Nizar Mehros, the head coach of the Syrian national football team, in the pre-match press conference said: “We have an important game against the Iranian national team. This match is held in special circumstances and the match against Iran is an important match for us.” He continued: “As you know, Iran does not have Sardar Azmoun and we have lost Omar Soma. That is a problem for both teams and our conditions are almost equal. Although Omar Soma is an important player for us, I believe both teams have good options who can replace them.”
Mahmood Al-Mawas, Syria’s key player who accompanied his coach in the press conference repeated his coach’s thoughts but recognized the strength of Iran.
Meanwhile, Abdul Razzaq Al-Hussein, the former captain of the Syrian national team, acknowledged that Syria’s task is very difficult against Iran. Al-Hussein said in an interview that Syria can return from Tehran with a satisfactory result and strong performance, praising the capabilities of coach Nizar Al-Mahroos.
“The match is difficult as it is an opening. The Syrian team suffers from important and influential absences, specifically striker Omar Al-Soma, who scores from half-chances. Despite that, the Syrian team will not be as easy prey as many critics expect. Our team has a good group of players and they do not lack experience, especially in strong matches. Therefore, I am optimistic and expect the tie to impose itself.
“Absentees contributed to the lack of any friendly matches with full ranks, and this alone confuses coach Nizar Al-Mahrous’s plans. But the Iranian team is better, more experienced, and more prepared. It is true that it is not in its ideal conditions, and it will play without the backing of its supporters. Therefore, the match will be even in this sense, but an advantage for the Iranian team is in speed. We have to support the players and give them great confidence before the confrontation that would have been in our favor with the presence of Soma and the rest of the injured players”
“What are the most important strength of the Syrian team?”
“All our players will fight and will not let their supporters down, we are sure of that, but the key to winning or a draw will be Omar Khribin, Mahmoud Al-Mawas, and Ibrahim, the goalkeeper. In addition to the enthusiasm of the rest of the players, the team must play without any pressure, and the capabilities of its players qualify it to achieve a satisfactory result.”