It is a top of the table clash that takes place this Thursday between the top two teams in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. It will make the halfway point of the qualifying stages and the winner will be well placed to get through. Australia are now on top without losing a single game and Jordan sits second place. They have won two and drawn one leaving them 2 points behind the leaders.
Jordan vs Australia Qualifying Match
The current champions of Asia team Australia are traveling to play away at Jordan. It is a vital fixture for group B. If Australia win they will go 5 points clear and have a home game to come against Jordan. For Jordan, it is a must win game to keep the pressure on. The last time the two teams met was during the last qualifying campaign for the world cup in Brazil. Australia lost that and the result nearly ended their campaign.
The Jordanians are high on confidence at the moment. They beat Iraq in a friendly 3-0 in their last game. They will also be boosted by news that their star goalkeeper Amer Shafi, is fully recovered from injury. Additionally one of their star midfield players, Hassan Abdulfattah is also making a recovery and will be back in the team. One player that will be missing though is Anas Bani Yaseen. The defender is current out through suspension.
Australia’s squad is one of if not the best one they have ever had. It includes 17 players based overseas. They are also boosted by news that players Tomi Juric, James Troisi and Trent Sainsbury are all back from injuries.
Other World Cup 2018 Qualifying News
Group A
Fiercest rivals UAE and Saudi Arabia meet again. It is the 6th time these side have met in World Cup qualifying. Going into this game the Saudis have the edge and are betting favorites. They have won two and drawn two from the past five games. Out of 31 games in total that they have played each other the Saudis have won 19 times.
Group C
China play Qatar and can not afford to drop any more points. Qatar are China`s bogey team though and they have beaten them in 1990, 1997 and 2010 qualifying rounds. Zheng Zhi is the main man for China and it will be up to the experienced captain to help guide them through. They are also boosted by the news that Sebastian Soria, their veteran striker is back from injury.
Group D
In Group D Oman take on Iran with a victory taking either side to the top of the group. Iran’s 20-year-old forward, Sardar Azmoun, will lead the charge. He is now the team’s leading goalscorer with four. Oman will need their goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi to be on great form to keep a clean sheet.
Group E
Japan have a big job on their hands as they face current leaders Syria. Only by securing a victory will it be enough to take top spot. Japan will be confident though as they have an undefeated record against their opponents.
Group F
Iraq are away from home in a must-win game against Vietnam. They are without their two top strikers, Ayman Hussein and Marwan Hussein due to injury.
Group G
In Group G, joint-leaders Korea Republic and Kuwait pay each other. So far this term, both side have perfect records.
Group H
Group H leader Korea are looking for a fourth straight win. They play the Philippines away from home.
