India showed discipline in defence but lacked creativity while forward as they went down 2-0 against the mighty Australia in the AFC Asian Cup 2024. After a goalless first-half, Australia scored twice after the break.
After the experienced Jackson Irvine rattled the net making most of an error by Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh Sadhu in the 50th minute, rookie Jordan Bos scored with his first touch of the game in the 73rd minute.
Sandhu came out of line to connect to a high cross from the right. He had a hand on the ball but could neither get hold of it nor was he able to palm it away further. The ball fell to Irvine whose left-footed shot went past the crowded Indian defence to bulge the net.
Substitute Riley McGree outpaced Lalengmawia Ralte on the right side and he sent a cross for Bros to fire in Australia's second goal.
Despite the mistake leading to the opener, Sandhu was solid in front of the post for India, as he rushed to collect the ball before Australian attacks could develop and denied multiple shots on goal including a close-range free kick.
India's best chance came in the first half when captain Sunil Chhetri managed to meet a ball that fell kindly before him despite being encircled by three defenders. A solo run on the right wing was deflected and reached the Indian captain but his header went wide to the dismay of Indian fans who showed up in good numbers.
Sandesh Jhingan-led Indian defence line frustrated the Socceroos throughout the first 45 minutes. He was injured in an attempt to clear away a corner kick in the first half but carried on with a bandage. Despite conceding twice, the Blue Tigers put up a good fight -- ensuring the contest was not going to be a walk in the park for the superior opponents.
While the former champions fired as many as 28 shots on goal (6 on target), India's tally was 4 -- with just one on target. The Indians would not be too disappointed by the margin of loss. Perhaps, they would be happy to have conceded just two goals, which may prove beneficial later on when the third-place team is decided from the group.
The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides from across six groups, progress to the knockout round of 16. A knock-round berth will be a huge achievement for India.
Stimac had told his players before the Australia match to remain compact defensively and avoid giving away set-pieces if they wanted to deny the physically and technically much superior Australians from scoring goals.
His wards executed his plans to the 'T' in respect to the first instruction but were less successful in the second as the Australians got enough set pieces, though most of them were corner kicks, to score. But to the credit of the Indians, they did not concede any goal from the set pieces.
- With PTI inputs