Asia’s football extravaganza, the AFC Asian Cup 2023, is about to unfold, and the action begins tomorrow at the home of defending champions Qatar. The inaugural match at the iconic Lusail Stadium will witness Qatar taking on Lebanon, promising an electric start to the tournament.
On January 12, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, India will face off against Australia, marking the initial clash for both teams in Group B. The Blue Tigers, stepping into the AFC Asian Cup arena, have a challenging debut against the Socceroos, who reached the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Australia and India, each boasting a commendable run of form with four and three wins in their last five matches, respectively, are set for an enthralling showdown on Saturday. Despite India’s recent successes, a stark contrast in FIFA rankings puts Australia at 25, well ahead of India’s 102. India hasn’t beaten Australia since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
As the footballing world eagerly anticipates this clash of titans, let’s delve into the pre-match analysis, examining team dynamics, recent performances, and the overall setup as we approach this pivotal AFC Asian Cup fixture.
Team News Alert: Key Players Absent for Australia vs. India Showdown
India
In a challenging start to their AFC Asian Cup journey, India faces a setback with the absence of key players. Defenders Anwar Ali and winger Ashique Kuruniyan are sidelined due to long-term injuries. The unavailable trio of Jeakson Singh, Glan Martins, and Rohit Kumar adds to the selection dilemma for coach Igor Stimac, who must strategize to field the best eleven against Australia.
Australia
Australia, too, contends with notable absentees as they gear up to face India. Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan’s absence, owing to a broken cheekbone, is a significant blow. In addition, injuries rule out Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, and Brandon Borrello from the squad. Coach Graham Arnold faces the challenge of fielding the strongest eleven, emphasizing the need not to underestimate the Indian side in this crucial early-stage match of the tournament.
Historical Insights: Key Match Facts for Australia vs. India
1. Historical Encounter
The last time India secured victory over Australia dates back to the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, underlining the historical rarity of triumphs for the Blue Tigers against their counterparts.
2. Goal-Scoring Prowess
Australia enters the AFC Asian Cup clash with an impressive goal-scoring record, having netted 12 goals in their last four games. Their attacking prowess sets the stage for an intense showdown against India.
3. Past AFC Asian Cup Performances
In the previous edition of the AFC Asian Cup, Australia showcased their prowess by reaching the quarter-finals. In contrast, India finished third in their group, setting the stage for a redemption quest in the current tournament.
4. Tournament Triumphs
Australia boasts the title of AFC Asian Cup champions, securing victory in 2015. This pedigree adds to their status as formidable contenders in the upcoming clash against India.
5. Glorious Past for India
While India seeks to make a mark in the present, it’s essential to reminisce about their past achievements. The Blue Tigers finished as runners-up in the AFC Asian Cup in 1964, reminding fans of the nation’s footballing legacy as they face the challenges of the current tournament.
Form Check: Recent Performances Leading up to Australia vs. India
Australia
In the run-up to the AFC Asian Cup clash against India, Australia showcases a formidable recent form with an impressive sequence of results: Win-Win-Win-Win-Loss. The Socceroos’ consistent string of victories punctuated by a lone defeat underscores their resilience and sets the stage for an intense battle against the Blue Tigers.
India
India faces the challenge of overcoming a recent dip in form, reflected in their performance record: Loss-Win-Loss-Loss-Loss. As the Blue Tigers gear up for a crucial encounter with Australia, the team led by Igor Stimac aims to turn the tide and secure a positive result against the odds.
Potential Lineups for Australia vs. India Clash
India (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: N. Poojari, S. Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, R. Bheke
Midfielders: S. Wangjam, L. Ralte, L. Chhangte, S. Abdul Samad, A. Thapa
Forward: S. Chhetri
Australia (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: J. Gauci
Defenders: J. Bos, C. Burgess, H. Souttar, G. Jones
Midfielders: C. Goodwin, J. Irvine, A. O’Neil, C. Metcalfe
Forwards: S. Silvera, M. Duke
Key Players to Keep an Eye on in Australia vs. India Clash
India – Sunil Chhetri
All eyes will be on Sunil Chhetri, the heartbeat of the Indian team. As the captain and the record-holder for both caps and goals for the Blue Tigers, Chhetri brings unparalleled experience and scoring prowess. With an impressive tally of 93 international goals, his influence extends beyond scoring, showcasing exceptional positioning in the box. In the Indian Super League, Chhetri has maintained his form with two goals and two assists in ten matches this season, making him the linchpin of the Indian team.
Australia – Mitchell Duke
For the Indian side, a player to approach with caution is Mitchell Duke. Stepping into the spotlight after Leckie’s injury, Duke has become the primary striker for Australia. His goal-scoring prowess is evident with 10 goals in 34 matches this season. Jhingan and the Indian defense must be vigilant, as Duke exhibits comfort with both feet, making him a versatile and potent threat on the field.
Read More: Top 5 Players With The Highest Goals for A Single Premier League Club
Australia vs. India Head-to-Head and Prediction
Head-to-Head History
In a clash dating back to the pre-independence era, India and Australia have crossed paths nine times, with five encounters occurring in that historical period. Australia holds the upper hand in the rivalry, securing five victories, while India has notched three wins. The remaining match concluded in a draw, adding an element of unpredictability to their encounters.
Prediction: Australia 2-0 India
Considering the historical dominance and the current form of both teams, Australia emerges as the favored side in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup clash against India. The prediction points towards a 2-0 victory for the Socceroos. The challenges faced by the Indian team, including players recovering from injuries, contribute to the prevailing sentiment favoring Australia.
When & Where to Watch Live in India: Telecast & Streaming Details
Broadcast Channels: Sports 18
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema
Date: 13th January, 2024
Kick-off Time: 05:00 PM IST
