0 hammering of lowly Cambodia. Yet, another clear-cut victory could be on the cards here, considering the ‘Cheetahs’ have won both previous H2Hs as hosts host by over 2.5 goals ‘to nil.’ What’s more, going back to May 1973, Iran have not lost any of their six home World Cup qualifying meetings with this opposition (W2, D4).

In the meantime, despite suffering a 3-1 loss to China PR on Matchday 8, Syria made light work of their Group A campaign in Round 2 to finish top of the section with seven wins from eight. Since each of their three away victories in that time yielded a winning margin of 3+ goals, the Syrians must feel capable of upsetting the odds here. Those hopes could quickly be dampened by the fact the ‘Qasioun Eagles’ have drawn a blank in three of their last four visits to Iran. Interestingly, none of Syria’s previous ten internationals on foreign soil have ended as a draw (W3, L7), with 70% of the games won/lost in that time yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals.