The Indian Men’s National Football Team will compete in AFC Asian Cup 2023 which will be held in Qatar from 12th January. This is only the fifth time in the history of the competition that they have qualified for the event. India begin their campaign with a tough fixture against 2015 champions Australia at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on 13th January. The Blue Tigers have been drawn in a group of death alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria where they find themselves as the lowest ranked side. The Indians have their work cut out for them if they are to qualify for the knockout stages – a feat which they have never achieved before (1964 does not count as only four teams participated).
The excitement surrounding India is palpable and the team is rearing to go under Head Coach Igor Stimac and Captain Sunil Chettri. With an exciting squad having a healthy mix of youngsters and experience, the question is can India qualify for the knockouts this time around or will they face disappointment for the fifth time.
India’s tryst with the Asian Cup
India took part in the Asian Cup for the first time in 1964 where they benefited from withdrawals. In a four team tournament, India finished as runners up behind Israel. This campaign is etched in memories of Indian football fans for the attacking flair and skill shown by the team.
It took another 20 years before India qualified for the Asian Cup in 1984. Drawn into a tough group with China, Iran, UAE, and hosts Singapore, India put up a valiant fight. Despite their efforts, they lost three games and drew against Iran in a hard fought goalless draw. They finished bottom of their group. After this, Indian football faded away on the continental stage for another 27 years.
Their long awaited comeback to the Asian Cup was in 2011 thanks to a thumping hattrick by Sunil Chettri in the final of the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup against Tajikistan. Encouraged by the form of Indian Legend Bhaichung Bhutia, the Blues entered the tournament with hope. However, the campaign ended in disappointment with India losing all three group stage matches and halting the dream for continental glory.
After an eight year long wait, India made it back into the AFC Asian Cup group stages under Coach Stephen Constantine where they were paired alongside hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain in the previous edition of the tournament. The Blues started the campaign emphatically with a thumping 4-1 win over Thailand thanks to a double from captain Chettri. This was their first win in the competition since 1964.
However, India lost their next game 0-2 against UAE before facing Bahrain in the final group stage match. India were knocked out in devastating fashion after conceding a 91st minute penalty. They finished bottom of the group with three points, with India again enduring heartbreak.
The Build Up
In May 2019, The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced Igor Stimac as the new Head Coach after the departure of Constantine. Under Stimac, Indian Football has gone through a transition and rapid progression. Under his guidance, the Blue Tigers finished third in their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification Group, their highest since the 2002 World Cup Qualifications. While this meant they didn’t qualify for the World Cup, it did guarantee them a place in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. This was the first time India has qualified twice in a row for the AFC Asian Cup.
In 2023, India went on an undefeated run of 11 matches during which time they also won three titles – The Tri-Nation Cup, The InterContinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship. This is the most India have won in a calendar year. They also breached the top 100 in FIFA rankings briefly. Igor Stimac recently described India as a “Giant out of its slumber”. He also opined that it would take them another four years to enter the top 10 in Asia.
While the second half of the year was less than ideal, with exits from the King’s Cup and Merdeka Cup and a loss in a World Cup Qualifier against Qatar, it has still been a remarkable year for Indian Football. That being said, the Indian Team has had very little time to prepare compared to other teams in the competition despite the pleas of Stimac to release players early from the ISL season.
The Indian camp has been in good spirits throughout these setbacks and have even accepted the challenge of qualifying out of the group of death. Igor Stimac recently described India as a “Giant out of its slumber”. He also opined that it would take them another four years to enter the top 10 in Asia. Currently ranked 102nd, the Indians are definitely the favorites to finish bottom of the group.
Players to watch
Gurpreet Sandhu – The tallest keeper in the tournament will have his hands full (literally) trying to help his team through the group stages. While the Bengaluru FC keeper’s saves won’t be enough, they could be the difference if the team has to punch above its weight.
Rahul Bheke – Since the injury to Anwar Ali, Stimac has relied upon the Mumbai City FC Centre Back to partner Sandesh Jhingan in the heart of the defense. While Jhingan is renowned for his physicality and leadership, he is also known to be lacking in pace. This is where Bheke steps in to cover for him during counters as well as set pieces.
Lalengmawia Ralte – Popularly known as Apuia, the Mumbai City FC midfielder is the engine room of the midfield and will be tasked with breaking up play and progressing the ball from deep. He would have partnered with Jeakson in a double pivot, but the Kerala Blasters midfielder is ruled out through a shoulder injury. That responsibility will fall on Bengaluru FC’s Suresh Singh instead.
