Khaberni - MelBet highlights the success of our national team which has forced the Middle East to talk about it.
The Golden Age or a Mix of Luck and Favorable Circumstances?
Not long ago, our national team was seen as a strong and stubborn team, but considered mid-level, capable of upsetting the favorites but not aspiring to achieve great feats. However, last year turned this notion upside down. The current generation has achieved what Jordan has been searching for decades – its football identity.
The Nashama no longer just withstand their opponents; they now dominate the rhythm and proceedings of the game. This leap in quality has been a golden era for Jordanian football. The team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history and reached its first final in the Arab Cup. It seems like a fairy tale, doesn’t it? But let's discover how this success became reality and where its limits are.
Arab Cup - Strong Character
The performance in the 2025 Arab Cup was a crucial test for the team's ambitions. Jordan qualified confidently from Group C with 9 points, an achievement that seemed impossible before the tournament. Let us recall our match against Egypt, where Mohamed Abu Hashish, Mohamed Abu Zureiq, and Ali Alwan were key players who contributed to the resounding victory over one of the favorites for the title.
However, the real test of maturity came in the knockout stages. Our match in the quarterfinals saw our team defeating Iraq 1:0 and a dangerous knee injury to our prominent striker Yazan Al Naimat. Losing the key forward seemed like it would demoralize the team before the semifinal, but at this very stage, our players' strong character shone.
A Lesson in Tactics for Saudi Arabia
The match against Saudi Arabia was a showcase of tactical discipline. The Nashama played without their captain and entered the field with a clear defensive strategy that capitalized on quick counter-attacks at the right moment. The 1-4-5 formation was not merely defensive but was a trap designed to neutralize the opponent's attack.
Their organized defensive play deprived the Saudis of any real offensive threat throughout the 90 minutes. When the match opened up in the second half, our team found its chance. Nizar Al-Rashdan’s header was decisive enough to send the Saudi team back home and advance Jordan to the historic final. This victory was the result of smart gameplay and great effort by the coach.
The Final - When the Miracle was Just Minutes Away
The final match against Morocco was true drama. Jordan was leading 2:1 until the 89th minute, nearly grasping the gold medals, but football is harsh and sometimes unfair. Morocco's Atlas Lions equalized in the dying minutes of regular time and snatched a 3:2 victory in a quick counter during the 100th minute.
The fans' hearts were crushed, and Yazid Abu Laila faced a wave of criticism to the point where his club, Hussein Irbid, had to defend him. But let's be honest, losing to a strong team like Morocco in overtime is not a sheer failure. On the contrary, it confirms that Jordan is now listed among the regional giants. The team secured over 4 million dollars in prize money, but more importantly, it gained invaluable experience in major finals.
Jamaal Salami's Impact
It is important to focus on the head coach's role. Moroccan specialist Jamal Salami achieved what many of his predecessors did not. He enhanced player potential and incorporated flexibility in tactics. The former youth and Olympic team coach, Maher Taama, pointed out that this success is not coincidental, but a result of long-term planning and early investment in player development.
The gap between the starting line-up and the substitutes has narrowed since Salami took over as coach. Substitutions now do not weaken the course of play but maintain the pace, giving the coaching staff complete freedom. The players have learned to keep their cool in critical moments, becoming a key factor in qualifying for the World Cup.
World Cup - The Real Test of Strength
Jordan's qualification for the 2026 World Cup is now a certainty. This has ignited immense joy across the country and even inspired special songs in honor of the Nashama. The team faces a serious challenge in the future.
The Arab Cup proved that our national team can compete on equal footing with the best teams in the region. However, the World Cup is a completely different level. The mistakes made in overtime against Morocco are absolutely not allowed there.
The Jordan team is now at its peak, with a mix of young players and experience. Players like Musa Al-Taamari, Yazan Al Naimat, and Ali Alwan look forward to making a name for themselves on the global stage. But the main question remains: Can Jamal Salami's youngsters transfer their confidence and tactical skills from Qatar to the global stage where the pressure will be several times greater? The World Cup will decide whether this rise was temporary or if Jordan truly secures a long-term place on the global football map.
You can follow the matches of your favorite national team on the
