The tactical challenge Jordan confronted the Socceroos with on Sunday is what the Green and Gold must expect again in the group stage, according to assistant coach Rene Meulensteen.
The determined Jordnians, let by Belgian Vital Berkelmans, earned a famous 1-0 win in the Asian Cup Group B opener with a frantic pressing game against Graham Arnold’s men that proved too miserly to overcome.
Defender Anas Bani Yaseen opened the scoring from a corner in the 26th minute and from then on, Jordan continued their tone-setting physicality and defended resolutely to shock the reigning champions.
The upset result opens Group B wide up, and the challenge is now in front of Australia to bounce back from the loss and earn what has been widely expected to be progression into the knockout rounds.
Three points is essential in Dubai on Friday against 99th-ranked Palestine, who drew 0-0 with tournament darkhorses Syria 0-0.
Arnold’s right-hand man Meulensteen said the Socceroos would take stock from the Jordan defeat with a familiar task likely to be in front of them come the weekend.
Read the article on The Daily Football Show.