Lallianzuala Chhangte – Given Stimac’s style of play, the Mumbai City winger will arguably be the most important player in the side. As one of the fittest players in the squad, Chhangte will be tasked with covering the left side, helping out in defense and creating chances with his pace and acceleration.
Sunil Chettri – While this one is obvious, it is nevertheless important to talk about the role of our captain. Age has proved to be just a number for the veteran forward who continues to break records. He is currently the third highest active goal scorer in international football, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (you might have heard of them). Given that India are arguably going to play most of their matches off the ball, individual brilliance will become invaluable. This is where the instinct and experience of Chettri are important. He has also proven to be an inspirational leader, having become the face of Indian football through his passion and performances. India will need him to score goals they are to progress to the Round of 16.
India will have to defend like a team and be clinical in their attacks if they are to stand any chance of making it to the knockouts.
Predicted XI
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu(GK); Akash Mishra, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary; Lalengmawia Ralte, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte; Sunil Chhetri (C)
Strengths
This Indian side is one of the most balanced in recent years and has a clear style of play. They defend as a team and counter quickly, often relying on long balls and the pace of the wingers and full backs. They also have the element of surprise on their side with relatively little playing experience on the continental stage. While being the lowest ranked team in the group, other teams should not misjudge India based on their ranking. Under Stimac, the Blue Tigers have been a tough side to beat, boasting a good defensive record. Fan expectations are also tempered given the tough challenge and therefore the team are under no pressure which could also benefit them.
Challenges
The overreliance of India on the 39 year old Chettri to score goals and the failure of other strikers to step up is a cause for worry. While this has been an issue for some years, it should have been resolved by now. Regardless of his poor form in the ISL, the Indian captain always turns up when playing for the national side. If the opponents were to find a way to mark him out of the game, India would struggle to score goals. The team is also missing out on important players like Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Rohit Kumar, and Ashique Kurinyan through injury.
Schedule
Australia vs India on 13th January at 5 pm IST at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
India vs Uzbekistan on 18th January at 8 pm IST at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
Syria vs India on 23rd January at 5 pm IST at the Al Bayt Stadium.
The AFC Asian Cup matches will be telecast live on the Sports18 Network. Live streaming will be available through the JioCinema app and website.
What to expect
While football has a huge following in the country, Indian football is still a niche with a dedicated fanbase while the vast majority of Indians have a fleeting interest in the exploits of Indian footballers. For most, they follow due to feelings of patriotism and national pride. While I don’t blame them for it (rants for another post), now is the time to don your Indian jerseys. If we want to see Indian football flourish, it starts with us. Hold no expectations of glory as our players will be facing a tough challenge in the group of death. Whatever happens, we should be proud of the team for making it this far. So forget about Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal for a few days. Fans of these clubs are anyways being set up for disappointment. Fans of other clubs can surely support India as well till the 23rd January (maybe till 10th February). Indian football has awoken from its slumber and it needs its loyal fans to ensure it doesn’t doze off again.
Wish the Blues the Best. And keep it up Achalesh your blogging superb
Great blog Achalesh…Best wishes to Blues.
Best wishes to Achalesh for blogging. Keep it up
Good update Achalesh for this milestone for Indian football !
Best of luck to India for first match today !
Excellent analysis from Achalesh on the India team, it’s strengths player wise and challenges to overcome ..
The finishing point is the most important for many a football lover in the nation.. Indian football will definitely come up 🙏👌🇮🇳..
Let’s keep Cheering
Best wishes
Gr8 writeup Achalesh, kudos 2 U.
Best wishes to the Indian team 👏 💐😊
Insightful article.
Wishing our team all the luck.
Best of luck to Indian Team
Nice update Mr.Achalesh
5th time luck should definitely pave way for Indian Champs. Your blog will be an added strength to the Indian team and they are definitely lucky to have you as their blogger. You have well conceptualized the strengths the entire team from our tall goal keeper to fast forward players which can be visualized and it’s like watching the game. Best wishes to team India and to Achalesh in ur journey.
5th time luck should definitely pave way for Indian Champs. Your blog will be an added strength to the Indian team and they are definitely lucky to have you as their blogger. You have well conceptualized the strengths the entire team from our tall goal keeper to fast forward players which can be visualized and it’s like watching the game. Best wishes to team India and to Achalesh in ur journey.
