Jordan, Uruguay score: Millennium Cup
A late goal by defender Osama Sabah helped Jordan beat Romania in the opening encounter of the
Group C league in the Sahara Cup Millennium soccer tournament at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.
In another match at Kochi's Nehru stadium, Uruguay provided a whiff of Latin magic to score a 2-1 (half-time 2-1) victory over Iceland in Group B.
Jordan, who enjoyed territorial advantage in the second half during which they missed some close chances, scored the all-important goal in the 88th minute.
Rafat Ali Jabber, who advanced with the ball from the
middle, relayed it to Hassouneh Sheikh Qasem, who split
the defence with a forward pass to Faisal Suleiman. The last-named unleashed an angular drive that found the far post, beating Romania 'keeper Anghel Eugen all ends up.
Both teams failed to enliven the crowd as they played a slow, defensive game.
Uruguay, usually identified with their stern defending, came
out to attack and made their intentions clear right from the start with
speedy attacks down either flank.
Fleet-footed Victor Abelenda on the left had the Iceland defence
back-pedalling time and again. The right flank also showing energy and
enterprise in Juan Segales as the early moments suggested that the
Uruguayans looked good to score any time.
It was only in the 26th minute that the Iceland citadel fell, buckling as
it did after mid-fielder Mario Gastan once again caused panic -- this time
with a cross from the left.
Varela looked set to score but Jonsson brought the South American striker
down in a heap to give Uruguay a chance to take a well-deserved lead.
Alexandro stepped up to boom the ball past the busy Gunnleifsson
in the 26th minute to break the deadlock.
Uruguayan joy swelled three minutes later when a lightning move from deep
inside their own defence led to a spectacular goal.
Daniel Pereira split the Iceland defence with a long through ball to
Abelenda, whose pin-point cross had the running Ricardo Varela heading past
the hapless Gunnleifsson to make it 2-0.
Iceland, though, quickly brought the contest back to life when they beat
the seemingly redundant Martin Barlocco in the Uruguayan goal. A free-kick
by Sverrison found Hinriksson heading into the Uruguayan net in the 32nd
minute.
Chances fell on either side before the interval but the score board
remained unaltered -- thanks to Gunlieffson’s reflexes to deny the ebullient
Ricardo Valera and a case of wayward shooting by Iceland’s Bjarnason.
Contrary to expectations, the Icelanders showed better stamina in alien
conditions than their South American opponents who fell into their
traditional defensive mould.
Persistent pressure from the Europeans, however, only drew Nestor Cardofo
to a goalline save from Gudmundsson’s effort after Uruguayan 'keeper Martin
Barlocco lay helpless on the turf.