Jordan underdogs, but don't rule them out

Harry Redknapp admits that Jordan are the underdogs going into Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Australia but believes they have what it takes to win against the Socceroos in Sydney.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham boss Redknapp began his interim stint with Jordan with an 8-0 win against an outclassed Bangladesh in Amman last Thursday.

But the Englishman, who has also been in charge of Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Queens Park Rangers in more than 30 years in football management, said playing Australia -- who lead their group by two points from Jordan -- would be tough.

"We are underdogs, but underdogs with a real fighting chance," Redknapp told a pre-match press conference in Sydney.

"If I don't think it's possible (to win) I may as well go home today. I have to believe that we have a chance of winning."

Redknapp said he had "no idea" about the Jordanian national team before he agreed to work with them and said he had been impressed by what he had seen.

Player Hamza Al Dardour said Redknapp had also come as a surprise to the team.

But, speaking through an interpreter, he said they were honoured to work with him and hoped he could prolong his time with the team and help them progress further on the qualifying path for the World Cup.

Redknapp said while he had not yet discussed staying on with Jordan beyond Tuesday's match, he was open to the prospect.

"It's been a great experience for me -- it really has -- so if there was something in the future I would look at it, for sure," he said.

A win on Tuesday is key for Jordan, with only the eight group winners and the four best-performing second-placed teams reaching the third round of World Cup qualifying.

"We have to play for a win tomorrow because obviously a draw is no good," said Redknapp. "We need a win if possible.

"I want to see us get on the ball and claim some control of the football match."
Source: AFP