Syria take on Belarus at Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday.
With neither nation qualifying for the forthcoming World Cup in nearby Qatar, this is an international friendly match as both teams build for the future.
Match preview
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Since falling to a historic low position of 152nd in FIFA's World Rankings in March 2015, Syria have recovered somewhat in recent years, climbing as high as 68th in July 2018.
Off-field matters have clearly had a hugely negative impact on Syria as a footballing nation, though, with war in their country meaning that they have been unable to play on home territory since a 1-0 defeat to Iraq in December 2010.
Despite missing out on qualifying for their first ever World Cup, the Qasioun Eagles' performance was respectable nonetheless, as they finished above China in Group A during the second round to claim an automatic qualification spot for next year's Asian Cup.
In the all-important third and final round, Syria managed to avoid finishing bottom of Group A after finishing with a better goal difference than Lebanon, who they managed to beat 3-0 in Sidon in what was their only win from 10 matches.
Upcoming friendlies against Belarus and Venezuela provide excellent opportunities for Hussam Al Sayed, who was appointed in August earlier this year, to bounce back from defeats to Jordan and Iraq in their most recent matches.
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Belarus, meanwhile, have never qualified for a major international tournament since becoming established as an independent footballing nation in 1992.
The closest they have managed to come was during qualification for the 2002 World Cup, when a 1-0 defeat to Wales on the final matchday meant that they failed to overtake Ukraine into second spot for a chance to compete in Japan and South Korea via a playoff.
The White Wings' stock has gradually fallen over the ensuing two decades, most recently losing seven of their eight qualifying matches for the Qatar World Cup this winter to finish bottom of Group E, before failing to win a match in the recent UEFA Nations League campaign, leading to their relegation back to the fourth tier of the competition.
However, having been drawn alongside Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kosovo and Andorra in Group I of Euro 2024 qualifying, upcoming friendlies against Syria and Oman provide good opportunities to build confidence ahead of competing in one of the weaker European groups on paper.
Team News
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Syria have named an inexperienced squad for their friendlies against Belarus and Venezuela, with Mohammad Marmour their most capped player with 30 appearances for his national team.
Indeed, 12 of the 25 players called up by Al Sayed are potential debutants, with those involved more heavily for their clubs during the domestic season seemingly being handed a rest during the World Cup period.
Belarus, on the other hand, appear to have gone with more experience, with only Kirill Kaplenko and 19-year-old goalkeeper Andrey Kudravets uncapped for their country.
However, head coach Georgy Kondratyev only has 14 international goals within his squad, suggesting they may find it difficult to score in the coming months.
Syria possible starting lineup:
Madania; Kurdaghli, Al Hamwi, Al Mohammad; Marmour, Krouma, Hmeisheh, Ashkar, Al Hallak; Al Baher, Al Dali
Belarus possible starting lineup:
Pltonikov; Polyakov, Politevich, Pyachenin, Shevchenko; Klimovich, Yablonsky, Ebong, Bakhar, Korzun; Khvashchynski
We say: Syria 0-1 Belarus
With both teams resting several key players for this friendly, it is unlikely to be a thriller in Dubai.
However, Belarus undoubtedly have more experience within their squad and should have a little too much quality for Syria, too.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Brett Curtis
