The World Cup hopes of QPR midfielder Massimo Luongo hang in the balance after Australia drew 1-1 with Syria in Malaysia.
The Socceroos' dreams of reaching Russia now come down to a return leg next Tuesday before facing a potential clash with a side from North and Central America for a place in the showpiece event.
Luongo was named on the bench and entered the fold with 20 minutes of the match remaining.
The Socceroos took the lead through when Matthew Leckie broke down the right and fired a low cross to Robbie Kruse who provided a classy finish for Australia.
Syria started to mount the pressure in the second half and equalised with a penalty from Omar Al Soma bringing the scores level to set up an exciting second leg on Tuesday.
