Jordan’s bittersweet 1-0 win over Iraq: tears, triumph, and a knee that stole the show
12 December 2025
Match reaction and afterthoughts
Jamal Al-Salami, the Jordan coach, said he felt mixed emotions after Jordan booked a Arab Cup 2025 semifinal with a 1-0 win over Iraq in the quarterfinals.
Ali Alwan scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute from a penalty awarded after a handball by an Iraqi defender.
Al-Salami, seen in tears after the whistle, called the victory bittersweet.
He said this isn’t a celebration you’ll savor, given Yazen Al-Neimat’s injury that disrupted focus.
The coach added that Al-Neimat is a player fans expect to see, and he feared the injury could be serious.
Al-Neimat left the pitch after 24 minutes, with returning substitute Awwad Al-Fakhouri coming on.
Neimat posted a Snapchat video assuring fans he was fine, even as concerns about a long spell linger.
Jordan’s win keeps their hopes alive, but the mood was muted by the injury cloud hovering over the squad.
Punchline: Victory tastes good, but this one needs salt.
Punchline: Yazen’s knee stole the show—talk about a knee-jerk.
