Jordan demolish Pakistan 7-0 [The News]

LAHORE: Pakistan’s pathetic run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Round-2 continued as the Asian Cup runners-up Jordan demolished the Green-shirts 7-0 in their Group G show at the Amman International Stadium on Wednesday.

This is the fourth straight loss for the Stephen Constantine charges. Pakistan have so far conceded 20 goals in four matches and netted just one goal.

Thanks to a treble from Mousa Al Ta’mari, the hosts had a cakewalk as they sealed a big win which will help them in their quest for finishing among top two in the group.

Besides Tam’mari, Abu Zraiq, Yaizan Al Naimat, Saeed Al Rosan and Ali Olwan scored one goal apiece.

The victory enhanced Jordan’s chances of making it to Round 3 as they moved to second place with seven points, three behind Saudi Arabia and two ahead of Tajikistan.

After some stubborn defence by Pakistan in the initial stages, Jordan took the lead in the 15th minute. Ibrahim Sadeh snatched the ball at the centre of the midfield and put it for Al Ta’mari who entered the 18-yard box to finish off clinically with his left foot.

The lead was doubled in the 28th minute after Al Naimat, who was brought down inside the box, converted from the spot.

Saed Al Rosan made it 3-0 for Jordan in the 52nd minute. Following a corner, Rosan put it past rival goalkeeper Yousuf Butt with a delectable touch.

Ta’mari scored his second and his team’s fourth in the 62nd minute. Quick to intercept an assist from Ehsan Haddad, Tamari headed the ball in.

But Jordan were not content and the fifth goal came in the 75th minute. Naimat Olwan sidestepped a couple to slot it home.

Ta’mari completed his treble four minutes later. Played in between the two defenders he took his time, evaded both, and put the ball in to make it 6-0.

The last goal came in the 82nd minute and it came straight from the drawing board. Having earned a free-kick at the end of the 18-yard box, Zraiq buried it in to complete the win.

“We were expecting this result as I told you that Pakistan’s losing margin at home game was low due to fasting of the Jordan team,” former Pakistan assistant coach Nasir Ismail told ‘The News’.

“The junior defence line was totally exposed, especially in the second half. Why is head coach Stephen Constantine relying on the Denmark-based goalie Yousuf Butt? Easah Suliman was defending like a child,” Nasir pointed out.

“Without a domestic league we can’t build a good team. Overseas players have now been exposed completely in all matches they have played — in Mauritius, Nepal, SAFF Cup, Asian Under-23 and now in the World Cup Qualifiers.

“Tajikistan will also humiliate Pakistan team at home soil and Saudi Arabia will too do this. Now the coach must give a full chance to local boys to evaluate the difference of the local and diaspora players,” Nasir said.

Pakistan now will face Saudi Arabia at home on June 6 before taking on Tajikistan in their away game on June 11.

Pakistan had faced 4-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia at the latter’s backyard, 6-1 at the hands of Tajikistan in Islamabad before being beaten by Jordan 3-0 in Islamabad on March 21.

Published in The News, 28 March 2024