The win gives Argentina two consecutive victories in a group they lead with 6 points and a favorable +6 goal difference. Jordan, by contrast, already beaten in their first two matches, remain without a point and are eliminated from the competition. The match came in a context in which Argentina, the defending champions, have struggled to confirm their status as favorites but showed clear technical and tactical superiority against a Jordan team making its World Cup debut.

Tactically, Jordan, set up in a 3-4-2-1 under Jamal Sellami, tried to contain the opposition’s attacking intentions with a packed but not very mobile defense. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni opted for a classic 4-4-2, combining defensive solidity with pace in attack. That setup allowed Lo Celso and Martínez to stand out in the quick transition game.

In the first half, the match shifted quickly after Mohannad Abu Taha received a yellow card in the 17th minute, giving Argentina a psychological edge. Two minutes later, Lo Celso scored with a precise strike in front of the Jordanian defense. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead before the break, turning his team’s territorial dominance into a goal, reflected in 73% possession and 12 attempted shots, including 4 on target.

In the second half, substitutions brought fresh energy to both sides. Mousa Tamari came on for Jordan and reduced the deficit in the 55th minute, his goal coming after a fine pass from Ehsan Haddad. However, Lionel Messi, introduced in the 60th minute, gave Argentina renewed momentum and scored the third goal in the 80th minute, underlining his key role despite coming off the bench. Jordan conceded three goals in total and managed only one shot on target, highlighting the difficulties they faced against a technically and tactically superior team.

Jordan’s team against Argentina

Jordan, coached by Jamal Sellami, played in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Yazeed Abu Laila in goal and a defense made up of Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al-Arab and Husam Ali Mohammad Abudahab. In midfield, Ehsan Haddad drove play behind the attacking pair of Ali Al Azaizeh and Odeh Fakhoury. Despite limited possession (27%) and difficulty creating clear chances, the team showed some fighting spirit, notably through the goal from Mousa Tamari, who came on at halftime.

Jordan nevertheless suffered from a lack of precision in attack, with only one shot on target from a total of five attempts. The Haddad-Tamari duo created the only goal, but overall, the team could not impose a strong enough tempo to compete with Argentina. Two yellow cards, notably for Abu Taha and Yazan Al-Arab, under constant pressure, also limited their aggression.

Argentina live up to their billing as Messi proves decisive

Argentina, under Lionel Scaloni, deployed a classic 4-4-2 with Emiliano Martínez in goal, protected by the experienced pairing of Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi, alongside Nicolás Tagliafico and Exequiel Palacios on the flanks. The midfield of Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone and Nico Paz was able to dictate the tempo.

Giovani Lo Celso shone by opening the scoring and combining effectively, while Lautaro Martínez confirmed his good form by doubling the lead. Lionel Messi, although a substitute at kickoff, came on in the 60th minute and justified that decision with a decisive goal in the 80th. Julián Alvarez was also active in attack.

Argentina’s collective play, supported by 780 passes with a 92% success rate, made it easier to control possession and manage the match. No cards marred their performance, reflecting strict discipline. This display underlines Argentina’s ability to confirm their expected status in this group stage.