DOHA: Jordan head coach Hussein Ammouta said his men are fully prepared for any eventualities as they seek to continue their fairy-tale run in the 2023 Asian Cup when they take on two-time champions South Korea in the semi-finals today.
The Chivalrous, as Jordan are nicknamed, are more than ready to take the Taegeuk Warriors through the energy-sapping extra time and penalties, if necessary, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan in their first-ever semi-final appearance in the competition.
Their meeting today is a rematch of their Group E encounter when South Korea scored a late equaliser to hold Jordan to a 2-2 draw.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s Taegeuk Warriors, who last won the title in 1960, defeated three-time champions Saudi Arabia in the round of 16 via penalty shootout and overcame 2015 champions Australia in extra time.
Ammouta acknowledged South Korea’s ability to keep going in extra time and penalties, stating that his coaching staff had thoroughly studied the opposition, aiming to be more organised in their approach.
“Everyone in this competition is mentally prepared, and that’s why we have to focus on improving the tactical aspects of our game. We need to make improvements when playing at this stage of the tournament and the tactical aspects should be well covered,” the 54-year-old Moroccan told a pre-match press conference here.
Jordan will be without the services of Ali Olwan and Salem Al Ajalin as they sit out a one-game suspension but Ammouta is confident he has enough quality in his squad to compensate for their absence.
Meanwhile, Jordan midfielder Ibrahim Saadeh admitted to feeling the pressure leading up to tomorrow’s match but is confident that they can create a surprise.
“We are proud to have come this far. It does put some pressure on us but we’re well-trained and prepared to reach the final. It’s going to be a difficult game. The technical staff and the players are all ready to make it to the final.
“The coach, assistant coach and technical staff have all helped us review the previous games and identify our mistakes. As a player, I’m ready to play if chosen and I will give it my all to help Jordan get through to the next stage,” said the 23-year-old Al Khor player. – BERNAMA
