Defending champions Australia made their worst ever start to an Asian Cup on Sunday when underdogs Jordan pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in front of a partisan crowd in Al Ain.
Graham Arnold’s youthful side – shorn of Aaron Mooy and Daniel Arzani through injury – were hot favourites to triumph in the Group B-opener at Hazza bin Zayed Stadiun, but they were undone by Al Faisaly centre-back Anas Bani-Yaseen’s powerful first-half header from a corner.
After the interval, FC Midtjylland winger Awer Mebil rocked the upright with a shot and Perth Glory forward Chris Ikonomidis had a header scrambled off the line as Arnold’s men tried in vain to level.
The result leaves the injury-hit Aussies with much to ponder ahead of Friday’s clash against Palestine, when they will need a win to get their defence on track. For Jordan, they next meet dark horses Syria on Thursday.
