The Qasioun Eagles did have the ball in the back of the net in the 30th minute from a free kick given for a dubious foul by Mark Milligan on Mohammed Osman. The delivery evaded everyone in the penalty box except Al-Somah,whose touch guided it in - but Ramos disallowed it after picking out infringement on Milligan,who was clobbered by Osman in amongst the penalty box madness.

Little by little,the Socceroos worked their way into the match. Chris Ikonomidis had a ping from long-range saved in the 35th minute after a Syrian counter-attack was inadvertently broken up by the referee,then seconds later,a brilliant Rogic through ball teed up Jamie Maclaren,who forced a double save out of goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma.

But in the 40th minute,they finally nudged ahead. Awer Mabil found himself in space just outside the penalty area and took aim with a left-footed effort which curled around an outstretched Alma.

However,Australia's 1-0 lead lasted barely a minute. Almost straight from the kick-off Syria attacked down the left flank,Moayad Ajan crossed in and found Khrbin. His first salvo was saved by Ryan,but his second went in and brought the crowd instantly back to life.

Nine minutes into the second half,though,and it was advantage Socceroos once again. Rogic made it happen with another tantalising cross which evaded Syrian defender Hussein Jwayed and found Ikonomidis at the back post. Ikonomidis poked it in and it appeared to sneak over the line before Omro Midani dug it out - although that did not stop the Syrians from protesting the decision.

They were further angered in the 60th minute when a heavy touch from Mark Milligan richocheted up and appeared to strike him on his right below - while he was standing inside the penalty area. Ramos was not interested in Syria's handball shouts.

The Socceroos had the better of the game then on and had several opportunities to put the game to bed. Substitute Apostolos Giannou came the closest,thumping the upright with a wind-up in the 75th minute.

Then came the inevitable late Syrian surge. Ramos picked out another hugely questionable foul in the 77th minute for the most gentle of pushes from Milligan on Khrbin,just outside the box.

Ryan had no trouble dealing with the resultant free kick - but the Mexican official somehow found another infringement on Al-Somah inside the box seconds later and gave a penalty. Al-Somah converted and the crowd roared again,while the Socceroos were left genuinely confused and teetering on the brink of disaster.

Rogic,however,dragged them back with his moment of absolute magic at the death,and they lived to fight another day.