AFC Asian Cup 2023, India 0-2 Australia: Social Media Lauds Blue Tigers' Valiant Effort Despite Opener Loss

Second-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos gave Australia a 2-0 win over India in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 group stage. The Blue Tigers defended like warriors, however, earning the admiration of the internet

Outlook Sports Desk

Updated on: 13 January 2024 8:08 pm

AFC Asian Cup 2023, India 0-2 Australia: Sunil Chhetri, Nikhil Poojary challenge Kye Rowles

The Indian football team went down fighting to Australia in their AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener. The Blue Tigers defended steadfastly in the first half, but conceded through an error immediately after the interval, before conceding another later on. Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos scored the goals for the Socceroos, propelling them to the top of the Group B table for the time being.?(As It Happened |?Football News)

Igor Stimac's men started strongly, with Lallianzuala Chhangte racing down the wing to carve out a half-chance in the opening minutes of the match. Sunil Chhetri missed a gilt-edged opportunity later, as he failed to guide a cross from the right past Matt Ryan in the Australia goal.?

As the match progressed, India set themselves in a low block to guard the area in and around their box, inviting pressure onto themselves. However, they defended bravely, putting their bodies on the line when necessary, which earned the praise of the Indian football fans on the internet, in spite of the loss.?

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Kudos to the #BlueTigers who put up a brave fight today vs Australia. Let’s go again on Thursday ??#AUSvIND #AsianCup2023 #IndianFootball #MBSG pic.twitter.com/n0qGbLkqeI
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) January 13, 2024

Hard fought game. showed grit and strength and managed to stop them nil at half time.

Win or lose this game shows the mentality

Always Believe in IndianFootball ????

But I'm sure once we get an opportunity to celebrate our victory ??

Long way to go #IndianFootball #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/JWoOsaNoBd
— Lakshmanan Narayanan (@Lakshmanan0004) January 13, 2024

We gave it our all in the game but unfortunately today was not our day. ????#AsianCup2023 #BlueTigers ?? #IndianFootball ? #AFCAsianCup2023 #AFCAsianCup #AUSvsIND #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/tLKJM70RIM
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) January 13, 2024

?? Team India has certainly worked a lot on the defence, no doubt. Next attack.#IndianFootball https://t.co/fnUBaD0NG4
— _Tenny ?? (@tenn_yyy) January 13, 2024

We will beat Uzbekistan and Syria.#Indianfootball pic.twitter.com/EmU1So3MCK
— Ashwin_mcfc (@cityfanmumbai) January 13, 2024

A very good game by us. That first half is the most beautiful half we have played in recent times. Rock solid defending and the scoreline could've been different if we didn't concede that first goal. But I'm proud of my team. ?????? #IndianFootball #asiancup2023 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Zo9ALEUP53
— Supriyo Chakraborty (@supriyo_10) January 13, 2024

??????
#indianfootball pic.twitter.com/8wDR7Vf5LI
— Ajin (@AjinJos07170361) January 13, 2024

AFC Asian Cup 2023, India 0-2 Australia - Details

Line-ups?

India?-?Sunil Chhetri (C), Gurpreet Singh (GK), Rahul Bheke, Subhashish Bose, Sandesh Jhingan, Suresh Singh, Manvir Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Lalengmawia Apuia, Nikhil Poojary, Deepak Tangri

Australia?- Matt Ryan (C/GK), Kye Rowles, Martin Boyle, Connor Metcalfe, Mitchell Duke, Aziz Behich, Keanu Baccus, Harry Souttar, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin, Gethin Jones

Score?

India?0-2?Australia; Irvine (50'), Bos (73').?

India will face Uzbekistan next in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 on January 18, 2024. Five days later, they will play Syria in their final group game.?