Jordan is set to host Iraq in a friendly match that promises to be a celebration rather than a purely competitive clash, following Jordan’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history last week. This significant achievement is expected to create a festive atmosphere at the Amman International Stadium.
Jordan has demonstrated impressive form in their recent World Cup qualifying matches, losing only once in the last 13 games, with a record of eight wins and four draws. Conversely, Iraq has a strong track record against Jordan, having lost just one of their last 11 encounters in World Cup qualifiers, accumulating seven wins and three draws. Their only setback was a 2-0 defeat to Jordan back in September 2011.
As both teams head into this match, Jordan will likely be buoyed by their recent success, particularly after standout player Ali Olwan’s hat-trick against Oman secured their World Cup spot. On the other hand, Iraq must seek to regain their footing after a disappointing 0-2 loss to Korea Republic, where they suffered from an early red card.
While Jordan celebrates their achievement, the outcome of this match holds less significance for both sides. Observers expect a lower-scoring game given the relaxed atmosphere and both teams’ current situations. The recommendation for fans and bettors is to expect under 2.5 total goals for this encounter, as both teams might prioritize enjoyment over fierce competition.
Overall, this match is more than just a sporting event; it’s a moment for Jordan to celebrate their monumental achievement while Iraq aims to regroup ahead of their next qualification round.