In these ongoing qualification matches for the Qatar World Cup 2022, different football associations are hosting their respective tournaments. From AFC, South Korea successfully qualified for the Qatar World Cup for the 10th time in a row.
South Koreans ensured their berth after comfortably winning 2-0 over Syria in their Group A - AFC Qualifiers at Rashid Stadium in Dubai. This means that South Korea has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 10 times in a row and 11 in their allover participation.
Qatar World Cup 2022: The progression of the match
The match started with the South Koreans getting the early chances of the game; After Lee, Jae-Sung laid off a smart through ball for Jeong Woo-Yeung. However, the shot took a deflection and went for a corner.
But, it was the Syrians who opened the scoresheet after a brilliant assist from Mahmoud Al Mawas. Unfortunately, Omar Kharbin on the receiving end was guilty of being in an offside position as per VAR.
After a few intense minutes, it was again the Taeguk Warriors who found a double golden opportunity to take the lead through Lee and Kim Jin-Su. However, the shot from Kim skimmed past the side netting.
After some relentless attacks from both sides, both South Korea and Syria failed to break the chain in the first half of the match.
The second half:
South Korea finally struck in the 53rd minute of the match; Kim Tae-Hwan delivered a beautiful cross which was well converted by Kim Jin-Su to give the Koreans the lead.
However, in the 71st minute of the match, the substitute Kwon Chang-Hoon cut inside the Syrian half to shoot it past the helpless goalkeeper.
With this defeat, Syria is now out of the World Cup run but they still have 2 games in hand. On the others hand, South Korea will go on to play with Iran in their next match. And also the first place is still up for grabs.
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, seven other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.
Korea Republic celebrate qualifying for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup. Image | FIFA
The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.
In 2022, the FIFA World Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.
The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32,
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.
Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats
Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.
Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs,South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.
Teams That Have Qualified
With qualifications still ongoing the only nations that have qualified are the host nations namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then teams will be struggling to qualify.
1. The USA
Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.
Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.
Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.
Teams from the Qualifier Rounds
4. Japan
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.
New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.
Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.
For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.
6. Iran
(Image Credit | AFP)
Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.
Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.
Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌 Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷 This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa
— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025
Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.
In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.
7. Argentina
(Image Credit | EPA)
The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26.
La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.
This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.
South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year.
Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.
AFC Champions League winners list from 1967 to 2025
From Hapoel Tel Aviv’s inaugural triumph to Al-Ahli’s recent success in 2024-25, here is the AFC Champions League winners list. Al-Hilal, with four titles, remain the most successful club in ACL history.
Al-Ahli players celebrating their first AFC Champions Legaue title.
The AFC Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier club football competition, has been a stage for unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries since its inception in 1967. From Hapoel Tel Aviv’s inaugural triumph to Al-Ahli’s recent success in 2024-25, the tournament has crowned champions from diverse nations, showcasing Asia's footballing prowess. Here is an overview of the ACL winners from 1967 to 2025.
CAPTAIN ROBERTO FIRMINO!!!
Bobby Firmino lifts the AFC Champions League with Al-Alhi after assisting both goals in the Final. He also won Player of the Tournament registering 13 G/A in 10 starts!
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 3, 2025
AFC Champions League Winners List
Early Years: Israeli and Iranian Dominance (1967–1971)
The ACL, initially known as the Asian Champion Club Tournament, saw Israeli clubs dominate early on, with Hapoel Tel Aviv (1967) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (1969, 1971) winning three of the first four titles. Taj Tehran (1970) marked Iran’s first success in the tournament.
1967: Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Selangor (Malaysia)
1969: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Yangzee FC (South Korea)
1970: Taj Tehran (Iran) defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
1971: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Aliyat Al-Shorta (Iraq)
The tournament was cancelled in the 1972 season for various reasons, and till 1985, the tournament did not take place. In the 1985 season, the tournament returned with a rebranded name, "Asian Club Championship".
When the competition resumed in 1985, South Korean and Japanese clubs emerged as powerhouses. Daewoo Royals (1985–86), Furukawa Electric (1986), and Yomiuri FC (1987) set the tone, while Pohang Steelers (1996–97, 1997–98) and Jubilo Iwata (1998–99) solidified East Asia’s dominance.
