Indian Football Team had a not-so-dreamy start to the AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign. The Blue Tigers were handed an overwhelming 2-0 defeat at the hands of the 2015 champions Australia. Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos scored for Australia as they took the top spot in the Group B table.
The early minutes saw both teams pressuring keepers, setting a lively tone. Suresh’s precise through ball in the 3rd minute narrowly missed connecting with Sunil Chhetri’s head, drawing cheers from Indian fans.
Australia initiated the 6th minute with Behich’s off-target shot, while India invited pressure in the 8th, promptly intercepted by Subhasish Bose. Chhangte led a promising charge in the 9th, delivering a low cross, but Manvir couldn’t capitalize.
Australia cranked up the pressure, Gurpreet’s dodgy goal kick gifting them a chance, but thankfully it amounted to a stroll in the park for the keeper. The Socceroos controlled possession, but India, playing like a pack of hungry wolves, kept them at bay.
A lapse in Aussie defence in the 28th almost handed India the lead, but Boyle’s effort fizzled, and then Metcalfe’s gazelle-like run was shut down by Poojary. Gurpreet, always the gambler, tried his luck from afar, but his shot didn’t pack enough punch. Australia kept bombarding, Goodwin raining crosses like fiery arrows, but Manvir kept the walls standing.
Despite the constant Aussie siege, India’s defence refused to crumble. Jhingan, the ultimate warrior, took a painful blow for the team after heading away a dangerous ball, forcing him to seek medical attention. At half-time, the score stood at 0-0, a testament to India’s resilience and grit.
However as the play resumed the momentum was short lived as i took the Soceroos only 5 minutes to open scoring . From the left, a cross found its way into the box, where Gurpreet rushed out to collect but failed to secure the ball. Instead, it fell directly to Irvine, who, displaying composure, slotted it into the net, granting Australia a well-deserved lead.
Duke soon had an opportunity to double the lead from the box’s edge, but his hesitation allowed Bheke to close him down. Eventually, Duke attempted a shot from a tight angle, but Bheke blocked it, conceding a corner.
Australia was on the verge of an unusual goal concession as India pressed high. A backpass with excessive power headed towards goal, catching Ryan off his line. Fortunately, the ball changed its course, and Ryan recovered, averting a potential disaster.
Jordan Bos, a substitute, made an instant impact by scoring with his first touch. Mcgree exhibited strength in making a remarkable run into the Indian box. Spotting Bos free at the far-post, he delivered a precise pass, allowing Bos to easily finish and secure the goal and eventual win for Australia.
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