Sunil Chhetri Urges Team Focus After India's 2-0 Defeat to Australia in AFC Asian Cup Opener
India Captain Acknowledges Challenges, Looks Ahead to Uzbekistan Match
India football team captain forward Sunil Chhetri has advised colleagues to look forward and focus on the match against Uzbekistan following the 2-0 setback to heavyweights Australia in their AFC Asian Cup opener.
In the first half, the Blue Tigers fought hard to stave off the Asian giants to a goalless draw.
However, goals by Craig Irwine (50th) and substitute Jordan Bos (73rd) proved to be enough for Australia, the pre-quarterfinalists for the 2022 World Cup.
"This game has advantages and disadvantages. Playing against the strongest squad in Asia is difficult, Chhetri admitted to the-aiff.com.
It's a jumble of emotions at the moment. We might become more self-assured and focus on the things we could have done better after watching the recordings, he said.
"We are not used to playing sides like these, as we don’t play against them very often, so you never know what to expect."
Chhetri stated the focus is now on their Group B match against Uzbekistan on Thursday.
"They may not be Australia, but Uzbekistan is still a positive side. Thus, that game will also be a significant obstacle, he continued. Late on Saturday night, Uzbekistan and Syria played to a scoreless draw.
Igor Stimac, head coach, declared, "I am proud of my boys." They demonstrated that they are a group of sincere, diligent individuals who will do whatever we ask of them.
India demonstrated their ability to overcome a team ranked 77 places higher in the FIFA World Rankings by defeating a squad ranked 102nd.
"Having to play teams like these is frustrating. Without an Australian squad of such caliber, that most likely would not have been the case, according to Stimac.
"We did not do well in the second half. We were unable to escape the zone. The Australian players were expected to perform well. They are prepared for the game, therefore I am pleased with the outcome overall.
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