Jordan 1 - Uzbekistan 1; Jordan advance on PKs

Tashkent was the site of the second leg between hosts Uzbekistan and visiting Jordan.  The series was tied 1-1 heading into tonight's game.  Jordan conceded a close free kick five minutes into the affair.  Server Djeparov's dipping shot brought out a nice save from Jordan goalkeeper Amer Sabbah, but Uzbek centerback Anzur Ismailov was there to push home the rebound and put the home side ahead 1-0 on the night.  With the first half nearing its close, Jordan had an equalizer appear out of thin air.  Jordan midfielder Saeed Murjan settled a clearance from Uzbekistan and then half-volleyed off the bounce from twenty-nine yards away.  The score at recess was 1-1, and the series was knotted at 2-2.

The second half featured a more cautious approach to the game, with both teams fearing a conceded goal that would see them eliminated from the competition.  Uzbekistan were nowhere nearly as good as they were in the first leg, while Jordan look decidedly more apt tonight than they did four days ago.  The second half ended with the score tied 1-1.  Extra time would be needed to decide this match as the teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate and 1-1 on away goals.  Away goals apply to extra time in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, so Uzbekistan still had to be wary of conceding one goal and thusly needing two to avoid elimination.

The floodlights in the stadium shut off ten minutes into the first period of extra time with Uzbekistan in possession.  The unexpected cessation in play sapped the energy and flow from the match, and it was little surprise that no attacking initiative was presented in the second period of extra time.  Both teams were too fearful of conceding to go for the victory.  The final whistle blew for a second time with the teams still even on the scoreboard and in the series.

Penalties would be needed to decide which side would go to the intercontinental playoffs against the fifth-place team in South America.  Jordan had a chance to win in the fifth frame, but Ahmad Hayel could not put the match away, missing well wide of target.  However, Jordan won the shootout in the tenth frame when Ismailov could not score for Uzbekistan as he shot was pushed straight and softly into Sabbah.  Jordan take the shootout 9-8 and will host the first leg of the intercontinental playoffs in November.  Uzbekistan see their hopes of making it to Brasil 2014 extinguished in excruciating fashion.

Goals
Uzbekistan
Anzur Ismailov 5

Jordan
Saeed Murjan 42

Penalty Kick Shootout:
Jordan (kicked first)
Anas Bani Yaseen - goal
Odai Al-Saify - goal
Abdallah Deeb - goal
Saeed Murjan - goal
Ahmad Hayel - miss
Adnan Adous - goal
Mohammad Mustafa - goal
Amer Deeb - goal
Oday Zahran - goal
Mohammad Al-Dmeiri - goal

Uzbekistan (kicked second)
Odil Ahmedov - miss
Server Djeparov - goal
Timur Kapadze - goal
Islom Tukhtakhodjaev - goal
Igor Sergeev - goal
Akmal Shorakhmedov - goal
Vitaliy Denisov - goal
Ivan Nagaev - goal
Sanzhar Tursunov - goal
Anzur Ismailov - saved

Match Reports:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/jordan-stun-uzbekistan-in-penalty-shootout-to-reach-world-cup-intercontinental-play-off/story-fni2wcjl-1226716556598

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41UAsq-K1ug

Penalty Shootout:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePIR6mfxQc