Jordan united as they seek to upset Qatar and claim first Asian Cup title

Jordan defender Salem Al Ajalin says his history-making side will play with “one heart and one soul” in Saturday’s Asian Cup final against hosts and defending champions Qatar.

The Jordanians, never before past the quarter-final of the continent’s marquee tournament, take on the 2019 winners at what is expected to be a capacity 88,000 Lusail Stadium to the north of Doha.

Irrespective of the result, Hussein Ammouta’s team have been one of the stories of the past month in Qatar, seeing off a much-fancied Iraq and then a star-studded South Korea en route to the showpiece.

Jordan completely outplayed the latter in Tuesday’s semi-final, when the 2-0 defeat even somewhat flattered the two-time champions.

Al Ajalin missed the match through suspension, but is available again for Saturday’s showdown – as, too, is previously suspended striker Ali Olwan.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian Football Association has flown in the players' families for additional support.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Al Ajalin said: "We play with one heart, one soul. We are united. Reaching the final is an achievement for everyone, and it is nice to have our family with us and present in the crowd."

At 58th in the Fifa rankings, Qatar sit 29 places above Jordan, providing yet another reason why they go into the final as favourites. They have not lost all tournament – Jordan were beaten in their final group game, against Bahrain – and have scored in every game.

To reach the last four, Qatar defeated Iran, Asia’s second-highest ranked side, on Wednesday in a thrilling contest. Lead forwards Akram Afif and Almoez Ali both got on the scoresheet.

Asked how he planned to stop Qatar’s talented attack, Al Ajalin said: "For us, as players, we work in a