BRAD Smith could tomorrow take a crucial step towards reaching next year’s World Cup as Australia host Syria in the second leg of their play-off clash in Sydney.
The Cherries star was an unused substitute as the Socceroos were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Malaysia on Thursday.
Should Australia progress, they will face the fourth-best team from the North America, Central America and Caribbean qualifying section, again over a two-leg play-off, for the right to go to the World Cup.
Elsewhere, Asmir Begovic’s Bosnia-Herzegovina will be hoping results go their way.
Begovic’s side need to win in Estonia and hope Greece fail to beat bottom side Gibraltar in Group H to have any chance of progressing to a play-off.
Nathan Ake’s chances of featuring in Russia with the Netherlands also look slim.
Dick Advocaat’s men need to hammer Sweden in order to secure second place in Group A.
Elsewhere, talented prospects Aaron Ramsdale and Connor Mahoney could feature for England under-20s when they host their Czech Republic counterparts at St George’s Park.
On-loan keeper Mark Travers could be involved once again for the Republic of Ireland under-19s when they take on Serbia.
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