Syrian coach Ayman Hakeem was furious after Australia defeated his team 2-1 in Sydney on Tuesday night.
And it showed when he clashed with Australian coach Ange Postecoglou after the final whistle.
Postecoglou went over to shake Hakeem’s hand but was met with rage.
Syrian coach Ayman Hakeem was furious after Australia defeated his team 2-1 in Sydney on Tuesday night
Syria Coach Ayman Al Hakim (left) and Australia Coach Ange Postecoglou (right) exchange words
Cahill wheels away in celebration after his 50th Australia goal secured a huge play-off victory
Hakeem was seen complaining to Postecoglou, who was trying to ignore the nonsense.
The Australian coach made a talking gesture with his hands brushing off Hakeem’s rant.
In a post-match interview Postecoglou explained what the clash was over.
‘He was complaining about the referee which I thought was a bit rich coming after the first game,’ he said.
Cahill’s record 49th and 50th goals for Australia – including an extra-time winner at ANZ Stadium – earned the Socceroos a heartstopping 2-1 victory over Syria in the second leg of their play-off.
‘That’s why Timmy’s Timmy. He’s is a great Australian sportsman,’ Postecoglou said.
In a post-match interview Postecoglou explained what the clash was over
Syria’s lead did not last long, though, as former Everton star Cahill headed beyond the keeper
‘He’s got an international record that stacks up against the best.’
The victory vaulted the Socceroos into a final intercontinental play-off next month against the fourth-placed CONCACAF finisher, likely Panama or Honduras.
Cahill described his goals as ‘like waiting for a bus’.
‘I knew I was going to score,’ he said of his 109th-minute match winner.
‘You’ve got to write your own script. I said to Tommy Rogic if you don’t take your moment then I’m going to take it.
‘For me, I’m just glad the boss gave me the opportunity and believed in me to leave me out there (for 120 minutes).
‘It’s a responsibility when I play. This is my passion. I will run to the end for this manager and these players.’
The Syrians smashed the post with almost the last kick of the game but they couldn’t score
Al Soma celebrates with Tamer Mohamd after putting Syria ahead in the opening minutes
Australia were handed a scare in the opening minutes when Omar Al Soma put Syria ahead
Australia now head to an intercontinental playoff, where the winner qualifies for the World Cup
The 37-year-old cups his hand to his ear after netting the vital late winner against Syria
Cahill’s double against Syria ensures Australia take one step closer to the 2018 World Cup
Australia captain Tim Cahill rises highest to head his side to victory in the dying minutes