India vs Saudi Arabia: The Blue Tigers’ amazing campaign in Hangzhou comes to an end. Sunil Chhetri and his teammates were defeated 2-0 in the Asian Games round of 16. The Indian Men’s Football squad has been eliminated from the men’s competition. Saudi Arabia defeated the Blue Tigers 2-0 thanks to Khalil Marran’s brace in the second half.
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India vs Saudi Arabia XI
India
Dheeraj Singh (GK), Abdul Rabeeh, Chinglensana Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Lachunnunga,Narender Gahlot, Gurkirat Singh, Amarjit Singh, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali
Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Al Jubaya, Abu Alshamat Mohammed Waheeb, Alyami Mohammed, Zakaria Siraj, Rayan Mohhamed, Faisal Abdulrahman, Saad Fahad, Ahmed Mazen, Awad Haider, Musab Fahad, Mohammed Marran.
India vs Saudi Arabia Preview
Given that Saudi Arabia is one of Asia’s football powerhouses, this match provides a huge challenge for India. They are ranked 57th in the world, while India is placed 102nd. The two sides last met in the Asian Games quarter-finals in 1982, with Saudi Arabia winning by a single goal in New Delhi.
After a 1-1 draw against a resilient Myanmar team, the Indian men’s team advanced to the round of 16. The Blue Tigers were awarded a penalty in the first half after Rahim Ali was clipped from behind in the area, which was converted by skipper Sunil Chhetri.
The team arrived barely a day before the game, without adequate rest, training, or preparation throughout the group stage. The Indian squad had three days to prepare, and the first training sessions had been done since their arrival in China.
With a more established squad, the Blue Tigers are believed to be in much better shape. However, Saudi Arabia is such a formidable foe that even the best preparation may fall short.
Saudi Arabia finished second in their group, behind Iran on goal differential. However, they did not lose a single game and only surrendered once. They held Iran to a scoreless draw. The Green Falcons then defeated Mongolia 3-0 and Vietnam 3-1 to finish first in their group.
Saudi Arabia is in excellent form, and it will take something extraordinary from India to defeat them. They have a coach that has guided the squad, albeit the senior side. However to great accomplishments in the past, therefore a historic moment is possible.
Match Details:
- Tournament: Asian Games 2023 RO16
- Date: 28th September, 2023
- Kick-off: 5.00 PM IST
- Venue: Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou
- Live Streaming: India vs Saudi Arabia Live Streaming in Asian Games will be on Sony LIV.
- Live Telecast: The Asian Games 2023 Live Telecast will be on Sony Sports Network.
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