Jordan exhibited a performance similar to that of Denmark.
Jordan Qualifies for World Cup 2026 for the First Time, Draws with Russia in Friendly
In a historic moment for Jordanian football, the national team qualified for the World Cup 2026 for the first time in their history. This achievement was cemented during the qualifying rounds, where Ali Olwan, a player from Iraqi club Al-Karamah, emerged as the top scorer for the Jordanian team with an impressive tally of nine goals.
Olwan, who also played for Jordanian club Al-Faisaly, was not the only Jordanian player to shine during the qualifiers. Musa al-Tamari, currently at French club Rennes, and Yazan al-Naimat, playing for Qatar's Al Arabi, also contributed significantly, scoring 15 more goals together.
The Jordanian team's qualification came despite the Russian team, who fielded a weaker lineup in their match against Jordan, not playing at their full potential. The friendly match, one of the toughest for the Russians during their isolation, ended in a 0:0 draw.
The Russian team struggled to find their footing in the second half, with the Jordanian team remaining well-organized, physically strong, and posing a constant threat. Yevgeny Morozov and Ruslan Litvinov resorted to yellow cards to stop Jordan's dangerous counterattacks, but the Jordanian team's speed and precision proved difficult to contain.
Despite multiple opportunities, the Russian team could not find the back of the net. Andrei Mostovoy and Maxim Glushenkov had a potential scoring opportunity, but Mostovoy couldn't adjust to his teammate's pass. Glushenkov had several opportunities to score but was denied by the Jordanian goalkeeper.
Debutant Kirill Glebov had a chance to score immediately after his entry, but the Jordanian team's defence held strong. The Jordan team nearly scored a goal near the Russian penalty area, but goalkeeper Alexander Maksimenko made a crucial save.
Meanwhile, Dmitri Vorobyev, a Russian striker who scored five goals in seven rounds of the championship, showed promise when he was substituted in. His connection with Krugov, another Russian player, was a promising sign for the Russian team's future matches.
In a strategic move, coach Karpin made four substitutions in one go during the game. This move seemed to disrupt the Russian team's rhythm, contributing to their inability to score.
Overall, the draw was a testament to the Jordanian team's resilience and determination, marking a significant milestone in their football history. As they prepare for the World Cup 2026, the world will be watching to see how they continue to rise in the ranks of international football.
