Let’s be honest. Cambodia are going to lose in Jordan tonight in the first game of the final round of qualification for the 2019 Asian Cup.
by John Duerden
@JohnnyDuerden
Foxsportsasia
If the West Asians underestimate the Angkor Warriors as much as it is possible to do then there is a chance – as there always in a game of football – but any result in Jordan would be a huge achievement.
And that is fine. Cambodia can lose tonight but short-term defeat can help build the foundations for long-term success. At this point, simply embarking on one of the toughest away trips there is in Asian football, and seeing, feeling and experiencing, what it entails, is enough.
Thanks to the expansion of the Asian Cup from 16 to 24 teams, the smaller sides are getting more chances to play countries that are, at the moment, considerably stronger.
Growing by 50% is still not going to be enough for Cambodia in 2019. More important is that it has led to qualification being expanded too. No longer are half of AFC’s member nations excluded from even setting a foot on the road to the Asian Cup.
For the 2015 Asian Cup, the Angkor Warriors, like many others, were not deemed strong enough. This time it is different and while combining World Cup and Asian Cup qualification is not perfect, it means more games for the countries that really need them.
With the changes to the format, Cambodia has already played eight group matches in 2015 and 2016. Losing all eight was obviously not an enjoyable experience but it was a valuable one.
How else to describe a trip to Saitama Stadium to play Japan in front on 55,000 fans? It was a rare chance to see how one of Asia’s powerhouses does things on and off the pitch. At the very least, it gives the Southeast Asians something to dream of, a target to aim at.
Playing the best is good experience!
Losing 3-0 was no disgrace at all. With the goals scored by players from AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Southampton, it was a unique chance for the Warriors to test themselves against some of the best players from some of the world’s biggest leagues.
What’s not to like? And for those who complain that such teams lose all their games then so did Japan in a first appearance at the World Cup back in 1998. So did South Korea too, conceding 16 goals in two games 44 years before that.
It does not mean that all the new boys will end up at the top of the tree but it provides a route –albeit a tricky one– upwards. If the traditional minnows can improve then it can only benefit the whole continent.
The challenge for Cambodia this time is not to qualify from a tough group containing Jordan, Vietnam and Afghanistan. The challenge is to use these games to improve and be in a better position next time.
The country may be a small fish at the moment but it is a giant in terms of passion and love for the game. Visit the capital and the Olympic Stadium when the national team plays then there is no suggestion that this is a minnow. There are fifty thousand fans for friendlies, never mind qualification games.
It would be interesting indeed to see Jordan here for the opening game, a time when surprises are a little likelier. Sadly, Amman is the venue. Of all the 10 games that will take place on Tuesday, Cambodia have the toughest task of all.
The men from Amman are regular participants in Asian Cups and the final round of qualification. Indeed, Jordan came within 180 minutes of the 2014 World Cup. The reward for finishing third in their group behind Japan and Australia (who both lost in Amman) and then squeezing past Uzbekistan in the continental play-off was a final showdown with Uruguay – semi-finalists at the previous World Cup. Suffice to say, Suarez and company were too good for Jordan but it was quite a ride.
Suarez and co. were just too good!
There is plenty of experience in the team. Captain and goalkeeper Amer Shafi has been one of the best goalkeepers in Asia for a number of years though can be a little erratic. At the age of 35, he could reach appearance number 150 in the 2019 Asian Cup. Widemen Odai Al-Saify and Khalil Bani Attiah have been around the block and plenty a defender too. Then there is Hamza Al Dardour in attack who averages a goal every other game for his country.
While Cambodia lost every game in the previous round, Jordan finished second behind Australia and beat the Socceroos once again on home soil in another demonstration of the strength of Fortress Amman.
Cambodia are not going to win tonight but in the short-term there are more important points to take from games such as these.
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