In a tournament renowned for its surprising outcomes, few could have envisioned that by Sunday afternoon, a country ranked 74th in the world, never having qualified for the World Cup and never advancing past the quarterfinals since its debut in 2004, would stand just 90 minutes away from potential glory.
The upcoming clash at the stadium where Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi battled 14 months ago will feature Musa Al-Taamari and Akram Afif vying for victory in the Asian Cup.
While Qatar, the defending champions, weren’t initially considered top favorites for the tournament held on their home turf, their journey back to the Lusail Stadium wasn’t entirely unforeseeable. Similar sentiments could have been expressed about Jordan before the tournament commenced.
Head coach Hussein Ammouta didn’t have a plethora of star power at his disposal, with Al-Taamari being the sole European-based player in the team. Nearly half of Jordan’s $15 million squad valuation, according to Transfermarkt, is attributed to the Montpellier playmaker.
Despite facing financially superior opponents like South Korea, Jordan’s on-field performance didn’t reflect the difference in resources. In a group stage encounter, South Korea required an added time-own goal to salvage a draw against Jordan, showcasing their resilience.
As the tournament progressed, Jordan’s belief soared. Dramatic late goals secured their place in the quarterfinals, where a stout defensive performance against Tajikistan underscored Ammouta’s tactical acumen.
Their rematch with South Korea saw them deliver an even more impressive defensive display, with a solid backline and effective pressing yielding dividends.
Reflecting on their journey, Al-Taamari emphasized the importance of tactical discipline instilled by their coach, along with the unwavering support from their fans.
Heading into the final against Qatar, Jordan may still be underdogs, but the margin has significantly narrowed since their previous encounter. Their recent friendly victory over the defending champions suggests they are capable of pulling off another upset.
Acknowledging the challenge posed by Qatar, Ammouta emphasized the unity within the team and their determination to surpass expectations.
Regardless of the outcome, Jordan’s remarkable journey in the tournament has already surpassed many expectations, and defeating the hosts on their home turf would only add to their remarkable narrative.
