Jordan’s goalkeeper may want to remember he’s allowed to use his hands only when he’s actually making saves.
Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 on Tuesday, and while the scoreline tells part of the story, the goalkeeper’s antics told the rest. Between dramatic flops, exaggerated reactions and what occasionally looked more like a volleyball match than a soccer game, it was a rough afternoon for the man between the posts.
To be fair, goalkeepers often have a flair for the dramatic. It’s part of the position. But there comes a point where the theatrics stop helping and start becoming the main event.
Against Austria, Jordan’s keeper seemed determined to test exactly where that line was.
The bad news is Austria wasn’t buying it. The Austrians kept attacking, kept scoring and ultimately left with all three points. Meanwhile, Jordan was left searching for answers after a performance that featured more acting than stopping shots.
Perhaps the biggest issue is that Jordan is facing World Cup-level competition. At this stage, opponents are too talented to be distracted by a little gamesmanship. If anything, it just draws more attention when things go wrong.
Jordan still has matches remaining and plenty to play for. The goalkeeper is capable of better days ahead.
But after Tuesday’s performance, Austria’s forwards may have been wondering whether they were facing a keeper or a libero.
Either way, Austria got the win.
