jsAn inspirational Olympic medal winner as our new Sports Minister. But they would need a big win over Iraq plus heavy defeats for both Australia and Saudi Arabia to claim third and a route through the playoffs. “There were significant crowds watching the match and it is likely that a number of those pres. That could put Syria, who are ahead of Uzbekistan on goal difference, in second place and grant them automatic passage to Russia. The third placed side can still qualify for Russia but must negotiate a tortuous series of playoffs. eat Nadal in the semis and Federer in the final to win his only grand slam title and cement a life-long love affair with the Big Apple. However, with only the top two teams able to qualify for Russia directly, third-placed Australia will hope the Samurai Blue can emerge with a win or hold the Saudis to a draw. Although criticism is something that all football players have to deal with, I nevertheless expected. sia while the eight best runners-up will enter a two-leg playoff for an additional four berths. The match was abandoned midway through the first half on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions which made the pitch unplayable.