AFC Asian Cup - Jordan 2 Syria 0 - Match Report
Jordan book their place in the round of sixteen for only the third time in their history following a 2-0 win over Syria
Mitch Freeley
Jordan became the first team to qualify for the next phase of the Asian Cup with a 2-0 defeat of Syria.
Mousa Suleiman scored one goal and made another for Tareq Khattab as Vital Borkelmans' side ran out comfortable winners at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday.
Having beaten Australia 1-0 in their Group B opener Jordan are assured of qualification while Syria - yet to score in the tournament - will need a result against the Socceroos on Tuesday.
After a slow start to the game Jordan took the lead in the 26th minute.
Yasen Bakheet tricked his way into space on the left wing and found Yousef Rawshdeh with a low cross, with his shot stabbed in from close range by Suleiman.
The same combination almost provided a quickfire second but Suleiman's shot bounced over the crossbar.
Suleiman then turned provider in the 43rd minute, his corner powered in at the near post by centre-back Khattab.
Syria missed a golden chance to get back in the game when Omar Khrbin headed wide a Fahad Youssef cross in the 50th minute, before Syria's Ahmad Al Saleh narrowly avoided an own goal.
Omar Khrbin wasted a string of opportunities to open Syria's Asian Cup account, while the lively Bakheet went close to adding a third for Jordan.
But Borkelmans' men can now start thinking ahead to the next round after booking qualification.
Goals
Goal! Tareq Khattab makes it 2-0 with a header! What a first half from Jordan!
Goal! Jordan takes the lead on the breakaway! Musa Suliman strikes!
Live Updates
Preamble
Team News! Jordan boss Vital Borkelmans has kept faith in the side that defeated Australia. As for Syria, no Osama Omari in the side he has been ruled out for the tournament with a knee injury. Mardik Mardikian replaces him in the side. After missing the draw with Palestine through suspension, Mahmoud Al-Mawas has to settle for a place on the bench.
π Starting XIs for both teams: π―π΄ Jordan π Syria πΈπΎ
Two neighbors compete to secure a place in the next round. #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/GMvHgEdMTV β #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 10, 2019
The Jordan fans are in full voice! Kick-off is at 4:30 Mecca in Al Ain!
π―π΄π@JordanFA fans are in an exuberant mood ahead of their Group B clash with #Syria. #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/RSgxF0pDYU β #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 10, 2019
Jordan perhaps pulled off the biggest shock of the Asian Cup so far, defeating reigning Champions Australia 1-0 in their opening group game. I wonder if they can do the same today!
This game has a derby feel to it as the West Asain neighbours come together in Group B. Syria boss Bernd Stange spoke before the game suggesting he was relishing the contest!
"It's a derby, because the players know each other for many years. I have two players in my team playing in the Jordan first division and that's why it will be exciting.
Good afternoon! Welcome to the Live Updates of Jordan Vs Syria! Can Jordan book their place in the round of sixteen with a win over Syria? Join me for all the latest build-up, team news, live commentary and Goals from the game in Al Ain!
