Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 Rival Watch: Syria

The Assyrians are expected to be tough opposition for the Blue Tigers.

Coming into the Intercontinental Cup as the highest ranked nation, all eyes will be peeled on favourites Syria. Despite having rested some top stars for the tournament, there’s still a decent mix of experience and blooming talents to cause their opposition a problem in the TransStadia Arena. The Assyrians have plenty of pedigree under their belt and have earned the reputation for being a hard nut to crack down in Asia over the decades.

There’s always an unpredictable factor revolving around the side due to their unique side. Neither India nor the others will have an easy time dealing with their threat, as Fajr Ibrahim’s men aim for another crown under their belt.

About The Team

Syria managed to get only a single point in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year

Syria has established their place as among the top nations in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over the years, earning the reputation for being a rock-solid unit. While their recent silverware came way back in 2012, when they won the West Asian Football Federation Championship (WAFF), they’ve been multiple times runners-up to Arab Nations Games as well as West Asian games.

With a particular craving for gold, the Assyrians will definitely put forward their strongest feet in the Intercontinental Cup and look to fill their trophy cabinet soon.

Recent Performances

2019 hasn’t really been the kindest year for the West Asian giants, as they’ve only managed to pick up a single win so far. The Assyrians didn’t really have the most rewarding AFC Asian Cup campaign, only picking up a single point before being knocked out in the group stages. While they did win a game in the 2019 International Friendship Championship against Jordan, things haven’t really improved beyond that.

Crushing losses to Iran and Uzbekistan in their last two International Friendlies didn’t really serve as ideal preparation for the Intercontinental Cup. While they might be heading into the tournament on a low, underestimating the unpredictable Syria could be the undoing of their opponents in Ahmadabad next week.

Coach’s Corner

Fajr Ibrahim

Ibrahim has asserted a never-say-die attitude in his side

Long associated with the Syrian national football team, Fajr Ibrahim has asserted himself as almost an iconic coach for the Assyrians over the past decade or so. While his multiple reigns as Syria’s head coach has been relatively short, an impressive win-rate percentage proves just how majorly successful he’s been at helm. Moreover, Ibrahim’s also tasted sweet success managing in club-level, having guided Al-Shorta to the Syrian Premier League back in 2012.

While he’s not been able to get Syria to win big things, he’s always asserted a never-say-die, winning mentality for the Assyrians and got them playing stylish, clinical attacking football. Ibrahim’s latest reign has been sour, but having lost two Nehru Cup finals in India in the last decade, he’s quite experienced when it comes to playing on Indian soil. Under pressure to perform, the 49-year-old will look to get his young side roaring at the TransStadia Arena and foreshadow a brighter future for his side.

Key Players

Firas Al-Khatib

Firas Al-Khatib has scored 31 goals for Syria in his career

One could say that Firas Al-Khatib is perhaps the Sunil Chhetri of Syria, having given his all in an 18-year stint as part of his senior national team. He’s done it all and seen it all over the years, having netted 31 goals in 66 appearances for the Assyrians and often coming to their rescue when they needed him the most. After also becoming the highest goal-scorer in the Kuwaiti Premier League history, the 36-year-old’s still got a lot left in his arsenal. A cunning goal-scorer and intelligent figure going forward, the Syrian captain will cause much trouble and lead his inexperienced squad to success.

Mohammad Al-Marmour

Mohammed Al-Marmour is amongst the more experienced candidates travelling to Ahmedabad for the Intercontinental Cup and has made himself a mainstay recently with his strong work. A hard-working midfielder, the 24-year-old’s impressive defensive skills to protect his defence and tenacity going forward has impressed coach Ibrahim. Not only will Al-Marmour guarantee Syria dominate proceedings with his sleek distribution skills, but will also use his creativity to get things moving. The 24-year-old’s strong nature means he’ll be a persistent cog in midfield always looking to regain possession, put in crunching tackles and assert dominance for the Assyrians in the competition.

Nasouh Al Nakdali

The 26-year-old striker’s been handed a new lifeline by Fajr Ibrahim after sitting in the sidelines for quite a while, as he needs to prove himself during the trip to India. While he’s earned the reputation for being a clever striker, often mingling well with a compatriot beside him whenever leading the line, Nakdali’s been unable to replicate his club heroics in national level. However, knowing his intimidating nature, he could be a menace for defenders in the Intercontinental Cup. The 26-year-old has an obvious hunger for goals and will be gunning to prove himself in the international stage by troubling oppositions and netting precious goals to impress his coach.

What To Expect?

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Despite heading into the Intercontinental Cup with a relatively inexperienced outfit, Syria should come up with some surprising fireworks at the TransStadia Arena. They have a highly experienced coach who knows the ins and outs of the Assyrians and can definitely get his youngsters playing an effective style. Syria’s defensive solidity and stubborn nature also mean breaking them down will be a gigantic task in a knockout tournament, they can thrive with their knack for sneaking in wins.

There’s a reason why Syria are the highest ranked team competing in the tournament and with the wealth of talent they possess, deciphering their strengths and weaknesses is difficult. Fajr Ibrahim’s already guided them to two Nehru Cup finals in the past, but now aims to go all the way and if their relatively unknown unit clicks together, stopping the Assyrians will be a monumental task.