Need to Know | Jordan

Despite being bottom of Group B, Jordan are the sort of team the Qantas Socceroos know not to take for granted.

Despite being bottom of the group, Jordan are just the sort of team the Qantas Socceroos have learnt not to take for granted.

The time when Australian fans assumed all games against so-called Middle East minnows would be a cakewalk have long passed but after the 3-0 dispatching of Iran, many are quietly expecting a similar result in Amman.

In their two group games so far, Jordan have been thrashed 6-0 by Japan in Saitama, and been held to a 1-1 draw with Iraq.

Previous to this, Al-Nashama (“The Brave”) finished second in their group in the third round of qualifying, but were inconsistent throughout, both defeating and losing to China and Iraq, who beat them 3-0 at home. Goals aren't necessarily the problem - they scored 11 in this stage - but conceding is, shipping seven times in six games.

Men to Watch Ahmad Hayel The Al Arabi striker has come of age of late to become a regular source of goals for the Jordanian team, scoring five times in the current qualification bid.

Responsible for the goal that has earned Jordan their sole point thus far in the competition he possesses pace and is also good aerially and will pose a threat to the Qantas Socceroos defence.

Hassan Mahmoud The attacking midfielder was prominent during Jordan-s run through to the 2011 Asian Cup quarter finals and has taken another step up in the team during World Cup Qualification for Brazil 2014.

Playing in behind the strikers Mahmoud has been instrumental in Jordan-s success and has also reaped the benefits, scoring six goals during the third phase of qualification. A true goalscorer he is also prolific at club level and has been known to celebrate his goal-scoring feats by praying.