ALBAWABA - Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila has sparked a social media storm after fans accused him of making a costly mistake during Jordan’s World Cup match against Argentina, with some online users even suggesting, without evidence, that he may have deliberately helped the Argentine side.
The controversy arose when Argentina went ahead in the 19th minute after Giovani Lo Celso scored from a straight free kick just outside the penalty area. The goal occurred after Muhannad Abu Taha committed a foul near the edge of the box which gave Argentina a dangerous set-piece opportunity.
Much criticism was aimed at Abu Laila’s position before the shooting. A few supporters felt that the Jordanian goalie, originally covering the angle Lo Celso was aiming for, then moved towards the defensive wall, leaving the corner open. The incident was soon all over social media, with fans debating whether the goal was down to poor positioning or a major blunder by the goalkeeper.
The online reaction quickly spiraled, with some individuals accusing Abu Laila of “selling the match” or demanding a probe into his performance. But there is no credible report, official statement or football body which has come out with evidence of match-fixing or any agreement between the goalie and Argentina.
In the 31st minute, Lautaro Martínez doubled Argentina's lead from the penalty spot with Lionel Messi on the sideline as the coaching staff decided to rest the player ahead of the knockout stage.
Lo Celso's strike was also remarkable as it marked the first time an Argentinian had scored directly from a free kick at a World Cup since Lionel Messi netted against Nigeria on June 25, 2014.
Argentina had already qualified for the Round of 32 as group leaders before the match, and Jordan’s loss marked the end of their World Cup campaign.
The allegations against Abu Laila have not been substantiated, and are believed to be mostly the work of disappointed fans after Jordan was knocked out.
