Pakistan’s national football team steps onto the pitch today (Mar 21, 2024) at Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad for a pivotal World Cup 2026 Qualifier match against Jordan. This encounter comes amidst contrasting moods for both sides, with Jordan aiming to strengthen their position and Pakistan seeking to avoid another setback.
Jordan Seeks to Capitalize on Momentum
Fresh off their Asia Cup run that saw them reach the final, Jordan arrives in Islamabad brimming with confidence. Currently sitting one spot above Pakistan in Group G with a draw and a loss, they view this match as an opportunity to climb the standings. Coach Al Hussain Al Musa acknowledges Pakistan’s potential but emphasizes the importance of their own performance: “We respect Pakistan, but we need to play our best game to win by a good margin.”
Pakistan’s Coach Urges Realism
Pakistan’s head coach, Stephen Constantine, has adopted a more cautious approach. He acknowledges the gulf in experience between the two teams, stating, “All other teams in the group are far stronger. We are just beginners in Asia.” Constantine also highlighted the limited training opportunities available to the Pakistani players, attributing it to the overall lack of exposure in international competitions.
Constantine’s Negativity a Concern?
While acknowledging the challenges, we believe Constantine’s pessimism could dampen the team’s morale. We suggest a more optimistic approach, urging him to motivate the players while remaining realistic.
Pakistan Remembers Past Lesson
Pakistan’s 6–1 home defeat to Tajikistan a few months ago serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face. Jordan is considered a tougher opponent, raising concerns about a potential repeat performance.
Hope for Improvement?
Despite the odds, Coach Constantine remains hopeful. He believes the team learned from their previous matches, particularly the away fixture against Saudi Arabia. “We played top brand of soccer,” he said, expressing a desire to see improvement from the Tajikistan game.
A Crucial Match for Both Teams
This match holds significant weight for both sides. Jordan seeks a convincing victory to solidify their position in the group, while Pakistan strives to avoid another defeat and potentially upset the odds. The atmosphere at Jinnah Sports Complex is sure to be electric as both teams fight for their World Cup dreams.
Jordan Squad:
Yazid Abu Laila, Ahmed Al-Jaidi, Abdullah Al-Fakhouri, Yazan Al-Arab, Baraa Marhi, Anas Bani Yassin, Saad Al-Rousan, Ihsan Haddad, Firas Shalbaya, Salem Al-Ajalin, Mahmoud Shawkat, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Ibrahim Saada, Nour Al-Rawabdeh, Rajai Ayed, Youssef Abu Jalbush, Saleh Ratib, Mahmoud Mardi, Muhammad Abu Rizk, Ali Alwan, Muhammad Abu Zureiq “Sharara”, Musa Al-Taamari, and Yazan Al-Naimat.
Pakistan squad:
Goalkeepers: Yousuf Butt (D), Saqib Hanif, Abdul Basit and Hassan Ali; Defenders: Easah Suliman (D), Abdullah Iqbal (D), Mamoon Musa, Haseeb Khan, Mohammad Saddam, Mohammad Sohail, Omer Rao, Mohammad Fazal (D) and Mohammad Adeel; Midfielders: Rahis Nabi (D), Harun Hamid (D), Alamgir Ghazi, Rajab Ali, Ali Uzair, Shayek Dost and Abdul Samad (D); Forwards: FareedUllah, Waleed Khan, Imran Kayani (D) and Adeel Younis.