India opened their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 0-2 loss against Australia in their Group B encounter. Jackson Irvine capitalised on a Gurpreet Singh Sandhu error to open the scoring for the Socceroos in the 50th minute, before substitute Jordan Bos scored with his first touch in the 73rd minute to seal the game for Australia.
India started the game quite well, appearing quite threatening on the counter while keeping their shape to deny all of Australia's attempts. Sunil Chhetri had a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring for India in the 16th minute, heading the ball wide with the goal at his mercy, after Souttar missed Poojary's cross from the right. Gurpreet nearly gifted Australia the opener in the 21st minute with a panicked clearance, but Craig Goodwin and Conor Metcalfe conspired to miss the goal with Gurpreet scrambling.
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India did go into the break with the score at 0-0, as they produced a stellar defensive effort to thwart the multitude of crosses, and corners from Australia.
However, five minutes into the second half, Australia had the lead as Gurpreet flapped at a cross from the right with one arm and only managed to palm it right to Irvine in the box. The Australian midfield took a touch and slotted it past Gurpreet and two defenders on the line to open the scoring. India looked deflated after conceding and were dealt the final blow in the 73rd minute. Substitutes Riley McGree and Jordan Bos combined, with the former bursting past Subhasish Bose and then measuring a low cross from the byline towards Bos, who slotted it into the net with his left foot.
The game was done as a contest after that, with Australia holding India off with ease to seal their 2-0 win.
Reaction
Sandesh Jhingan, India:
We are disappointed - but when you come up against a World Cup side, it's always going to be difficult. There are a lot of things to learn from the game. Some of the things we are proud of as well. I want to thank all the fans who came to support us. We've got two more group games to progress so we'll focus on that now.
Eight years ago we were 173-175 [in the FIFA rankings]. Now we're consecutively in the Asian Cup and doing well in the FIFA rankings. It's not just the team, it's the whole country. The fans are a massive part of it as we continue to grow. We stick together, that's what Indians are known for, and we aim for the sky.
Matt Ryan, Australia:
There's always a bit of pressure on that first result so the most important thing was getting off to a winning start. There was a bit of rustiness which we'll look to improve on, but all in all it's a good first game. Our focus will turn to recovering before the Syria game. I'm sure we'll be better for the run-out tonight and we'll put in a better performance on Thursday.
You can relive action from the game, as it happened.