Jordan plays Bangladesh in Group B football qualifier

AMMAN  — Jordan plays Bangladesh on Tuesday in their third Group B qualifier of the 2018 World Cup in Russia doubling as part of the qualification for the 2019 Asian Cup.

Jordan, FIFA ranked 91, hopes to come out a winner in its away match against the 173rd ranked host, after it dropped to second in the group following a disappointing 0-0 draw against 155 ranked Kyrgyzstan as Australia took the group lead after they beat Bangladesh 5-0.

So far, Jordan beat Tajikistan 3-1, Bangladesh held Tajikistan 1-1 after they lost to Kyrgyzstan 3-1 and Australia beat Kyrgyzstan 2-1.

Observers have criticised the Jordan Football Association (JFA) on the team’s inconsistent training and late regrouping after the line-up appeared below par and lost many chances against 155th ranked Kyrgyzstan in the home match. 

The local media held the JFA and the team’s coach, Belgian Paul Put, accountable and pointed out to the “lack of will” of players and dwindling number of fans attending the match. It is vital for Jordan to come out with a big win ahead of the October 8 match against Australia as 40 teams are playing home and away in a round-robin format in the current second qualifying round which runs until March 2016.