AFC Asian Cup 2023: Interesting facts about India vs Uzbekistan clash

India will be eyeing a win to better their chances of qualification into the AFC Asian Cup 2023 knockout stages.

India and Uzbekistan will both be seeking wins when they face off in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 on Thursday.

India suffered a 2-0 defeat to Australia on Matchday One while Uzbekistan settled for a point against Syria. 

Inaugural meeting

This will be the first time that India and Uzbekistan are facing off at the AFC Asian Cup; though, Uzbekistan are unbeaten from their six previous men’s internationals against India (W4 D2) including a 2-1 win in their most recent encounter (June 2001).

Tough stat

India have lost nine of their last 11 games at the AFC Asian Cup (W1 D1) including their last three in a row; though, their 69% pass accuracy against Australia in their opening game of the current tournament was their highest in any of their last five AFC Asian Cup matches.

Also Read: India vs Uzbekistan: Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction of AFC Asian Cup 2023 clash

In need of goals

Each of Uzbekistan’s last two ties at the AFC Asian Cup have ended in 0-0 draws; having never previously played out a goalless game at the tournament (27 prior matches).

Resolute defending

India blocked 12 shots on Matchday One, twice as many as the remaining three teams in Group B combined (6), with India duo Rahul Bheke and Sandesh Jhingan each making four blocks.

Almost perfect

Uzbekistan’s Umarbek Eshmurodov had an accuracy of 98% from his 57 passes on Matchday One, the highest of any player from Group B, while teammate Otabek Shukurov (98) made the third-most pass attempts overall.

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