The Jordanian international football team have managed to snare a prolific and famous coach in Harry Redknapp and they look to thwart the Socceroos at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night.
Australia are heavy favourites to dispose of Jordan, however, they have already fallen 2-0 to them during their last meeting.
Similarly to the Socceroos, Jordan needs just a draw, with a self-explanatory stirring victory in Amman, Redknapp conceded how surprised he was with the players at his disposal.
“I’ve tried to convince how impressed I’ve been with them and I’ve got a lot of belief in the team, with the group of players that I’m working with and that is genuine,” Redknapp said.
“When I came over, I had no idea at all about Jordan’s football team or how good they were. It really wasn’t something I ever looked at.
“When I arrived I had a very open mind, I’ve been really surprised about the standard, it’s much higher than I expected and we are underdogs but underdogs with a real fighting chance.”
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The former Tottenham boss also spoke of the dangers Australia pose, he even said talent Brad Smith will be a good player for Liverpool in the future.
With loads of English Premier League experience, Redknapp spoke of his past in shutting down veteran Tim Cahill, who is expected to start after being rested by Australia boss Ange Postecoglou in their 7-0 win against Tajikistan.
“Cahill is a threat, I’ve come across him so many times as a club manager. He’s as good as anybody I’ve seen finding and arriving with space in the box,” he said.
“For a small guy he’s got an incredible leap, he knows he’s got that knack. The ball arrives in the box and Timmy Cahill’s on the end of it, so that’s something we have to be very aware of tomorrow night.”
Redknapp’s debut as coach saw Jordan dispose of Bangladesh with a comprehensive 8-0 win last week in Amman.
The Jordanian boss said the best way to replicate their earlier victory against the Aussies was through projecting confidence through the squad and controlling the game rather than sitting back.
“I thought they showed great belief the other day against Bangladesh. This is a much tougher task, but I think anything in life is about confidence and it’s a big factor,” he said.
“I think we’ve tried to convince the players how impressed I’ve been with them and we have got the ability to give anybody a game, we’re capable of coming here and giving it our best shot to win the game, it’s not an impossibility, and we’ve got a real chance.
“There’s a lot of changes in the Australian team now as well. That was at home, it was a great victory for Jordan, away from home it’s always a different game. We’ve got to come to Australia and show the same commitment and belief they showed at home and if they do that we’ve got a big chance.”
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