1985–86: Daewoo Royals (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
1986: Furukawa Electric (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
1987: Yomiuri FC (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Modern Era: South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia Shine (2000–2022)
The 21st century saw South Korean clubs like Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2000–01, 2001–02), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2006, 2016), and Ulsan Hyundai (2012, 2020) dominate, alongside Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds (2007, 2017, 2022).
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad (2004, 2005) and Al-Hilal (2019, 2021) also claimed multiple titles, while Al-Ain (2002–03, 2023–24) and Guangzhou Evergrande (2013, 2015) added to the UAE and China’s tally.
2000–01: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)
2001–02: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Anyang LG Cheetahs (South Korea)
Recent Glory: UAE and Saudi Arabia Triumph (2023–2025)
Al-Ain in the 2023–24 reclaimed glory for the UAE, defeating Yokohama F. Marinos. Al-Ahli in the 2024–25 season ended Saudi Arabia’s title drought with a victory over Kawasaki Frontale, reinforcing the region’s competitive edge.
2023–24: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
South Korea: They lead with 12 titles. Pohang Steelers (3), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2), Ulsan Hyundai (2), and Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2) are the most successful clubs from South Korea.
Japan: Japan have 8 titles, with Urawa Red Diamonds (3) and single wins from Jubilo Iwata, Gamba Osaka, Kashima Antlers, and others.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi have 7 titles, with Al-Hilal (4), Al-Ittihad (2), and Al-Ahli (1) winning the most for them
Iran, UAE, China: Each has 4 titles, with notable contributions from Esteghlal, Al-Ain, and Guangzhou Evergrande.
Thailand, Qatar, Israel: Each secured 2 titles, with Thai Farmers Bank, Al-Sadd, and Maccabi Tel Aviv standing out.
Most successful clubs in AFC Champions League History
AFC Champions League 2: Mohun Bagan SG to face Al-Wakrah, Tractor and Ravshan in the Group Stage
The group-stage matches of the AFC Champions League 2 will be played in a home-and-away soil from September 17 to December 5, 2024. The Mariners are drawn into Group A of the tournament.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant is drawn alongside Al-Wakrah SC (Qatar), Tractor FC (IR Iran), and FC Ravshan (Tajikistan) in Group A of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two. Mohun Bagan SG qualified for the newly rebranded second-tier men's AFC club competition by winning the 2023-24 Indian Super League Shield. The Mariners finished third in the 2023-24 AFC Cup Group Stage and failed to qualify for the knockout stage.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant's opposition teams and the format
Al-Wakrah SC qualified for the AFC Champions League Two by finishing fourth in the 2023-24 Qatar Stars League. This is the Qatari side's first appearance in Asia since the 2001-02 Asian Club Championship. Iranian side Tractor FC also qualified with a fourth-place finish in the 2023-24 Persian Gulf Pro League. FC Ravshan booked their spot in the tournament as the 2023 Tajikistan Higher League runners-up.
The AFC Champions League Two features 32 clubs divided into eight groups of four teams each for the Group Stage. The group stages will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format from September 17 to December 5, 2024.
The top two finishers from each group will advance to the Round of 16, which will be played in February 2025. The Quarter-finals will be played in March 2025 and the Semi-finals in April 2025. The Final of the tournament will be played on May 17, 2025.
India gets two spots in AFC Champions League 2 2024/25
India will get two spots in the AFC Champions League 2 2024/2025 based on the latest AFC Club Competitions Ranking. India is ranked 17th in West Asia with only 22.806 points
India will get two spots in the AFC Champions League 2 2024/2025, the second-tier club football tournament organized by AFC. Based on the latest AFC Club Competitions Ranking, India is ranked 17th in West Asia with only 22.806 points. Saudi Arabia is at the top with a total of 103.148 points. Due to the low ranking, the Indian Football Federation won't have any representation in the top-tier competition AFC Champions League Elite (formerly known as AFC Champions League).
