AFC Asian Cup 2024: India’s Journey & Challenges

The Indian men’s football team is gearing up for a challenging campaign at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, where they will face formidable opponents in their quest for success. The tournament, featuring 24 nations, is set to kick off on January 12 and will conclude on February 10. Igor Stimac’s India, currently ranked 102nd in the world and 18th in Asia, aims to make an impact in the competition, although they face tough opposition in Group B, which includes Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria.

India’s AFC Asian Cup Journey

Format and Matches

The tournament adopts a format where 24 teams are divided into six groups of four. Each team will play three matches within their group, and the top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, will progress to the Round of 16.

India’s Group and Matches

India finds itself in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. Their campaign kicks off against Australia on January 13 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Syria on January 23, both at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium, respectively.

India’s Squad

The team, led by Sunil Chhetri, boasts key players such as Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and the dynamic Lallianzuala Chhangte.

What to Expect from India?

In terms of expectations, India faces a challenging group, and finishing third to qualify for the Round of 16 would be considered a significant achievement. The primary goal is to compete strongly against higher-ranked teams and avoid crumbling under pressure.

India’s Opponents

Australia (FIFA Ranking 25, Asia Ranking 4)

Australia stands as the strongest team in India’s group and is a favorite to qualify for the semifinals. A draw against the Aussies would be a remarkable achievement for India, given the formidable nature of their opponent.

Uzbekistan (FIFA Ranking 68, Asia Ranking 9)

Uzbekistan is the second-best team in the group and a top-10 side in Asia. India’s players from Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC have faced Uzbek teams recently, providing insight into their style of play. While a draw against them would be commendable, it remains a challenging task.

Syria (FIFA Ranking 91, Asia Ranking 14)

Coached by Hector Cuper, Syria is without key players due to injuries, presenting India with an opportunity to secure a win. A victory in this match could propel India into the next round.

Key Players for India

Sunil Chhetri

As India’s top goal-scorer with 93 international goals, Chhetri remains a crucial player. Much of India’s goal-scoring hopes rest on his shoulders.

Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

The defensive duo of Jhingan and Sandhu will play pivotal roles in India’s campaign. A solid defensive performance is essential for success.

Lallianzuala Chhangte

Chhangte’s creative spark and goal-scoring ability will be vital for India. While the Asian Cup presents a different level of competition, Stimac hopes Chhangte maintains his form.

Challenges for Stimac

Coach Igor Stimac faces questions regarding player selection, formation, and form. Addressing these challenges is crucial for India’s performance in the tournament.

Title Favorites

Japan, the top-ranked team in Asia, is a formidable force with quality players in European leagues. Saudi Arabia, led by Roberto Mancini, and South Korea, captained by Son Heung-min, are strong contenders. Australia and Iran, though not outright favorites, possess the capability to win the trophy.

In summary, India’s journey at the AFC Asian Cup promises tough battles, and success will be measured by their ability to compete fiercely and overcome challenges against high-caliber opponents.

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By- Sahiba Suri