AFC Asian Cup: India’s strong defensive show no match for Australia

Sunil Chhetri resolutely guarded the near post. His strike partner Manvir Singh was flying in to intercept a dangerous cross and head it away from the India goal. Sandesh Jhingan had a bandage wrapped on his forehead and took more blows on the body than Pujara did in that Gabba Test.

For 45 minutes, India’s players formed a blue-coloured wall in front of their goal and blocked everything that Australia threw at them. The Socceroos had 14 attempts on goal; the Blue Tigers only three; Australia enjoyed 72 per cent possession and earned 12 corners. But for all their slick passes, sneaky runs, delightful crosses and through balls, Australia couldn’t get past India’s last-ditch defending.

Yet, at half-time, when the two teams walked back with the scores – contrary to most expectations – level at 0-0, the questions really were – how long would it take for Australia to open the scoring; and would India be able to keep up the same focus for another 45 minutes?

Blood and sweat. We gave it our all. But it wasn't enough to get something from our #AsianCup2023 opener.

On to the next one in five days' time