Australia 2-0 India: AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener ends in defeat for Blues

Australia defeated India in their opening match at the AFC Asian Cup 2023, marking yet another defeat for the Blue Tigers at the hands of the Socceroos. Their last encounter on the opening day of the Asian Cup ended 4-0. But this time, India defended resolutely to keep the scoreline respectful. 

The first half ended 0-0 with Australia having almost all of the ball, while India’s only time in possession was when they were clearing the ball. The second half saw Igor Stimac’s men go behind early, as Jackson Irvine scored in the 50th minute to finally break the deadlock. 

India lose AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener to Australia 

After four changes in the span of ten minutes for Australia, substitute Jordan Bos came off the bench to get on the scoresheet. Bos scored with his first touch of the game, after being found free on the far post for an easy finish to score his debut national team goal.

India had only four shots in total during the entire game, with only one tame effort on target in the first half from Suresh Singh. By the numbers, Australia had 72% possession in the game, but it felt differently, as they were the only team on the front foot. 

But, Igor Stimac will have plenty of positives to take away from the game especially in terms of defending. The Blue Tigers will next face Uzbekistan on 18 January, while Australia will face Syria in their next game of their Asian Cup campaign.