Alaba will face a player accustomed to the pace and physicality of Asian football, where forwards often operate under tight marking. The Madrid defender will bring experience from European tournaments and a habit of positional play, while Al-Naimat will look for moments in transition and on the counter. Control of this area of the pitch could determine how freely Jordan can develop their attack.

Rangnick brings to Jordan the experience of European pressing and the high-tempo culture developed at Leipzig and Manchester. Sellami, meanwhile, has built his team on the African school of positional play and has just proven he can bring a young national side onto the world stage through decisive qualifying matches. A meeting of two generations of coaching philosophy: German intensity against Moroccan pragmatism, forged in the struggle for continental standing.

The Austrian's experience, accustomed to the pace of the Turkish league, will meet a young Jordanian defender for whom a match on the world stage will be a test of mettle. Arnautovic on the left flank will look for space behind the defence, while Abu Al-Jazar must balance between pressing and cover, preventing breakthroughs into the penalty area. On this part of the pitch, it could be decided how confidently Austria will control the left flank.