*This content was translated by AI.
"It is completely different from the group stage."
The South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO)team will face Jordan in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. While South Korea, riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins in the group stage, has drawn attention, local media in Jordan have also expressed caution. They meticulously pointed out their national team's weaknesses and emphasized the need to adapt for the match against South Korea.
Led by Latvian coach Nicolas Mazur, the South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO)team will play against Jordan in the tournament quarterfinals at 10 a.m. on the 16th at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.
South Korea defeated Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Japan in sequence during the group stage to finish first in Group A with three wins. In contrast, Jordan managed only one win and two losses in Group B, finishing third but securing a quarterfinal berth by posting the best record among third-place teams across all groups.
With the matchup against South Korea confirmed, local media in Jordan could not hide their tension.
Jordanian outlet Al-Ayyam stated, "In the match against South Korea, we must quickly shift from group-stage calculations to a single-elimination format," adding, "There is no longer any chance to make up for losses. The statistics from the three group-stage games are critical indicators that must be improved before facing South Korea."
The outlet then conducted a detailed analysis of Jordan's group-stage performance, specifically highlighting their weaknesses one by one.
Al-Ayyam assessed, "Jordan's offense was inconsistent, and their defense was average." In the three group games, Jordan scored a total of 224 points, averaging 74.7 points per game. However, they allowed 229 points, conceding an average of 76.3 points per game.
Above all, perimeter shooting was problematic. Jordan attempted 90 three-pointers but made only 25, resulting in a success rate of just 27.8%.
The media also noted, "Three-point shooting was Jordan's biggest weakness in offense," pointing out that they failed to rank among the top eight teams in any category, including overall field goals, two-pointers, three-pointers, or free throws.
Problems were also evident in offensive connectivity. Jordan recorded a total of 55 assists across the three group games, averaging 18.3 per game—the lowest among all participating nations.
Al-Ayyam analyzed, "Jordan needs to improve ball movement and team play while reducing reliance on individual plays." Additionally, the outlet identified block shots and bench production as areas requiring improvement for Jordan.
However, Jordan should never be underestimated. Ranked 41st in the FIBA world rankings, Jordan sits higher than South Korea (57th). At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, they reached the final and claimed silver medals behind the Philippines. This tournament also sees them evaluated as a dark horse. Though they struggled somewhat in the group stage, they remain a formidable opponent capable of unleashing their power at any moment in the knockout rounds.
Al-Ayyam also clearly highlighted Jordan's strengths. In the group stage, Jordan averaged 39.3 rebounds per game and committed only 29 turnovers across three matches. For South Korea, it is crucial to pay attention to rebounding and their opponent's ability to manage the ball steadily.
For South Korea, maintaining the intense atmosphere displayed during the group stage is vital.
On the 10th, in their first group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, South Korea won 82-66. The following day, they decisively defeated Indonesia 102-48.
Continuing on the 13th in the decisive Group A match, they subdued "eternal rival" Japan 100-83, completing the group stage with three consecutive victories.
Key players are also in good condition. Especially the "one-two punch" of Lee Hyun-jung and Lee Jung-hyun is leading South Korea's offense. Lee Hyun-jung scored 23 points against Saudi Arabia in the first game and 24 points against Indonesia in the second, recording the team's highest scoring output in both consecutive matches. Lee Jung-hyun also exploded for 25 points against Japan in the third game, showcasing peak shooting form.
Yoo Ki-sang has consistently contributed from the perimeter, while Lee Seung-hyun and Jang Jae-seok have solidly protected the paint.
Another positive development is that Choi Jun-yong, who did not participate in the group stage, is expected to join from the quarterfinals onward. Yeo Jun-seok, who missed matches against Indonesia and Japan due to a foot injury sustained in the first game, is also reported to have improved his condition.
South Korea's goal is clear: reclaiming the championship for the first time since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, 12 years later. At the 2023 Hangzhou tournament, they lost to China in the quarterfinals and finished seventh—their lowest-ever ranking.
This time, the atmosphere is different. South Korea advanced through the group stage with three straight wins, building their momentum to its peak.
International media are also paying attention to South Korea's rising form. Chinese outlet Sohu.com evaluated, "South Korea is the top favorite for this tournament," while Philippine outlet Spin noted, "Meeting South Korea in the knockout rounds would be a nightmare," expressing caution.
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*This content was translated by AI.
