“The coach of our first national team, Hector Cuper, submitted his resignation from his position during the press conference he held after the Japan match this evening,” read the Syria FA statement on its Facebook page. 

Cuper’s resignation follows two consecutive away defeats in the Asian Qualifiers – a 1-0 loss to DPR Korea on Matchday Five, and the heavy  defeat to Japan.

“I was very happy to work with these players and with all the help I received from the Syrian Football Association. They were very cooperative in everything we asked for as a technical staff, but I think that for me this match was the end of the stage,” Cuper said.

“I would like to thank those in charge of sports in Syria, as well as the management of the Football Association, because they gave all their energy to help us. Unfortunately, this is football.

“I thank the players for the effort they made, and I apologise to the Syrian fans because I was hoping to make them happy. I thank everyone for the moments of joy and sadness that we lived together. I tried to give the best effort I could. We dreamed together and made a great effort.”