Written by Layla Hassan, Middle East & North Africa Correspondent
AMMAN — Jordan has qualified for its first-ever FIFA World Cup finals following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the AFC intercontinental playoff at Amman’s King Abdullah International Stadium on Saturday, ending decades of near-misses and sending the kingdom into national celebration.
A 74th-minute goal from striker Mahmoud Al-Mardi curled into the top corner to complete the comeback, after Uzbekistan had taken an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov. An own goal had drawn Jordan level before halftime.
King Abdullah II attended the match and presented the team with the national flag. “This is for every Jordanian — this is our moment,” said head coach Ahmed Al-Khalidi. Jordan will face Brazil, Germany, and South Korea in Group F.
Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh declared a national holiday on Sunday. The monarchy announced a royal pardon for a number of prisoners in honor of the occasion.