Doha: India has started the AFC Asian Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Australia. Currently placed 102nd in the FIFA rankings and not even among the top 10 sides in Asia, the country faces a challenging road to success in the tournament.
Australia defeated rank outsiders India in the second match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The first half witnessed all-out play from the members of Team Australia. They had been trying their best to hit a goal.
Beginning from the kick-off, it was evident that the Australians would be dominant as the team held ball possession, weaving through the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium.
Indian footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte made the game’s first shot but missed the net.
Throughout the first half, Australia had gathered over ten corners and had the ball possession of 72-28 split in their favor, but the game remained goalless at the break.
After the half, Jackson Irvine struck the net, drilling from inside the box with India’s Gurpreet Singh Sandhu off his goalkeeper line.
Despite Australia’s thrilling goal, Indian fans were still heard over 36,000 audiences at the stadium.In the 73rd minute, Australia’s Jordan Bos scored their second goal. The moment that sealed off chances for an Indian comeback.
Australia continued to look for another goal as India’s defense appeared muddled.In the last few minutes, the ball possession split 79-21, with the Indians getting no chance to attack.An additional 6 minutes never changed the game as Australia swept the game away from India.