Asian Games Football: 'Underdogs' India face stern Saudi Arabia challenge

India have met Saudi Arabia once in the Asian Games back in 1982.

The Indian national men’s football team finished second in Group A behind hosts China and have made it to the knockouts for the first time in 13 years at the Asian Games. Despite a disappointing draw in their last match, India have made it to the next round.

After the group stage, India’s focus now is on the RO16 where they will play Asian giants Saudi Arabia. It will be the toughest challenge for the Blue Tigers so far at the continental championship.

On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the big game.

The Stakes

India 

The Blue Tigers have performed decently at the Asian Games so far. Given the kind of group they had, they should’ve certainly performed better. But, what’s done is done. India should now give it all in the RO16 against Saudi Arabia.

They come into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against a lowly-ranked Myanmar. The stakes are high as it will be a litmus test for Igor Stimac and his side. 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia come into the game as clear favourites, thanks to their superior FIFA ranking. The Green Falcons have been one of the most lethal sides at the Asian Games so far. They finished second in Group B behind Iran.

They come into the game after a dominating 3-1 win over Vietnam. In their first two games, they played out a hard fought draw against Iran before demolishing Mongolia with a 3-0 victory. Expect them to come out all guns blazing against India.

Head-to-head

Saudi Arabia have a dominating head-to-head record against India. Three matches have been played between the two sides with the Green Falcons winning all of them.

All-time H2H record: CLICK HERE

Team & Injury News

Both teams have a fit squad available for selection ahead of the big game.

Predicted Line-up

India

Dheeraj Singh (GK), Abdul Rabeeh, Chinglensana Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Sumit Rathi, Amarjit Singh, Ayush Chhetri, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Vincy Barretto, Rahim Ali

Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Al Jubaya, Abu Alshamat Mohammed Waheeb, Alyami Mohammed,  Zakaria Siraj, Rayan Mohhamed, Faisal Abdulrahman, Saad Fahad, Ahmed Mazen, Awad Haider, Musab Fahad, Mohammed Marran.

Players to watch

Sunil Chhetri (India)

Chhetri, as always, has been the point of difference for India. The India skipper has led from the front and has motivated his boys on every occasion. He has had to take up multiple roles because of being the most senior player and he has done it perfectly.

Sunil Chhetri is India’s top-scorer at the Asian Games having scored two goals in three matches. His leadership skills and unmatched quality has been a major reason behind India’s qualification to the knockouts.

Mohammed Marran (Saudi Arabia)

The young forward has been one of the best players for Saudi Arabia at the 2023 Asian Games. He has performed exceptionally well and has given opponents a tough time keeping a check on him.

The Al-Nassr forward has already scored two goals in three games, including one in the last game after coming on from the bench. He is Saudi Arabia’s top-scorer at the tournament and will look to add more goals to his tally.

Did You Know?

• India will face off against Saudi Arabia for the first time in 17 years.
• The last time these two sides met, India were thrashed 7-1 by Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia has conceded one goal at the tournament so far.

Telecast

The Asian Games clash between India and Saudi Arabia will take place on Thursday, September 28 at the Huanglong Sports Center Stadium, Hangzhou with a 5:00 PM IST kick-off. The match will be shown on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on SonyLIV.