12:58

Well, that was exhausting.

It was never likely to be straightforward but an unlikely starting XI and formation set the tone for a night of chaos. An early Syrian goal tore up the script and when Brad Smith hobbled off injured it was easy to believe Australia’s old curses had come back to haunt them. Fortunately Tim Cahill’s miraculous forehead saved the day. A quick equaliser and then a late late winner did the business for the home side.

Australia deserved it on the balance of play over two legs but their inability to put teams away is making life extremely hard for Socceroos supporters. They will have to be more clinical against their CONCACAF opponents in November - either Honduras or Panama you’d expect - if they want to reach Russia. They will be the 21st and 22nd matches of a two-year globetrotting odyssey, and the chance to make all the fingernail biting worthwhile.

Thanks for joining us tonight. We’ll see you back here for more nerve-shredding very soon.