Football: Qatar Edge Syria To Keep World Cup Dream Alive

DOHA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Oct, 2016 ) - Qatar salvaged some hope of reaching the 2018 World Cup finals with a narrow and desperately needed victory against war-torn Syria in a crucial Asian qualifier on Tuesday.

The 1-0 win, secured by a first-half Hasan Al-Haydos penalty, brought to an end a wretched run of three consecutive group defeats for the 2022 hosts, who have never made it to the World Cup finals.

The three points lifted the ambitious Gulf nation off the bottom of Group A, above China and four points behind South Korea in the third-placed play-off position after four games. They are six points behind second-placed Uzbekistan, who occupy one of the automatic qualification positions.

Qatar coach Jorge Fossati said his side could have won by more than one goal but he was defiant that they could still reach Russia. "We had chances (of qualifying) before, now we have a very good chance," he said.