The 2023 AFC Asian Cup kicks off in January 2024. Originally planned for June to July 2023 in China, the schedule shifted. This year’s edition will feature 24 teams, a bump from the previous format, with Qatar defending its title.
Group B features what many see as one of the favourites for the cup – Australia. They will be looking to prove why they are the highest-ranked FIFA team in this group. Uzbekistan and Syria, both solid teams with their strengths, are also in the mix. But all eyes are on India, especially their captain, Sunil Chhetri, as he gears up for his last international tournament. With Chhetri leading the charge, hopes are high for some standout performances from the Blue Tigers.
Syria
Syria, who have yet to be beaten by India, arrive at the Asian Cup with a point to prove. A disastrous 2019 campaign meant they are currently ranked 90th after finishing bottom of their group and are on a current losing streak of two, an improvement over the seven consecutive losses they faced in 2022.
Guided by experienced coach Hector Cuper, affectionately known as “Cabezón”, he has managed notable clubs like Inter and Uzbekistan. Syria will be an organised unit, who many teams will find hard to break defensively.
The attacking duo in Omar Khirbin and Omar Al-Somah, who both scored in the World Cup playoff games, will be key in Syria getting any results from the group stages.
As one of the most productive centre forwards in the Middle East, Al Somah – or the ‘Syrian Ibrahimovic’ – should play as an out-and-out classical striker, proving to be deadly in the box and from set pieces. Much of the Syrian play stems from the strike partnership in Al Somah and his link up play with Khribin.
Having been knocked out of the Asian Cup in 2019 due to a 93rd minute goal from Tom Rogic, the Qasioun Eagles will be looking for revenge this time round.
Australia
Among the teams competing in India’s group, Australia emerges as a formidable contender. This team, one of the two World Cup qualifiers from the group, brings a rich football heritage and a history of success on the international stage. Asian Cup winners in 2015 under Ange Postecoglou, punters would be silly to count this team out, with the odds of winning available with Indian bookmakers.
Under the guidance of experienced coach Graham Arnold, the Socceroos prioritise scoring goals, perhaps influenced by Arnolds’ former career, and operate primarily with a 4-3-2-1 or 4-5-1 against stronger attacking sides to ensure more defensive stability.
Jordan Bos could be the player to watch for Australia. The young full back won the A- League Young Player of the Year award, being known for his attacking ability, completing 141 dribbles throughout the 2022/23 A-League Men season and carrying the ball for a startling 6637 metres during the 2022/23 season. Despite his attacking prowess, Bos is still an incredibly capable defender. Fans of the Socceroos should watch out for his spacial awareness and ability to turn his body, especially when under pressure.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, a consistent presence in the AFC Asian Cup since gaining independence, enters the competition with aspirations of making a significant impact. With a storied football history, this team is set on recapturing the glory they achieved in the 1994 Asian Games.
Spearheaded by standout striker Eldor Shomurodov, who plies his trade in Serie A with Spezia, and Jaloliddin Masharipov (a teammate of Ronaldo’s), Uzbekistan are not short of talented forwards.
The partnership between Shomurodov and Masharipov adds an exciting dimension. They are talented and experienced players who have played well in Europe and Asia. They understand each other’s movements and strengths well and can create problems for any defence with their speed, dribbling, and finishing. They are also versatile, as they can play different positions and roles depending on the situation. As a team, they have scored 18 goals in their last 8 matches.
Uzbekistan coach Srecko Katanec implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation that relies on quick transitions from defence to attack, using their wingers’ and striker’s pace and skills. They also have a solid defensive line that can cope with physical and aerial threats from opponents. They are sound defensively, as they have conceded only four goals in their last eight matches.
Despite limited competitive exposure recently, Uzbekistan aims to showcase its potential on the grand stage of the Asian Cup.
India
The legendary Sunil Chhetri, a cornerstone of Indian football, is gearing up for his final outing in the Asian Cup. A seven-time AIFF Player of the Year, Sunil Chhetri stands out as India’s top goal-scorer with 93 goals in 142 matches for India. His contribution throughout the years was why India found themselves able to compete in the Asian Cup in 2011 after a 27 year absence.
With a further 244 goals domestically, Chhetri’s record is unparalleled in the I-League. The Secunderabad-born striker began his professional journey with Mohun Bagan in 2002 and remained in the I League until 2010, where he took his skills overseas, playing for the Kansas City Wizards in USA’s Major League Soccer.
Despite Chhetri’s goal scoring prowess, India are still considered heavy outsiders by many Indian bookmakers – relying on an aging forward who may not have much left to give the team. Time will tell if Sunil has another great tournament in him. As the curtains possibly draw on Chhetri’s illustrious Asian journey, the Indian team, seen by many as underdogs, is determined to leave an indelible mark on the competition.
Conclusion
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup is set to be a chapter of extraordinary moments and unexpected triumphs. With Group B’s blend of diverse talents, strategies, and ambitions, the tournament promises an intoxicating mix of competitiveness that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In this symphony of football excellence, Sunil Chhetri’s last dance with the Indian team adds a poignant note. His legacy as an inspirational leader and prolific goal scorer will undoubtedly impact India’s football journey.
With the world watching these teams collide in pursuit of greatness, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup is a testament to the unifying power of sports, where nations and cultures converge to celebrate the beautiful game.
