Asian heavyweights South Korea were held to a 2-2 draw by Jordan in a 2010 World Cup qualifier on Saturday after the visitors came from behind with two second-half goals from substitute Hasan Abdel Mahmoud. South Korea, looking for their seventh successive trip to the World Cup finals, led 2-0 with their first goal coming from Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung from close range in the 39th minute.
The hosts, who have five points from three matches in Group Three, doubled their advantage early in the second half after Cho Won-hee was brought down in the box by Hatem Aqel. FC Seoul forward Park Chu-young converted from the spot. It was not until midway through the second half that Jordan had their first shot at goal and shortly afterwards Mahmoud turned the tables on South Korea.
His first goal came in the 73rd minute after he picked up a rebound from his own shot and slipped the ball into the net. He equalised seven minutes later when he took a long pass, split two defenders and delivered a rocket into the back of the net.
South Korea face Jordan again in Amman on June 7. They then travel to Ashgabat to play Turkmenistan on June 14 and finish the round with what is expected to be an emotional and perhaps crucial game with North Korea in Seoul on June 22.