AFC Asian Cup 2023, India vs Uzbekistan: 3 Positive Points For India Ahead Of Second Group Game

Add as a preferred source on Google

India began their AFC Asian Cup 2023 journey with an unsatisfactory 2-0 loss against the Socceroos. Australia were far above the Blue Tigers in the FIFA rankings. Even so, the Indian football team played admirably.

They looked threatening in the beginning of the match. However, once Australia gained momentum, there wasn't much for India to do than defend. However, there are positives to look at before India vs Uzbekistan match on January 18.

Improved performance

The Blue Tigers took to the field without 3 key players due to injuries - Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad. Even though their absence was felt, India held on much better than they did against Qatar in November last year.

A solid defensive play saw them hold off Australia to 0-0 in the first half. Barring a few mistakes, the Indian football team showed that they can give a good fight to a team 77 places above them in the FIFA rankings and that too at a competition like AFC Asian Cup.

Disciplined defense

India took charge early on in the game. However, the Socceroos were patient. When they found their footing in the game, it came down to defending flurries of attack from the Australian football team.

India did that admirably with a disciplined line in the back. They even put their body on the line when needed. Sandesh Jhingan even took some bruises. Fended off numerous corners and set-pieces which the Socceroos' expertise in.

Consistency

The Australian football team was the most formidable opponent for India. The Socceroos went into the match as the favourites who could have won comfortably. However, the boys in blue exploited their weakness and sat deep.

They held on the entire 90 minutes. Even though beating them in pace would've been impossible, India still tried going up whenever they saw the chance. This proud display of performance should give them confidence ahead of the important match against Uzbekistan on January 18.