The Jordanian National Team made history in Qatar, after reaching the final of the Asian Cup in 2023

for the first time in history. Jordan,

managed by Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta started off the campaign convincingly, with a 4-0 win over Malaysia, and a 2-2 draw against
heavy favourites South Korea. Despite this, Jordan finished 3rd in their group, and ended up facing Iraq, another Asian powerhouse, in the
Round of 16. Although Jordan took the lead, Iraq ended up coming back and were 2-1 up in the 90th minute. That was until two goals in
incredibly quick succession came in the 90+5th and 90+7th minute, sending Jordan to the quarter finals to play Tajikistan. It was a tough game,
but Jordan eventually won 1-0, sending them to the semi-finals for the first time in history. Many expected their run to come to an end, as they
faced South Korea yet again. Against all odds, Jordan put up a dominant display, winning 2-0, and simultaneously locked up South Korea’s
star-ridden team, leaving them with 0 shots on target throughout the full 90, which meant Jordan were officially Asian Cup finalists.
Unfortunately, Jordan ended up losing the final, but not without controversy, with 3 penalties awarded against them.

Jordan’s star players throughout the tournament were Moussa Al-Tamari (26), and Yazan Al-Naimat (24), who, together formed a feared
partnership which took the Asian Cup by storm. Yazan Al-Naimat, who plays for Al-Ahli, ended up as Jordan’s top goalscorer in the
tournament with 4 goals to his name. He always showed up when he was needed, scoring an equaliser in the final, the opener in the semi-final,
and the opener in the Round of 16. His rapid speed along with his clinical touch made him a constant threat to opposition sides. Moussa
Al-Tamari is Jordan’s only player playing in Europe, as he’s currently contracted to Montpellier in Ligue 1. His greatest attribute is his quick
dribbling, as he spins and drops defenders left and right, giving him the nickname of “The Jordanian Messi”. His most notable moment was in
the semi-final, where he picked up the ball behind the halfway line, and carried it all the way to just outside South Korea’s 18-yard box, where
he proceeded to finesse the ball beautifully into the bottom left corner, doubling Jordan’s lead, and erupting the stadium.

Palestine also made history at the Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar, advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time in history. It started off poorly
though, as Palestine faced one of the favourites for the competition in their first game, Iran, and ended up losing 4-1. A miracle was needed to
qualify. They played UAE next, and started off on the wrong foot, conceding in the 23rd minute. From then on, Palestine dominated the game,
and despite many chances coming their way, including a penalty, the best they could manage was a 1-1 draw, leaving all hopes for qualification
in the last game of the group stage VS Hong Kong. Hong Kong stood no chance, as a motivated Palestine team took control of the game early
on, and ended up winning 3-0. This meant Palestine ended up 3rd in the group and qualified to the Round of 16 for the first time in history. This
was where the dream ended though, as they matched up against eventual winners, Qatar. Despite taking the lead in the first half via Oday
Dabbagh, it was not enough as Qatar ended up coming back and winning the game 2-1. Nonetheless, a historic run for Palestine.

Oday Dabbagh (25) is Palestine’s star player and ended up as the country’s top goal scorer in the Asian Cup. A target-man striker, Oday was a
constant threat in the box to opposition defenders and possessed the technical ability to run at defences constantly. He plays for Royal
Charleroi in the Belgian 1st division, making him Palestine’s only player currently playing in Europe. He bagged 3 goals in just 4 games,
including the opener and eventually a brace vs Hong Kong, as well as a brilliantly taken finish VS Qatar in the Round of 16.