India will start off as underdogs against Australia, as the Blue Tigers take on the title contenders in their opening group match of the AFC Asian Cup in Al Rayyan, Qatar, today.
Clubbed with Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in Group B, India will have their task cut out to make the round of 16. The Bue Tigers were eliminated in the group stage in their last two appearances in 2011 and 2019.
India's hopes depend on the outcome of the match against Syria on January 23 as Australia (25th in FIFA ranking) and Uzbekistan (68th - January 18) are tough opponents.
A win against Syria can put India in the third place in the group, offering a chance for a knock-out round berth. The top two teams from each group, along with four best third-placed sides from across six groups, progress to the knockout round of 16.
India had beaten Syria in the 2007 and 2009 Nehru Cup tournaments.
Last Asian Cup for Chhetri
India are making their fifth appearance in the Asian Cup, and Chhetri, 39, will be playing in his third Asian Cup, after his 2011 and 2019 campaigns, having scored four goals in six matches - the most by an Indian.
Yamashita set to make history
The India-Australia match will see Japan's Yoshimi Yamashita creating history by becoming the first woman referee to take charge of a game in the Asian Cup.
India vs Australia head-to-head
The two countries have played eight matches against each other with Australia winning four and India three, and one game ending in a draw. All of India's wins have, however, come before 1957.
When and where to watch India vs Australia AFC Asian Cup match
The AFC Asian Cup 2024 matches will be telecast on the Sports18 network, and Jio Cinema app and website.
What time is the India vs Australia AFC Asian Cup match
The India vs Australia AFC Asian Cup match is at 5pm IST.
India's schedule at the AFC Asian Cup
January 13, 2024: Australia vs India; 5pm; Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
January 18, 2024: India vs Uzbekistan; 8pm; Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
January 23, 2024: Syria vs India; 5pm; Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
