Austria v Jordan
Play By Play
The final scoreline would suggest it was a comfortable 3-1 win to Austria, but it was anything but that and they had to work hard all the way to earn what was an expected win in the end. Austria led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a stunning strike by Schmid but it was clearly evident that Jordan weren't here for a participation ribbon. They stunned the crowd with an equaliser in the 50th minute, scored by Ali Olwan, and it was game on. But Austria then took control and their lead was restored by an own goal, conceded by Al Arab from a corner, just after Austria had seen a goal disallowed by VAR. The game then turned into a stop start affair with changes being made mainly by Jordan who kept chasing the game to their credit. A penalty for handball conceded by Obaid then sealed Jordan's fate with Arnautovic stepping up and taking care of business with virtually the last kick of the match to give Austria, who generated chances worth 1.66 xG to Jordan’s 0.53, the win to open their campaign. Austria's next opponent will be more formidable in Argentina whilst Jordan will fancy themselves to be a chance of obtaining their first ever World Cup points when they face up to Algeria. Thanks for joining us tonight for a highly entertaining game of football. Who doesn't love the World Cup! It's goodbye for now, and we'll see you next time.
FULL TIME: AUSTRIA 3-1 JORDAN
GOAL!! AUSTRIA 3-1 JORDAN!! Marko Arnautovic confidently steps up and looks Abulaila in the eyes. Abulaila dives to his right with Arnautovic sending the spot kick low and hard to the left to score. A perfectly taken penalty rounds out the game for Austria, and Arnautovic becomes Austria's oldest scorer at the World Cup!
The referee retrieves from his review of the screen and announces the news that Austria have been awarded the penalty for a handball by Obaid in the box. There is only one man who is going to take this one. That's right, Marko Arnautovic.
Play is stopped for a potential penalty for a handball by Jordan with VAR involved.
Laimer pinches it in the middle. He combines with Sabitzer who takes off and sends it into the box for Arnautovic but he cannot direct it on target.
Another corner is taken by Sabitzer, but this time Al-Arab clears to safety.
Austria are nearly gifted a third goal with Abulaila falling asleep at the wheel and nearly allowing the ball in, but it was just wide of the post.
The corner is sent towards Arnautovic but the Jordan defence have it covered.
CHANCE! A free-kick is knocked into the box before it comes out to Azaizeh who shoots from the edge of the box and it's agonisingly across the face of the goal and out of play for a Jordan restart. That didn't miss by much!
CHANCE! Austria move it quickly like a team chasing the game, not defending it. Laimer shoots from range and they win a corner conceded by Abulaila
Jordan have the free kick on the left wing against Posch.
CHANCE! Austria have the chance to put the game away. Arnautovic is in the box and he shoots low and hard but it's straight at the right hand of Abulaila who makes the save. It really should have been game over there!
The assistant referee holds up the board and it's good news for Jordan, with 10 minutes of stoppage time to be played. They have some hope!
The second change sees Fakhoury replaced by Ali Azaizeh who plays for Al-Shabab, on loan from Kazma.
Jordan's changes will see two strikers on and two strikers off. Al Tamari is replaced by Al Daoud.
An off the play clash of heads between Posch and Fakhoury allows for a stop in play. This will enable Jordan to make their changes.
With time beginning to run out for Jordan there look to be more attacking changes to come.
It has been a while since Jordan have had a look at goal with Austria totally dominant in the last 30 or so minutes of this match.
Austria also make a change with goal scorer Schmid receiving a rousing reception. He is replaced by the player Austrian fans have high hopes for - Wimmer. Schmid only had one shot, but he made it count, bending in that fantastic opener.
Haddad comes off for Al Mardi who also plays for Al-Hussain.
More changes for Jordan as they chase the game. Nasib is replaced by Al-Hussein defender Al Rosan.
Arnautovic's frustration continues as he is pulled up for offside.
There is a bit of emotion shown after the goal and Marcel Sabitzer is handed a yellow card for going too far.
OWN GOAL! AUSTRIA 2-1 JORDAN!! Sabitzer sends the corner in looking for Arnautovic who goes up. But it comes off his marker Al Arab, who, in containing Arnautovic, had the ball deflect off his back and go in! There won't be a let off this time. Austria are back in front; can they hold on this time to join Argentina at the top of the group?
