Syria, Iran Draw 0-0 In 2018 World Cup Qualifying Round

SEREMBAN (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia), Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Syria's hopes of turning the tables on high riding Iran in their Group A 2018 World Cup qualifying round at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium here on Tuesday night did not materialise when the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Iran's attempt to score in the third minute through Mehdi Taremi failed when Syrian goalkeeper parried the ball away while another attempt in the 26th minute through Ashkan Dejagah was also fruitless. The match also saw Syrian player Alaa Al Shbbli being shown the yellow card by referee Ali Sabah Al-Qaysi in the 45th minute for roughing up an opposing team player. The match, which was scheduled at 8pm was delayed by 45 minutes due to the wet and slippery pitch after heavy rain since 7.15pm. With the draw, Syria who had lost 0-1 to Qatar before coming here would probably remain in fourth spot while Iran who were riding high after beating South Korea 1-0 before coming to Seremban, remain at the top of the table. --BERNAMA