Superb analysis and viewpoint. Great to see.
Nice writing Achalesh . Keep it up .
Best wishes to team India.
Dear [Blog Writer],
I thoroughly enjoyed your comprehensive analysis of the Indian Men’s National Football Team’s journey to the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Your blend of historical context and current squad assessment provides readers with a rich narrative of India’s football endeavors.
Your recognition of the team’s ‘group of death’ scenario is aptly noted, and you’ve rightly identified the palpable excitement that surrounds the team’s prospects under the guidance of Head Coach Igor Stimac and Captain Sunil Chettri. Highlighting the mix of youth and experience within the squad sets a realistic tone for the challenges ahead while acknowledging the strides Indian football has made.
Your spotlight on key players like Gurpreet Sandhu, Rahul Bheke, Lalengmawia Ralte, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Sunil Chettri adds a personal touch to the narrative, helping fans connect with the team on a deeper level. The inclusion of predicted line-ups and tactical insights also demonstrates a strong grasp of the team’s strategic approach.
I admire your call to action for Indian football supporters to rally behind the team, emphasizing national pride over club allegiances. This reflects a deep understanding of the cultural nuances that influence sports fandom in India.
Your final rallying cry for support is a passionate and commendable effort to galvanize the fanbase. Your professional yet engaging writing style is a credit to sports journalism.
The wonderful Blog on AFC Asian Cup -2023 very well written by Mr Achlesh.. ..
Many Congratulations!
The brief history with strength & challenges of our Team is very well conveyed to the reader. The reader even if doesn’t follow the Football Game will understand in to to about the Indian Football Team.
Keep writing such informative and wonderful Blogs… will certainly creat many more fan following of Football in the country.
Keep up Good work….. of writing Blogs.
Wishing you all the very Best….
Regards
Mr Zaveri
Wonderful and Informative Blog. Blues will definitely come up .
Very well articulated Achalesh. Best wishes for your future blogs.
Cheers to team India!
Bleed Blue !!! All the best..Nice article !
Excellent!!Dear Akhlesh Best of luck to team India
Excellent Analysis. Keep it up . I appreciate your patience, perseverance & passion. Wish you good luck & many more success..
Excellent Analysis. Keep it up . I appreciate your patience, perseverance & passion. Wish you good luck & many more success..
Wonderful analysis by the young blogger.
Let’s cheer for men in blue
Carry on. All the best
Excellent analysis, neat and crisp and very well articulated. Thoroughly enjoyed your indepth insight on the finer nuances of the game. Makes for a very good reading. You have the uncanny ability to keep the readers engrossed with your narrative. Superb Achalesh!! All the best and keep blogging. Bleed blue…
Found this blog quite insightful,For Football to gain more popularity in our country,we need such writers who can provide the necessary hype & built up that tournaments where India is participating needs.
The remarkable things about this piece is it covers of the India’s past performances in a subtle manner ,which means that if someone has just started taking interest in the game,he would also have all the necessary info.Loved it
Swagat
What a detailed analysis! Well done and keep it up, Achalesh.
The blog is quite insightful, past performances have been very subtly put ,this ensures that if someone has just developed a love for the game,he has all necessary info to further draw him into this
Secondly,to make football more popular in our country,we need such kind of hype& build up before big tournaments
Loved it & All the Best to Team India
All the best for India. Good blog Achalesh. Your blogging skill is awesome. I have read all your blogs. You can be a great sports journo.
Meticulous yet crisp …. Well articulated !
Common Team India…all the Best….
Well drafted with good update..
Best wishes to Indian team.
Nice write up Acalesh! I join you in wishing the Indian team the very best in this tournament.
Best wishes to you Achalesh for blogging. Good blog.
Well articulated and very comprehensive analysis! Best wishes to the Indian team.
Nice and informative blog.
Like the Indian teams of the past, I was also in a deep slumber about AFC .
This blog acted like a dose fire from Mr Stimac.
Wishing the Indian team all the very best.
By the time I wrote results of the first match were known.
ATB
AyyappanS
All the best wishes to team in Blue…..your determination and hardwork will surely lead to greener pastures.
Superb depiction of India’ standing by Achalesh. You made it more interesting. Best wishes to you too.
Wonderful and very well described blog
Pingback: East Bengal win Kalinga Super Cup: End 12 year wait - DribbleSensei