'Team played like warriors' - Fans react to India's spirited performance against Australia in AFC Asian Cup opener

By Alen Philip Mathew

Alen Philip Mathew has been a correspondent for Kerala Blasters, covering Indian football and Indian Super League for Khel Now since 2021.

Published at :January 13, 2024 at 7:50 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 7:50 PM

'Team played like warriors' - Fans react to India's spirited performance against Australia in AFC Asian Cup opener

(Courtesy : AFC Media)

India displayed resilience against Australia in their AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener.

India kicked off their AFC Asian Cup 2023 journey in Qatar with a thrilling match against mighty Australia. The final scoreline favoured Australia with a 2-0 victory, as they found the net in the 50th and 73rd minutes, respectively. Despite the defeat, Indian fans are buzzing with excitement and pride as their team displayed thorough resilience against the 25th-ranked side in the FIFA rankings.

Fans laud India’s heroics

Twitter (X) erupted with a wave of positivity and celebration as fans lauded India for their spirited performance. Many took to the platform to express their joy and satisfaction regarding the team’s effort, commending the players for their hard-fought battle against a formidable opponent like Australia.

We’ll take that.2-0 with a Regular World Cup side.Come on India!#IndvAus #AFCAsianCup #IndianFootball #BlueTigersInAsia
— Tirtharaj Roy (@humorousraj) January 13, 2024

🇮🇳💪Well, India, Australia is a great team 25th in The World , everything is learning. It's worse not to play the cup ♥️ i love India football ⚽#india #IndianFootball #indiateam #AsianCup
— Pablo Ariel Roman 🇦🇷🐘 (@Pauly52chenko) January 13, 2024

Well played indiaA tough match and we did our best#indvaus #AFCAsianCup #IndianFootball
— Sack Ten hag (@10noShirt) January 13, 2024

A lot of positives for our @IndianFootball team! ♥️#IndianFootball #BlueTigers #AFCAsianCup https://t.co/WJNC8T791k
— Amrit Pradhan (@amritpradhan63) January 13, 2024

Indian fans revel in team’s resilience

The camaraderie among Indian football enthusiasts was palpable, with numerous tweets wishing the team the best for their upcoming matches. Supporters expressed confidence in the squad’s abilities and voiced their unwavering backing for the players.

It's 2-0 in favor of Australia.. India fought like a warrior not doubt … Try to cross the line #IndianFootball all the best for next match#AFCON2023 #Qatar2023 https://t.co/Hhre8fjBLx
— Himanshu Thakur (@Himanshu2961) January 13, 2024

good football by our team considering our qualitymiles to go but we keep climbing step by step#BlueTigersInAsia #IndianFootball
— Baibhav OP (@OpBaibhav) January 13, 2024

👉Those who feel we played bad football, they need surgery.One of the greatest defending performance in history of Indian football (specially first half)Hats off to our boys You played like a warriors against the Asian giants 🇮🇳💙⚽#BlueTigers #IndianFootball #AUSvIND
— Akshat Patel 🇮🇳 🦊 (@im_akshat1812) January 13, 2024

Well Play Team India Against Australia on AFC 2023 1st March. #IndianFootball #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/zan9tpQlWl
— Bivash Halder (@ItsBivashHalder) January 13, 2024

Watched my first full football match featuring the Indian Football Team and I'm blown away! ⚽🇮🇳 As a cricket fan, the passion and skill on display make me believe that India is on the path to becoming a force in world football. Exciting times ahead! 🏆👏#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/1akG13Vghn
— Cricket Apna l Indian cricket l Bleed Blue 💙🇮🇳 (@cricketapna1) January 13, 2024

Twitter applauds Sandesh Jhingan’s defensive brilliance

Notably, defender Sandesh Jhingan received widespread praise for his defensive contributions during the match. Tweets hailed his timely tackles and strategic positioning, with fans expressing gratitude for his vital role in thwarting Australia’s attacking moves.

The 'WALL' = Sandesh Jhingan#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/qgoUWCoKSH
— Jomin Joshy (@jomin_joshy_) January 13, 2024

Jhingan the absolute wall
— Yuvraj Singh🇮🇳 (@Yuvraj_Yuvi11) January 13, 2024

Mixed reactions to India’s defensive style

However, not all reactions were purely positive. Some fans voiced their dissatisfaction with India’s defensive playstyle and pointed out what they perceived as mistakes leading to the goals conceded. Critics analyzed and discussed the tactical aspects of the game.

There are lot of promotion of football. fans are encouraging at stadium.But what are the performence of indian football.we expect defeat against australia.But players are not able to pass themselves. Is it improvement of #IndianFootball? Please enough is enough. Need performence
— Ajay Chakraborty (@JayChakrab86120) January 13, 2024

Indian football team is playing like school game senior vs junior game where senior team play attack game against junior team and junior team only defend. #IndianFootball
— Rashmi Sharma (@RashmiS61814169) January 13, 2024

🛑Full time: Aus 2 – 0 Ind Possession dips to 28% for India. Conceded a soft 2nd goal. Tired legs. Thankfully its just 2 down.Must take the positives and improve the link ups between Mid -> attackers. Need more set plays.#AUSvIND #AsianCup2023       #IndianFootball
— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) January 13, 2024

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Alen Philip Mathew

Football journalist with years of expertise covering Indian football, particularly Kerala Blasters and the Indian Super League. Alongside his passion for sports, he is a dedicated medical student. Alen specializes in match analysis, player interviews, and community reactions.

'Team played like warriors' - Fans react to India's spirited performance against Australia in AFC Asian Cup opener

India displayed resilience against Australia in their AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener.

Fans laud India’s heroics

Indian fans revel in team’s resilience

Twitter applauds Sandesh Jhingan’s defensive brilliance

Mixed reactions to India’s defensive style

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