AFC Asian Cup: Former Captain Bhaichung Bhutia Hopeful Of India Beating Mighty Australia In Group B
Bengaluru: India have the firepower to upset higher-ranked Australia in their opening AFC Asian Cup 2024 encounter in Qatar on Saturday, felt former captain Bhaichung Bhutia. India are clubbed with title contenders Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in Group B. While India are currently ranked at 102 in FIFA Rankings, Australia hold the 25th spot.
India will start as clear underdogs at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium against mighty Australia, the 2015 champions, who have come here with ambitions of regaining the title and who won 4-0 in the 2011 edition group match in the only earlier clash between the two sides in the tournament.
“You never know. I will not be surprised if India get a good result tomorrow, I mean we have the team to surprise them. You know, Australia is not the Australia of a decade ago. We also have made progress as a team,” Bhutia told PTI. “Yes, it will be a tough match, but it is not an impossible task (to get a good result) for this side against them,” said the former captain.
K̶n̶o̶w̶Y̶o̶u̶r̶B̶l̶u̶e̶T̶i̶g̶e̶r̶ #KnowYourGOAT
Captain, Leader, Legend
These three words say more about @chetrisunil11‘s legacy than any numbers ever will #AsianCup2023 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/TOD276piBc
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 12, 2024
However, India will be missing the services of Ashique Kuruniyan, Jeakson Singh and Anwar Ali due to injuries. Bhutia added the absence of the India trio is likely to be felt, especially Kuruniyan who is a strong and versatile player and has the speed and skill. Having said that, Bhutia also hoped that other Indian players will rise to the occasion when it matters.
The Blue Tigers would also depend on talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri for goals. The 39-year-old, who is playing his third AFC Asian Cup – after 2011 and 2019 – has scored four goals in six games. “He (Chhetri) is a wonderful player. The need of the hour is to score goals and it is soothing to know that we have a dependable player in that department. Every team needs someone to get those crucial strikes,” he said.
Statistically, the two countries have played eight matches against each other with Australia having won four times and India thrice, with one game ending in a draw. All of India’s wins have, however, come before 1957.
The Indian men’s senior team is also playing for the first time under Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the match against Australia on Saturday. VAR technology will make its full debut in Qatar following its successful implementation from the quarter-final stage in the 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates.