Australia followed hosts and holders Qatar into the last 16 of the Asian Cup with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Syria on Thursday.

Veteran striker Tim Cahill scores deep into extra time to take Australia a big step closer to next year's World Cup and end war-torn Syria's fairytale run in the play-offs.

Syrian football fans troll Australia's official Facebook supporters page ahead of Tuesday's World Cup play-off in Sydney.

Australian players and media slam the referee after Syria's controversial late penalty dented their hopes of reaching next year's World Cup following a 1-1 play-off draw in Malacca.