India lost to Australia 0-2 in the first match

Doha: The Indian football team faced a challenging start to its AFC Asian Cup campaign, losing 0-2 against Australia in the opening Group B match at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan. on Saturday.
Australia dominated the game throughout the game and won comfortably with goals from Craig Irwin (50′) and substitute Jordan Boas (73′).
India head coach Igor Stimac implemented three changes to his team after their 0-3 defeat to Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh and Deepak Tangri were given starts, with Mohun Bagan’s super giant midfielder Tangri making his debut.
Australia created the first chances of the game when full-back Aziz Behich fired a powerful shot from outside the box, which missed the target.
Graham Arnold’s side created another promising chance when Martin Boyle attempted a diving header from a cross, but Sandhu collected it easily.
India registered their first try in the 16th minute when Sunil Chhetri came close to giving India the lead. Nikhil Pujari’s cross was deflected into the box as he ran towards the byline and Chhetri’s header went narrowly wide.
Australia launched consistent attacks, but India’s defense, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke, remained strong and held its shape.

In injury time of the first half, India scored another try when Suresh Singh Wangjam won the ball high up the field and attempted a shot from 25 yards, but lacked the required punch and Australia goalkeeper Matt Ryan. Caught it easily.
India’s hard work in defense was exposed early in the second half when a lapse in concentration saw Sandhu miss a clearance from a corner, giving Irwin the chance to fire a fierce shot from close range to give the Socceroos the lead for good .
Australia continued to dominate and India struggled to create chances. However, during the 69th minute, a bizarre moment resulted in India almost conceding when a backpass looked destined for goal but changed direction, much to the relief of Arnold and his team.
Australia’s substitute players played a key role in the second goal, with Riley McGree providing a superb cutback for full-back Boas to find space at the far post.
Australia had more opportunities to extend their lead, including substitute Bruno Fornaroli’s free-kick which was blocked at the far post by Sandhu. Bose also missed the target with a low shot.
This is Australia’s second consecutive win against India, having previously defeated them 4–0 in the 2011 edition.
Looking ahead, India will take on Uzbekistan on Thursday as they aim to revive their AFC Asian Cup campaign. (ANI)