AFC Asia Cup IND vs UZB
AFC Asia Cup IND vs UZB: India’s hopes for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 knockouts were a big blow with a 0-3 defeat against Uzbekistan at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. Uzbekistan proved to be too strong for the Indian men’s football team in the second match of Group B on Thursday. Uzbekistan, ranked 68th in the FIFA standings, scored three goals in the first half. Due to which Team India came under pressure. The Indian team was successful in impressing in the second half. In the second half, Team India sent the ball to the D several times, but the Uzbekistan goalkeeper made some brilliant saves, but the Uzbekistan team maintained its lead till full time.
How was the match?
The Blue Tigers are fourth in the Group B table without scoring any goals and will face Syria in the third match on January 23. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams from six groups will advance to the knockouts. In such a situation, India will have to win against Syria at any cost. At the same time, they will also have to trust their luck.
The Indian defense struggled to maintain its excellent form against Australia in the opening game and performed disappointingly on several occasions. After losing the first match, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa and Naoroem Mahesh came into the starting eleven for the Blue Tigers but star midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad remained out due to injury.
Uzbekistan took an early lead through number 10 Ebosbek Faizullayev, with Faizullayev delivering a cross from the right flank. Striker Igor Sergeev made the lead 2-0 after a brilliant effort from Faizullayev hit the back of the post. Sergeev had no problem finding the empty net. Due to which he penetrated the Indian defense very easily. The third goal of the game came shortly before the first-half whistle, when left-back Sherzod Nasrullaev beat Gurpreet Singh Sandhu with an easy header.
Starting 11 of both teams
India’s starting 11: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Nikhil Pujari, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra; Apuiya, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh; Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri (captain), Naoroem Mahesh
Uzbekistan starting 11: Utkir Yusupov, Umarbek Ashmurodov, Ashmurodov, Kushyaev, Nussarlev; Ostan Urunov, Shukurov Khamarobekov, Masharipov, Abbosbek Faizullev, Igor Sergeev
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