AFC Asian Cup - Australia 0 Jordan 1 - Match Report
Defending Champions Australia stunned 1-0 thanks to a towering header from Anas Bani Yaseen
Mitch Freeley
Reigning Asian Cup winners Australia suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Jordan on Sunday afternoon. The Socceroos, who are now coached by Graham Arnold looked underprepared and out of sorts in their Group B opener against the West Asian side.
Anas Bani Yaseen's bullet header midway through the half gave the unfancied underdogs a hard-earned and entirely deserved victory in the opening fixture of Group B.
Though content to sit back and counter, the Vital Borkelmans' men forced Mat Ryan into regular saves and could have had a second to celebrate if not for a fine save from the Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper.
Awer Mabil also tested the woodwork late in proceedings, while Jamie Maclaren had a goal ruled out for offside, but concerns over Australia's ability to replace the goals of the retired Tim Cahill are threatening to linger throughout the tournament.
Australia were nervous from the outset and their sloppy start was punished in the 26th minute, centre-back Bani Yaseen rising unchallenged to head in Mousa Suleiman's corner.
The margin was so nearly doubled four minutes later as Mat Ryan acrobatically tipped Baha Abdel-Rahman's free-kick against the crossbar.
Graham Arnold's men created little in the first half outside of an early Mabil chance, although they were unfortunate not to receive a penalty for Feras Shilbaya's apparent handball shortly before the break.
Chris Ikonomidis came on in place of Robbie Kruse soon after the restart and the Perth Glory winger quickly threatened in following up a shot from Tom Rogic, who scooped a better opportunity over the bar inside the final 20 minutes.
But for all their possession and territory, the Socceroos were scarcely a threat outside of a Mabil shot into the upright and a Jamie Maclaren finish that was ruled out for offside.
Ikonomidis and Jackson Irvine did attempt to force in an equaliser in one final stoppage-time push, but Amer Shafi was up to the task with a smart double save for a jubilant Jordan.
Goals/ Highlights
Goal! Jordan takes the lead! Anas Bani Yaseen plants the ball past Mat Ryan!
National Anthem time!
Live Updates
Preamble
*Australia training kit appreciation tweet*
That kit though 😍 #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/bPtCfbwwKF — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 6, 2019
Mark Milligan is no stranger to playing in the UAE after turning out for Bani Yas back in the day! Check out his recent interview with the AFC.
Mark Milligan talks about his new role as the Socceroos' 🇦🇺 skipper and the recent injuries 🤕 to team mates.
Australia begin their #AsianCup2019 campaign against Jordan 🇯🇴 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain 🏟 pic.twitter.com/3YhcJjYpHa — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 6, 2019
Whilst Jordan manager Vital Borkelmans praised the Socceroos
"I know the mentality of Australians is very good. They are strong, they are physically good, mentally good and they believe in their country. I am a happy coach at the moment. Jordan have changed a lot and I hope we can make the game for Australia very difficult."
Onto the teams! Australia boss Graham Arnold talked up his side at the pre-match press conference.
"I'm expecting a great performance and a great scoreline. I get goosebumps now thinking about it because it's like we've got some great players."I do believe quite a number don't realise how good this team is and how good this team will be."
Right! Lets get to it! The team sheets are in! For Australia Mat Ryan starts, Celtic man Tom Rodic gets the nod in midfield whilst Jamie Maclaren leads the line. As for Jordan, keeper Amer Shafi captains the side he scored against India in a friendly last year!
📝 🦘 XI 🆚 XI 🏇
Both teams are ready for the #AsianCup2019's group 🅱 opener! pic.twitter.com/MhRJOUUDLj — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 6, 2019
Good afternoon! Welcome to the first full day of action in the AFC Asian Cup! 2015 winners Australia take on Jordan in the opening game of Group B from the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Can the Socceroo's go all the way and pick up back to back continental crowns? Today's game against Jordan will certainly be a good indicator of their Asian Cup aspirations! As ever, join me for all the latest build-up, Team news, match commentary and goals as they go in!
