Syria, Peru and Panama all on the verge of shock World Cup berth
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With the World Cup qualifying campaign drawing to a close, we could be set to see some new nations at the finals in Russia next summer.
And that means some of the international mainstays could be about to miss out.
Argentina, United States and Australia are all in danger of failing to qualify.
But just who could be about to take their places?
Here we have a look at the nations coming up on the rails that are primed to pinch World Cup qualification…
Syria
The war-torn nation came within 45 minutes of securing an automatic qualifying berth.
But in the end they were forced to settle for a play-off place.
And it’s Australia up next. If they can win that they’ll come up against the fourth place side from the CONCACAF region.
Syria have every reason to be confident as well.
Despite the fact they play home games 5,000 miles away in Malaysia, they’re unbeaten at ‘home’ since 2015.
They’ll fancy their chances against the misfiring Aussies who have been laboured in their efforts throughout qualifying.
Peru
Peru last reached the World Cup in 1982.
To give you some perspective on that Northern Ireland and Scotland both featured at that tournament.
Now though, the footballing nation made famous in the UK by Nolberto Solano could be about to make a return.
Their qualification effectively hinges on a crunch clash against Argentina on 5 October.
If they win that their fate is in their own hands.
It won’t be easy away from home but Peru are unbeaten in three on the road and could take full advantage of a lacklustre Argentina side.
Panama
They may be a nation of around 4m people but Panama are in pole position to qualify for the Russian showpiece.
A double header against the United States and Costa Rica in the next international break will determine their progress.
But the signs are good.
The sides have enjoyed a quartet of draws in their last four meetings.
And with their current form Panama go into the back-to-back clashes full of confidence.
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