The Jordanian sports street is witnessing an unprecedented enthusiasm after our national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history, and being placed in a group that includes the title holder and one of the strongest teams in the world, Argentina. Amid feelings of pride and awe, an important question arises: How does the Jordanian player psychologically handle this challenge?
Major matches on the field have always been not only a physical struggle but also a test of mind, confidence, and the ability to manage pressure. Herein lies the real value of this historic appearance for the Nashama.
** The Psychological Factor is More Important Than We Think
Through my work as a sports psychologist for one of the professional teams in Jordan over the past years, I have observed that the difference between a player who advances towards achievement and another who retreats under pressure is not always skill or fitness... but mental state.
The player who enters a major match feeling "less" than his opponent loses before the game even starts. However, a confident player, who views the challenge as an opportunity, often performs beyond his expectations.
Facing a team like Argentina can naturally generate awe, but transforming this fear into positive energy and momentum is the key to playing on the biggest stages.
** How Can Our Team Benefit from This Challenge?
There are three fundamental psychological elements that could make a difference in the Jordanian team's first appearance:
1- Managing Psychological Pressure
The high expectations of the audience could be a burden on some players. It is required from the technical and psychological staff to reinforce the idea that participation itself is an achievement, and brave performance is more important than the result.
2- Building Collective Confidence
Playing against the world champion requires a cohesive team spirit. Confidence is not only built individually but also strengthened when a player feels his teammates support him at every moment on the field.
3- Transforming Respect into Motivation
Respecting the opponent does not mean fearing them. Players facing major teams often perform their best if they enter the match with the sense that they deserve to be part of this event.
** The Impact of This Experience on Jordanian Sports
Even if the results on paper are not in our team's favor, this tournament could represent a turning point in Jordanian sports. The young player who watches his national team face Argentina today, might become a player himself in another edition of the World Cup, but he will own the mindset that believes “impossible” is a word that can be broken.
Also, the support of the fans and their awareness of the need to maintain the psychological state of the players creates a healthy environment capable of pushing the entire sports system forward.
** Conclusion
Jordan's placement in Argentina's group is not a shock... but a gift.
A gift that gives our team a chance to test itself against the best, and a chance for us to reframe the concept of “ambition” in Jordanian sports.
Today, the Nashama face a great challenge, but it is also the start of a bigger dream.
And as it is said in the world of sports psychology:
“The mind that faces challenges steadfastly... creates surprises.”
