Jon Eimer Backs Under 2.5 Goals in Jordan-Algeria Match as Algeria Opens at -195

Q: An expert predicts few goals, but will desperation and poor defenses lead to a surprise shootout?

Yes, a higher-scoring game is plausible, but the stronger evidence still points to a tense match that stays under 2.5 goals. The case for a shootout is clear. Both Jordan and Algeria lost their openers badly enough to expose weaknesses: Jordan went down 3-1 to Austria and has now conceded at least two goals in five straight matches, while Algeria was beaten 3-0 by Argentina. With the expanded 48-team format leaving a possible third-place route, neither side can afford another defeat, and that desperation could force a more open game, especially if one team scores early. Jordan also has attacking threats in Mousa Tamari and Ali Olwan, while Algeria can call on Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura. But the expert’s under call is still reasonable because pressure often produces caution as much as chaos. This is effectively an elimination match, and teams in that spot frequently avoid early risks rather than trade chances. Algeria is also the more talented side on paper, favored at -195, and may prefer to control the game rather than turn it into an end-to-end contest. Jordan, despite scoring against Austria, is missing injured striker Yazan Alnemat, which limits its attacking depth. So the upset path to a shootout exists, mainly if Jordan scores first or if the match opens up after halftime. Still, the likelier script is a nervous, high-stakes game with limited margins rather than a full-scale goal fest.

3 articles · Updated · SportsLine · Jun 23

Jon Eimer’s lead pick for Monday’s Group J match is under 2.5 goals, with the SportsLine analyst extending a 21-10-2 World Cup run into Jordan vs. Algeria.
Algeria enters as a -195 favorite, with Jordan at +500 and the draw at +330 ahead of the 11 p.m. ET kickoff in Santa Clara, California.
Both teams are chasing their first points after opening losses left their knockout hopes under pressure—Algeria fell 3-0 to Argentina, while Jordan lost 3-1 to Austria.
Group J leaders Argentina and Austria have 3 points each, making this matchup pivotal as Algeria and Jordan try to stay alive, potentially through a third-place route.