Syria's World Cup Qualifying Dreams Could Become Reality

As its cities lay in ruins and millions of its citizens continue to suffer the horrors of a vicious civil war, Syria has its eyes on a bright and unexpected goal this week: a long-sought World Cup spot.

An underdog Syrian squad, ranked 75th in the world, has claimed credible draws with regional heavyweights like South Korea and Iran and beaten the likes of China, Qatar, and Uzbekistan to clinch a playoff place and a chance to qualify for the first time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.