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Socceroos away playoff against Syria expected to be in the Middle East

Syria is expected to host its World Cup qualifying playoff leg against Australia in the Middle East - in a bid to get a 'home' advantage.

The Syrians haven't played a match in their country since 2010 and have previously hosted their third-round AFC qualifiers for Russia at Hang Jebat Stadium in Malaysia.

Australia initially believed the October 5 first leg was likely to be hosted in the Malaysian stadium, which is 140km south of Kuala Lumpur.

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But it has since emerged the Syrians are keen for the match to be played in the Middle East - with the UAE, Jordan and Qatar contenders to host according to reports.

The return leg will be played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on October 10 with the winner moving on a home-and-away tie against the fourth-placed team from CONCACAF (currently USA).

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