Austria Vs Jordan Opens Group J With Rangnick Back at World Cup
Austria vs Jordan opens Group J at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Tuesday night into Wednesday, with Austria back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Ralf Rangnick’s team arrives with a real shot at second place in the group, while Jordan is set for its World Cup debut.
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara
The match gives Austria a first chance to measure itself in a World Cup field again after a 28-year absence. Argentina are the overwhelming favorites to win Group J, which leaves Austria and Jordan chasing the kind of start that can shape the rest of the group stage.
Austria will head in with some roster questions still attached. Christoph Baumgartner withdrew before the tournament, and David Alaba has been battling injury. Even so, Alaba is expected to pass a late fitness test and line up in Austria’s back line.
Rangnick and Sellami
Rangnick has already taken Austria back to the tournament for the first time since 1998, and that alone changes the standard for the side at this stage. The gap in experience between the two teams is obvious: Austria is being discussed as a possible candidate to finish second in Group J, while Jordan is entering the competition for the first time under Jamal Sellami.
Jordan’s task is simpler on paper but still difficult in practice. A positive result would give Sellami’s team something to build on after the opening match, and avoid the kind of heavy defeat that can put pressure on a debut side early in the group.
Chukwuemeka’s first tournament
Carney Chukwuemeka also enters the event with a new milestone attached. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is preparing for his first major tournament after switching his allegiance from England earlier this year, adding another fresh face to Austria’s World Cup return.
For Austria, the opener is about turning a long-awaited return into a foothold in Group J. For Jordan, it is about making a debut that keeps knockout-stage hopes alive after one night in Santa Clara.
