The dream of Russia 2018 is still alive. They are into a play-off now.
We went over to Syria for Ammar Johmani earlier in the year and spent six days in Damascus and discovered a truly remarkable story.
Syria is in the middle of a six-year war and the team have no money because of the sanctions. Lots of Syrians have mixed emotions about supporting the team. Some, but by no means all, feel that the team rises above politics.
The fact they are in contention for the World Cup is remarkable given what is stacked against them and they have a remarkable team spirit.
They play their home games in Malaysia, which is a 14,000-mile round trip, and where they will play the home leg of their play-off match.
