Syria are on the verge of the first World Cup appearance in their history and Australia have a squad of players who have been starring for their big European clubs – but apparently no one told the fans.
The Socceroos and Syrian national team have played out the first leg of their World Cup Qualifier in front of a near-empty stadium in Malaysia.
Commentators could be heard laughing at the size of the audience and social media erupted as a sea of vacant seats were visible as the teams walked out and sung the national anthems.
‘A modest crowd you might say inside the stadium,’ the commentator said through chuckles.
The Socceroos and Syrian national team have played out the first leg of their World Cup Qualifier in front of a near-empty stadium in Malaysia
Commentators could be heard laughing at the size of the audience and social media erupted as a sea of vacant seats were visible as the teams walked out and sung the national anthems
The game was moved to Malaysia because of safety reasons, but the Syrians would have been hoping for a stronger ‘home ground’ advantage than they were given.
With the war-ravaged nation experiencing the greatest period of footballing success they have ever seen, the turnout was particularly surprising.
A small group of fans could be seen directly opposite the field, but the width of the section barely extended past the centre circle.
A dozen or so Socceroos fans were visible as the camera panned during the Australian national anthem, with the microphones struggling to pickup their singing.
A small group of fans could be seen directly opposite the field, but the width of the section barely extended past the centre circle
Twitter ignited as the players walked into the cavernous arena, with many mocking the terrible turnout
Commentators could be heard laughing at the size of the audience and social media erupted as a sea of vacant seats were visible as the teams walked out and sung the national anthem.
Twitter ignited as the players walked into the cavernous arena, with many mocking the terrible turnout
‘Capacity crowd in Malaysia,’ another joked
Twitter ignited as the players walked into the cavernous arena, with many mocking the terrible turnout.
‘A modest crowd is one way of calling it complete s***,’ one person said.
‘Capacity crowd in Malaysia,’ another joked.
Some picked up on the absence of ball boys, with only linesmen seen patrolling the sidelines.
‘No ball boys in the stadium?’ one fan noted.
If the Socceroos can defeat their minnow rivals as expected, they face a potential showdown with the USA for a spot in the World Cup in Russia next year.
If the Socceroos can defeat their minnow rivals as expected, they face a potential showdown with the USA for a spot in the World Cup in Russia next year