In the upcoming 2023 AFC Asian Cup, India is gearing up to face formidable opponents like Australia and Uzbekistan in the group stage. Sunil Chhetri, the experienced captain of the Indian football team, acknowledges the challenges but sees it as a valuable opportunity for the squad’s growth.
Sunil Chhetri recognizes that Australia and Uzbekistan are at a level comparable to the FIFA World Cup Team, making these matches a crucial test for India. Despite acknowledging the higher level of these opponents, Chhetri is optimistic about the Indian team’s ability to measure up against such football powerhouses.
“It’s a massive tournament for us, purely because we get to rub shoulders with the best in Asia. Teams like Australia and Uzbekistan are probably of the World Cup level, so you can test yourself against them,” says Chhetri, emphasizing the significance of facing top-tier teams.
Having participated in the 2011 edition of the Asian Cup, where India suffered a 4-0 defeat to Australia, Chhetri notes the improved understanding of teams like Australia within the current squad. He highlights that the detailed knowledge of the opponents, lacking in 2011, is now a strength for the team.
“We did not have much knowledge of the Australian team back then. Not when compared to the minute details we have now,” Chhetri adds, underlining the preparation and analysis that the team has undergone in anticipation of the tournament.
Chhetri believes that recent World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies have played a crucial role in boosting the squad’s confidence and eliminating the “fear factor” against top teams. The captain expresses confidence in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level, showcasing the progress made since the 2011 Asian Cup.
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup, initially scheduled in China, faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was subsequently moved to Qatar. Despite these hurdles, the tournament is now set to kick off on January 12, 2024, with the final scheduled for February 10. Indian football enthusiasts eagerly await the team’s performance on the continental stage, with Sunil Chhetri leading the charge with optimism and determination.
Fixtures Of The AFC Asian Cup
| Date | Tournament | Fixture | Time (IST) |
| 13/01/24 | AAC | Australia vs India | 5: 00 PM |
| 18/01/24 | AAC | India vs Uzbekistan | 8: 00 PM |
| 23/01/24 | AAC | Syria vs India | 5 : 00 PM |
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