AFC Asian Cup 2023: Indian football team win hearts after spirited show in loss to Australia

India displayed grit throughout but lost by a narrow margin in their AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener.

On Saturday, the Indian football team lost by a narrow 2-0 margin to heavyweights Australia in their first Group B game at the AFC Asian Cup 2023. However, the Blue Tigers displayed excellent football in the first half against the mighty Australians. Igor Stimac will be very happy with the performance of the players and the strong willpower and determination they showed today against a side that are ranked 25 in the FIFA Rankings. With the narrow defeat, they will still have the chance to qualify from the group.

India started the match very well with the pace of Lallianzuala Chhangte. Although Australia were dominant with their passing and series of attacks, India fought toe-to-toe and displayed their firm character not to concede any goal till the break. Keeping their net safe against a team like Australia in an intense first half was no mean feat by Sunil Chhetri and Co.

What was India’s best chance? Sunil Chhetri’s 13th minute header which went just wide. Another major highlight? Sandesh Jhingan and Nikhil Poojary and Deepak Tangri were disciplined throughout.

However, the scoreline changed in the second half when Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a error which gave Australia the lead. But, immediately after that India bounced back with some good moves and strong attacks only to be unlucky to not get the goal. This performance will surely uplift the fans who have been supporting the Blue Tigers with full passion and wanted a performance like this from their team.

Comparing this defeat from the one in AFC Asian Cup 2011, it can be seen that India have improved a lot, be it their defensive sturdiness or the possession-based gameplay. India looked like a much better side with their defence and never looked to be destroyed by their opponents unlike in 2011. They were also commendable in the opposition half while knitting the attacks which they couldn’t turn into goals.

Finally, a special mention must be made of the fans in the stands. Apart from the travelling supporters, it is well-known that Qatar boasts one of the largest Indian diaspora in West Asia and indeed they made themselves heard. It was a remarkable sight to see as every tackle, run, defensive clearance or header by an Indian player was celebrated like a goal,

Head coach Igor Stimac will be happy as his strategy came off well and their team will surely be taking positives from the game.

With this narrow defeat, India will surely have an opportunity to qualify from the group as they will look to come back strong in the upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and Syria. The Indian players worked hard throughout the match and made the country proud. Indeed, despite the defeat, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that this is one of the most significant results in Indian football history and showcases the progress the national team has made in recent times.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.