AMMAN — Jordan's historic FIFA World Cup debut ended in a 3-1 loss to Austria on Wednesday, despite a spirited performance and a landmark goal from Ali Olwan in Group J at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

 

The Nashama made a bright start and nearly took the lead after just two minutes when Nizar Rashdan unleashed a powerful effort that flew narrowly wide of the post.

 

Five minutes later, Musa Taamari tested Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager with a long-range strike, but the shot was comfortably saved.

 

Jordan continued to create opportunities and came closest midway through the first half when Odeh Fakhouri's powerful effort inside the box took a deflection before Schlager reacted quickly to push the ball behind for a corner.

 

Austria capitalised on their first clear chance in the 21st minute. Romano Schmid received the ball on the edge of the area and curled a superb finish into the top corner, leaving Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with no chance.

 

Jordan responded positively and nearly levelled two minutes later when Ali Olwan rose highest to meet a cross, only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

 

Schlager was again called into action shortly afterwards, producing another fine save to deny Olwan from close range.

 

The Nashama dominated possession during the closing stages of the first half and almost found an equaliser in stoppage time when Taamari embarked on a trademark solo run, but his shot drifted wide.

 

Jordan carried their momentum into the second half and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Olwan etched his name into the history books. The forward calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner to score Jordan's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup and bring his side level at 1-1.

 

Both teams exchanged attacks following the equaliser, with the match remaining finely balanced heading into the final quarter.

 

Austria regained the lead in the 76th minute when defender Yazan Arab inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure inside the penalty area.

 

Jordan pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Austria sealed victory deep into stoppage time. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which substitute Marko Arnautovic converted to make it 3-1.

 

Despite the result, Olwan's historic goal and impressive display earned him the Man of the Match award.

 

Jordan currently sit third in Group J and will return to action on June 23 when they face Algeria in their second World Cup match.