Australia and India, known for their cricket rivalry, will face off on the football field in the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup.
Australia, the defending champions, enters the tournament with high expectations after a strong qualifying performance.
India, aiming for redemption after a heartbreaking 2019 AFC Asian Cup, qualified for the tournament with three third-round wins.
Match Preview
Australia, coached by Graham Arnold, arrives at the AFC Asian Cup with elevated expectations following their impressive run in the 2019 World Cup.
The Socceroos have a strong record against Asian opponents, winning their last five competitive fixtures.
Ranked fourth in Asia, Australia aims to contend for the title, having won the AFC Asian Cup in 2015 and finishing as runners-up in 2011.
India, managed by Igor Stimac, qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the second consecutive time.
Despite downplaying the tournament’s significance, Stimac’s team seeks to make amends for their narrow exit in 2019. India enters as the lowest-ranked team in Group A but achieved success in regional competitions last year.
Team News
Australia faces injury setbacks with Mohamed Muntari and Osama Al Tairi ruled out. India adds support to Hassan Maatouk with the inclusion of Omar Bugiel and Daniel Lajud.
However, India misses out on Sweden’s Leonardo Chahine due to registration issues.
Predicted Lineups
Australia: (4-4-2)
Gauci;
Atkinson, Souttar, Burgess, Bos;
McGree, O’Neill, Irvine, Goodwin;
Duke, Boyle
India: (4-2-3-1)
Sandhu;
Poojary, Jhingan, Bheke, Bose;
Wangjam, Ralte;
N. Singh, Samad, Chhangte;
Chhteri
Prediction: Australia 2-0 India
Australia, with home advantage and a balanced squad, is favored to win. India, seeking redemption, faces a tough challenge. The prediction favors Australia with a 2-0 victory in the tournament opener.
