Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Auckland: Head coach Adnan Hamad declared himself satisfied with his side’s preparation for next week’s crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Australia as Jordan edged New Zealand 1-0 in their last tune-up match before taking on the Socceroos in Melbourne.
Odai Al Saify, who was the joint-top scorer as Shabab Al Ordon won the 2007 AFC Cup, broke the deadlock in Tuesday’s friendly and with nobody being able to add to the Al Salmiya striker’s early opener Jordan went on to claim their third consecutive 1-0 friendly win following their single-goal defeat of Libya last month and their victory over Belarus in March.
“I am happy with the level of readiness for the team, we have identified the positives and also the negatives that we will work on before the match with Australia,” 2004 AFC Coach of the Year Hamad said.
"I am satisfied with the way players dealt with the cold weather and the wet pitch, as all players did well and followed our instructions."
Jordan take on Australia at the Docklands Stadium on June 11, with Hamad’s side level with the Socceroos on seven points, two behind second-placed Oman after the Aussies held Asian champions Japan to a 1-1 draw in Saitama and Oman edged Iraq 1-0 in Muscat on Tuesday.
Japan’s point ensured they became the first Asian side to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals leaving Oman, Jordan, Australia, and bottom-of-the-table Iraq left to fight for the remaining ticket from Group B and the third-place playoff spot.
Photo: Jordan FA