Asian Games: Jordan in upset win over UAE

INCHEON, South Korea: United Arab Emirates slumped to a 1-0 Asian Games defeat to Jordan on Thursday as North Korea booked their place in the second round of the football contest.

The Gulf side, silver medallists in 2010, had hoped to reach the second round after their opening 5-0 win over India, but Jordan took control from the start.

Jordan, playing their first game in Group G, went ahead when Yazan Thalji crossed from the left and UAE defender Mohammad Darwish bundled the ball into his own net.

UAE forward Saeed Alkatheeri fired one shot that forced a full-stretch save by Mohammad Abunabhan in the Jordan goal.

The UAE campaign became more desperate however when defender Waleed Almazrouei was ordered off for two reckless yellow card tackles inside a minute.

Jordan now need only a point from their final game in the three-nation group against India to guarantee top spot and an easier second-round tie.