Uzbekistan and Jordan have entered history: their first qualification at the World Football Cup. A draw (0-0) with the United Arab Emirates, selected by Cosmin Olăroiu (55 years old), was sufficient for Shomurodov and his teammates. Jordan has won 3-0 in Oman and gets the qualification thanks to the 2-0 South Koreans in Iraq.
Uzbekistan triggered joy on the ground after the final whistle
It was the evening of the premieres in Asia: Uzbekistan and Jordan get the first qualification at a World Cup, with a stage before the end. Together with them, South Korea (11th consecutive participation). Thus, we have the first ten qualified teams for the next World Cup, which will take place in 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Shomurodov and his teammates only needed a draw at Abu Dhabi with the United Arab Emirates to ensure their direct transition to Group A, along with Iran, who has already qualified. Jordan, after the 3-0 victory from Oman, has to thank South Korea, who defeated Iraq with 2-0 (in 10 people from the 26th minute) in Basra, eliminating it from the race for the second place. Son’s national team thus ensures the first place in Group B.
Saudi Arabia needs victory to score
Simone Inzaghi can start to smile: Al Hilal’s team, Salem Al Dawsari, offered a decisive pass in Saudi Arabia’s victory on Bahrain in Group C. “Green Hymals”, ranked third in the group, will play the next (and last) stage match on Tuesday, points and victorious today against Indonesia.
But, to do this, they will have to win at five goals, given that the difference of goals currently sees Australians at +8 (14 scored, 6 received) and Saudi to zero (6-6). The only team in the group that is already confident of the World Cup is Japan.
The third and fourth team of the three groups (already safe are the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Indonesia, then one of Australia/Saudi and Oman/Palestine) will play the fourth phase divided into two groups of three. The winners will go to the World Cup.
In the semifinals of the League of Nations, on Thursday night, Spain defeated France 5-4, after leaving 5-1 at one point. The final will be between Spain and Portugal, who defeated Germany Wednesday night with 2-1.
