Juric dogged twice in two seconds by same post

Tomi Juric must be cursing the post that twice denied him the chance to wrap up a crucial win for the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifying playoff against Syria.

Robbie Kruse's clever 40th minute flick had given the Socceroos a first half lead in Malaysia, following brilliant build-up play and a pinpoint cross from Mathew Leckie.

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Juric could have effectively put the result beyond doubt early in the second half when a defensive mishap from Syria saw him go clear on goal.

Milligan's long and hopeful through-ball managed to find its way through a cluster of Syrian defenders and into the path of the Socceroos striker via a mis-kick.

With just the Syrian keeper to beat, Juric poked a left-footed shot towards goal that ended up crashing back off the post.

Incredibly, Juric then prodded the follow-up effort onto the same bit of woodwork within a matter of seconds.

The double blow ultimately came back to bite the Aussies when Syria salvaged a 1-1 draw in the 85th minute, following a controversial penalty against Mathew Leckie.

Australia were left fuming by the decision to award the spot-kick to Soma after the referee decreed that Leckie had nudged the forward in mid-air as he went up for a header.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said he was "bemused" by the late penalty decision.

"It's a bit disappointing to concede a goal the way we did from a decision," he said.

"When a guy gets up and wins a header I'm a bit bemused, but it is what it is."

It could have been worse for the Socceroos if not for some heroics from goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who ensured the Aussies returned to Sydney on level terms.