Jordan's national team has reached the semi-finals and will face Saudi Arabia in a clash between two teams that have qualified for the upcoming summer World Cup. However, the dream of 'Al-Nshama' (Jordan's nickname) of reaching the final for the first time has suffered a major blow after losing their star player, Yazin Al-Naimat, to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during the 1-0 victory over Iraq in the quarter-finals. Former Al-Faisali (Jordan) and current Al-Kuwait (Kuwait) coach Nebojsa Jovovic believes that 'Al-Naimats are of a star-studded breed, and there are not many such players in any team, let alone a national team.' He added: 'It is very difficult to replace the Al-Naimats; he is an important player for Jordan and for coach Jamal Salami, and his absence will be very significant.' Jordanian defender Mohammad Abu Hashish said: 'We have reached the semi-finals, and now we must do everything to continue the fight and make our country proud.'
