Following from a toughly fought 2-2 draw against Japan the Matildas will face Jordan at Thong Nhat Stadium on Friday 16th May at 8:15pm (AEST).

Jordan are sitting at 54th on the FIFA world rankings but the young team have opened the Asian Cup tournament strongly.  Against the odds, Jordan held hosts Vietnam (ranked 28th) to a 3-1 scoreline with scenes of elation were on display as the nation scored their first and only goal in Asian Cup history.

Goal scorer Maysa will be a key player for the Jordanians, her pace and footwork placing her a class above. An enviable clean finish writing the striker into the history books.  Maysa's individual effort saw her calmly play the the ball onto her left foot under pressure and place her shot perfectly.

Paired with brave crucial slide tackles from rightback Hebah and endless legwork from midfielder Luna, the Jordanians are clearly growing.

But Jordan's tenacity cannot offset their inconsistent technical skills and poor on-field strategic awareness.  Jordan struggle with a vulnerable first touch and nervous goalkeeping. The backline also present with difficulties defending set-play crosses.

For the Jordanians to have an impact on the match they need a big game from captain and star midfielder Stephanie Alnaber as well as Luna.  Both players provide the drive than could feed the fleet footed Maysa.

 

Unfortunate timing for Jordan has seen the recent appointment of Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic.

Stajcic has released a Matildas' side who are playing some of the most aggressive attacking football seen from the team in many years.

Stajcic is set to make up to 10 changes from the starting line up on Wednesday night with Nicola Bolger, Emma Checker and Teresa Polias set to get starting positions.  Even when utilising a second string team, the Matildas will have high quality experienced players across all areas of the field.

“Everyone in the squad is pushing for a starting spot and I’ve got confidence in all of them so I’m sure they’ll do the job – there’s really good depth in this group,” said Stajcic of the changes.

In their first meeting, Stajcic is expecting a defensively disciplined side.

“Jordan might play a bit differently against us than they did against Vietnam and only push one up front so it might be a bit harder to break them down."

Jordan will need to put in a huge defensive effort to stave off conceding heavily to the relentless Matildas.  However an opportunity for Jordan lies in the Matildas heavy press forward.

This may open a gap for Jordan to play a surprise striker into space behind the line. A perfect finish will be necessary to beat the Australian goalkeeper on the night.

“We need two wins in this group phase, we haven’t won one yet, we’ve got two to go and we need to win both to ensure that we go to the World Cup, so we can’t afford to underestimate anyone."

Coach Okiyama Masahiko has been quoted highlighting that Jordan want to nab a Top 5 Asian Cup finish in order to qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

Placed in a group containing Asian Champion's Australia and World Champion's Japan has set the bar very high.

Expect a spirited performance from the up-and-coming Jordan who will aim to be difficult prey for the Australian powerhouse.

Jordan v Australia

Friday 16 May 2014

Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh

Kick-Off: 8.15pm AEST (5.15pm local time)

LIVE & exclusive on Fox Sports 1 and 1HD

Westfield Matildas squad: 1.Brianna DAVEY (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Leena KHAMIS, 7.Hayley RASO, 8.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 10.Emily VAN EGMOND, 11.Lisa DE VANNA, 12.Kate GILL, 13.Tameka BUTT, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.Nicola BOLGER, 16.Stephanie CATLEY, 17.Teresa POLIAS, 18.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 19.Katrina GORRY, 20.Samantha KERR, 21.Casey DUMONT (gk), 22.Ashleigh SYKES, 23.Michelle HEYMAN, 24.Emma CHECKER