Men’s AFC Asian Cup: India take on Syria today

Doha (Qatar): Having lost its first two matches, the Indian men's football finds itself in a do-or-die situation as it gets ready to take on Syria in its last game of Group B at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 on Tuesday.

India currently stand at the bottom of Group B, having lost their first two matches against Australia (0-2) and Uzbekistan (0-3). Syria, who had played out a draw against Uzbekistan in their first game, currently have the advantage in the race to the third spot in the group. The four best third-placed teams from six groups, along with the top two teams from each group, will make it to the round of 16.

The equation is simple for the Indians – they must get three points against Syria to secure the third spot and hope for the results in the other groups to go in their favour.

“We will try to keep playing our football. We have worked on changes in our mindset and our philosophy. Defeats are a part of the process, but our strength needs to be to bounce back from it,” India head coach Igor Stimac told the-aiff.com, on the eve of the game.

“We are excited to play our football and the only way to bring the culture of the game to different parts of India is through playing good football, to pass, to keep the ball, and to score goals,” he said.

While the Blue Tigers played their first two matches at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Doha, they will be travelling to the city of Al Khor, to face Syria at the picturesque Al Bayt Stadium. “We are excited to play the match at Al Bayt. Hopefully, that venue will bring us more luck,” said Stimac.

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