AFC Asian Cup 2024, India's Rival Watch: Australia Toughest Challenge in Group B

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The Indian football team begins its AFC Asian Cup 2024 journey against the toughest opponent in the group, Australia. The Socceroos, who are ranked Word No. 25, qualified for the World Cup round of 16 for the second time in their history in 2022.

They will be looking to carry that momentum into AFC Asian Cup 2024 in Qatar. Even though they are currently the strongest in their group, they also have a few weaknesses our Blue Tigers can exploit.

Strength: A squad full of players plying trade in European leagues

Many of the Socceroos squad play regularly in European competitions. Their first-choice goalkeeper, former Premier League player Mathew Ryan plays for the Dutch top-flight club AZ Alkmaar.

Harry Souttar of Leicester City, Jordan Bos of KVC Westerlo, Connor Metcalfe of FC St. Pauli are just a few other examples. Coach Graham Arnold has most of the squad to his disposal barring a few missing due to injuries.

Weakness: Not comfortable against defensive-minded teams

The Socceroos have played a number of tough attack-minded opponents after getting knocked out of the World Cup. Friendlies against Mexico, Argentina, and England are to name a few. They failed to register a win against the trio.

Yet, their warm-up friendly against Bahrain showed that the Australian football team will also need to focus on their final third. The defensive-minded Bahrain subdued their creativity and India can take advantage of that.

Opportunity: Familiarity with Qatar

The Australian football team qualified for the World Cup knockout stages only more than a year ago in Qatar. They know the territory and will be looking to exploit that familiarity. Their best result in the AFC Asian Cup came in 2015 when they became champions. After their success in the 2022 World Cup, the Socceroos will be determined to take advantage of that momentum.

Threats: Mathew Ryan uncertain with injury

With first-choice goalkeeper Mathew Ryan still recovering from his broken cheekbone injury, coach Arnold played Joe Gauci against Bahrain. Additionally, a compact defense line should stop the Socceroos in the track to score. In that case, the Indian football team should capitalise to get their lead.

Australia squad for AFC Asian Cup 2024

Goalkeepers: Joe Gauci, Mathew Ryan, Lawrence Thomas; Defenders: Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Gethin Jones, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar; Midfielders: Keanu Baccus, Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Patrick Yazbek; Forwards: Martin Boyle, Mitchell Duke, Bruno Fornaroli, Craig Goodwin, John Iredale, Sam Silvera, Marco Tilio, Kusini Yengi