시리아 : 캐나다 2005년 네델란드 세계청소년축구

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Group E 1차전 FIFA World Youth Championship

Honours even as Syria and Canada draw (1:1)
(FIFA.com) 12 Jun 2005

Goals Scored: AL HAJ Majed (SYR) 2' , PETERS Jaime (CAN) 31'

Canadian joy as diminutive Jaime Peters celebrates his far post header. Lee Mills ACTION IMAGES

Canada hit back after a shocking start against Syria in Group E to claim a point at the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 in Tilburg.

Two headers of contrasting styles proved to be the only goals at the Willem II Stadium, though perhaps Canada may ultimately feel they had the better chances to claim victory.

Canada coach Dale Mitchell admitted: "There is a hint of disappointment that we didn't get all of the three points there because there were some really good opportunities for us to win it. Unfortunately you need all 11 players to be on top of their game to get victories at this level and we had some nerves out there."

That twitchiness was apparent from the kick-off as Syria had a dream start - and gave the Canadians a nightmare - with Majed al Haj's pace causing an immediate threat. Canada goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar saw al Haj bearing down on him when he was delivered a relatively routine back-pass, but he spooned his attempted clearance straight up in the air and al Haj rose highest to head it past him and into the net (1-0, 2').

Meaataz Kailouni threatened to make it two soon afterwards, but a crafty, curling shot with the outside of his right foot was a fraction off target for Syria.

By now, the vocal and strong Syrian contingent in the crowd sensed they were possibly witnessing one of their nation's finest hours in football, but it proved to be a false dawn as they lost their grip on the proceedings.

Unlucky Edgar lifts Canadians
Stung into action, Canada rallied and gradually saw more of the ball and they managed to hold sway in midfield, where Newcastle United's David Edgar turned in a powerful performance. Syrian goalkeeper Adnan al Hafez did well to turn away two meaty strikes by Edgar, the second seemingly goalbound until al Hafez made a desperate lunge to tip it away.

Syrian Abdul Khalaf and Canada's Marcel de Jong battle for the ball during their 1-1 draw. (ACTION IMAGES) Lee Mills

Canada's hero from the FIFA World Youth Championship qualifiers was four-goal star Ryan Gyaki and he should have hit the target again after dancing and weaving his way through the Syrian defence, but with the hard work done, he missed the chance to equalise by pulling wide.
The leveller eventually came just after the half hour mark. Canada's Dutch-based find Marcel de Jong floated in a looped, outswinging free-kick from the left hand corner of the pitch and Jaime Peters leapt impressively to nod the ball home (1-1, 31').

The second period was an altogether more scrappy affair, with neither side able to impose themselves and possession changing hands quickly thanks to some slack ball control.

With 20 minutes to go, Syrian defender Abd Dakka showed everyone the way forward by thumping goalwards from fully 30 yards and Wagenaar was mightily relieved to see the ball fly over..

Inspired, Syrian ventured forward once more and when the talented al Haj broke clear from his markers and found himself eight yards out, he was distraught to see his clipped, angled attempt hit the crossbar.

At the other end, Edgar brought another smart save out of al Hafez with a header and Gyaki released substitute Riley O'Neill in space, but heroic tackling by Abdul Khalaf snuffed out the threat. Gyaki went close himself soon after with a header of his own, as did O'Neill, but despite finishing stronger, Canada could not find that elusive winner.

Syria coach Milosav Radenovic said: "That was Syria's first game after 10 years in a FIFA championship, so we have to be pleased to have come away with a draw and our first point. We started as outsiders, but having seen all of the teams now, I think we have a good chance to go through from this group."