Jordan hopes diminish after 5-0 loss to Uruguay


14-11-2013 10:35 AM

Ammon News - JT- The Nashama all but lost their maiden spot at World Cup finals in Brazil next year after a 5-0 mauling by two-time champions Uruguay in the first leg of the intercontinental qualifiers play-off late Wednesday in Amman.

The match brought Jordan’s 16-match home-unbeaten streak to an end, and left it with a mountain to climb in Leg 2 next Wednesday in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Jordan now needs a 6-0 win to get to Brazil 2014.

Jordan was in control of the ball throughout the match, with Adnan Hassan shooting the first ball on target in the match — a 20-metre drill straight into goalkeeper Martin Silva’s hands, who is introduced in place of the injured Fernando Muslera.

Maximiliano Pereira and Cristian Stuani scored first half goals for the visitors to stifle any chance of an upset at the Amman International Stadium between the teams that finished fifth in South American and Asian qualifying, Reuters reported.

The Nashama’s possession of the ball did not bear fruit throughout the first half, with the team’s overall performance dropping significantly after the first two goals.

Jordan improved after the break but striker Ahmad Ibrahim missed a great chance to pull one back in the 52nd minute as Uruguay rode out comfortable winners with Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Rodriguez and Edinson Cavani adding further goals, according to Reuters.

Since first taking part in the World Cup qualifiers in 1985, this is the first time Jordan reaches this far in the qualifiers.

Jordan’s slim hopes of reaching their first World Cup were hit by injuries and suspensions of key players, with Uruguay’s world-class talent proving far too strong for the backups.

Goalkeeper Mohamad Shatnawi replaced Jordan’s suspended number one Amer Shafi but he could only palm a 22nd minute header by Cavani in front of goal which Pereira prodded home.

Stuani provided the right-wing cross for the opener and the wideman scored himself 20 minutes later when he sneaked in behind Odai Al Saify at the back post to prod home Lodeiro’s chipped pass to double the lead.

A spirited but outclassed Jordan enjoyed a good spell at the start of the second period but Lodeiro then added a third in the 70th minute to crush any faint hopes the hosts may have had with Rodriguez smashing home a fourth eight minutes later.

Cavani, who also helped set up Lodeiro’s goal, capped a brilliant night for the visitors with a sparkling free-kick in stoppage time to complete the rout.

Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania watched the match from the Amman International Stadium, cheering for the Nashama.

FIFA Vice President Asia and Chairman of the Asian Football Development Project HRH Prince Ali, HRH Prince Hashem and HRH Princess Iman were also present at the stadium.

Jordan is the last Arab squad reaching this far from the Asian zone.

Jordan and Uruguay met only once before in the second round of group games at Canada 2007, when both sides went into the encounter after starting off with draws. Cavani scored the only goal in the game.




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