Ammouta hails 'heroic performance' as Jordan beat South Korea to reach Asian Cup final

Jordan manager Hussein Ammouta said his players "delivered a heroic performance" in defeating two-time champions South Korea to book their place in a first Asian Cup final.

The Gulf side, never before past the quarter-final stage of the continent’s premier tournament, upset their much-fancied opponents in Qatar on Tuesday night, winning 2-0.

Ranked 87th in the world and therefore 64 spots below South Korea, Jordan dominated from the outset at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. However, they eventually won through thanks to second-half goals from Yazan Al Naimat and Musa Al Taamari.

Jordan will now contest the showpiece on Saturday against either Qatar, the hosts and defending champions, or three-time winners Iran. The two sides meet in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

Speaking after registering one of the great shocks in Asian Cup history, Moroccan Ammouta said: “The players delivered a heroic performance. The X-factor was we didn't need to give South Korea more respect than needed.

"Today's success was a collective effort, with every individual contributing to the win. Our approach was not to give the opposition undue respect, but to play with confidence and determination.

“Their commitment to winning individual battles ultimately led to our victory.”

Ammouta added: "What you saw today was the fruition of several years of work. We must defend this shirt with everything we've got. We are growing more ambitious by the hour."

Jordan, who drew 2-2 with South Korea in the group stage last month, should have really won by a greater margin on Tuesday. Al Naimat, Al Taamari and Nizar Al Rashdan had all gone close in the first half, although Jurgen Klinsmann’s side did hit the post not long after the half hour.

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