to reach their debut World Cup<\/a> is no mean feat for Jordan.<\/p>\n“This achievement comes after years of hard work from players and the Jordan FA,” said Sellami, after the team’s place in the final was made certain with a 3-0 win over Oman.<\/p>\n
“This historic qualification is for all the people who believed in us.”<\/p>\n
Jordan have prepared by taking on World Cup regulars.<\/p>\n
In the March international break, they earned 2-2 draws against Costa Rica and Nigeria \u2013 two more nations you would expect at a World Cup, but who missed out while the Jordanians progressed.<\/p>\n
They have since lost to Switzerland and Colombia in warm-up friendlies before their opening group match against Austria in San Francisco (Wednesday 05:00 BST).<\/p>\n
Jordan have been placed in Group J, a tricky pool also featuring Algeria and Argentina. If they progress, it will need an A-grade performance.<\/p>\n
They have the benefit of the first two games both being in Santa Clara, California, allowing a base for Jordan’s fans while the team travel down from their temporary headquarters in Portland, Oregon.<\/p>\n
Then on 27 June, in Arlington, Texas, comes the date with the Argentines.<\/p>\n
Jordan’s standout player is captain and leading goal threat Musa Al-Taamari, who plays for Rennes in Ligue 1.<\/p>\n
He told BBC World Service: “For us, it’s not about the money, it’s about the jersey. What we have. We have Jordan in our heart. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Emirates – they have good money, they have really good teams but for us, like I say, we just play for us to be happy. You give everything.”<\/p>\n
Striker Ali Olwan has 29 senior international goals, making him the joint second highest scorer in Jordanian history.<\/p>\n
At the back, FC Seoul defender Yazan Al-Arab is the cornerstone, while Qatar SC midfielder Nizar Al-Rashdan is the main playmaker.<\/p>\n
But after years of false hopes, blind alleys and broken promises, Jordan can finally call themselves a World Cup nation.<\/p>\n
“What Jordan represents to me as a fan is beyond naming key players, specific coaches or a particular achievement,” said Arqawi. “It represents a source of pride.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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