India lost the tier 1 spot last year after a poor performance from Indian clubs in the tournament and a low co-efficient rating. Mumbai City FC became the last Indian club to feature in the tournament. Last year, the AFC renamed both tournaments to name AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League 2.
Japanese clubs performed continuously well in the Knockout Stages of the ACL as they collectively contributed to the East Asians claiming the second spot on the rankings with 96.999 points. Korea Republic have been yet another prime contender for the throne as they are third with 93.600 points. The UAE earned a total of 74.873 points and is fourth in this ranking.
The UAE and Qatar follow, each securing two direct spots and one indirect place in the ACL Elite, along with a direct spot each in the ACL Two. On the other side, Japan have the highest number of allocated places with three direct ACL Elite spots with one club gaining entry to the Group Stage of ACL Two.
India's slots
Slot 1 - AFC Champions League 2 Group Stage:
The season winners of the Indian Super League 2023/24 will take direct entry to the group stage. Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take the Group Stage spot as they beat Mumbai City FC to win the regular season.
Slot 2 - AFC Champions League 2 Qualifying round Playoffs:
The second spot has been offered to India in the qualifying playoffs. East Bengal will take the playoff spot after winning the Super Cup last season. India won't have any other slot in the AFC Champions League Elite or AFC Challenge League (the third-tier tournament).
Syria vs India AFC Asian Cup 2024 Highlights | Heartbreak for The Blue Tigers as they are knocked out of the competition following a 0-1 loss against Syria
Substitute Omar Khribin's only strike made all the difference in the Syria vs India clash as India are knocked out of the competition without even scoring a goal.
The Blue Tigers finish their AFC Asian Cup campaign with three losses in as many defeats, and to add to their woes they finish without scoring a single goal across three matches. For Syria, this 1-0 win would give them hopes of progressing to the round of 16.
This was Abishek Goswami bringing you all the highlights of the Syria vs India AFC Asian Cup 2024 match. I hope you will enjoy the highlights from the LIVE Blog below. Until next time, thank you.
AFC Asian Cup 2024: Syria (1) vs India (0) | Full Time
The referee blows the full-time whistle and Syria emerges as the winner of this highly intense clash against India in the Al Bayt Stadium. Substitute Omar Khribin's only strike makes all the difference between the two sides. Syria are through, most likely with four points. Australia finishes with seven points at the top and Uzbekistan with five points at the second spot. India finish bottom of this group with zero points and zero goals.
Akash leads India on a counter but Weiss recovers. Mishra then sends a ball back into the box but Madania grabs it and dives spectacularly.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:24 PM
7 minutes of additional time | 90'
Jan 23, 2024, 1:23 PM
Free Kick for India | 89'
Udanta gets fouled and India wins a free kick. Thapa sends a cross from the set-piece but Bheke heads it harmlessly wide.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:20 PM
India are in search of their equaliser | 85'
India are pressing high, while Syria are defending, and protecting their lead.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:16 PM
Syria (1) vs India (0) | 80'
India are unable to get a hold of the ball. They must show composure on the ball and try to create something in the next 10 minutes.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:09 PM
Omar Khribin scores and the crowd goes wild | What a moment for him and what a moment for Syria!! | 76'
Mishra loses the ball in the other half. Syria moves it at pace to the left to Heras who cuts it back to Khribin's feet. Khribin fakes Bheke out and unleashes a superb shot that goes past Gurpreet. Simply a sensational finish from Syria's first Asian Player of the Year and the crowd goes crazy at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Syria vs India: Omar Khribin scores for Syria and they have taken the lead in the game Image - Getty
Jan 23, 2024, 1:08 PM
Bose is a wall | 74'
Weiss gets past Mishra but once again Bose comes into the rescue.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:02 PM
Ramadan's duty is over for today | 68'
Ramadan fires into space down the left and unleashes a close-range shot at the side netting. That's it for Ramadan, as he gets subbed off for Dali.
69' | More injury concern for India as Gurpreet is down holding his groin. He is receiving the medical attention now.
We're back for the 2ï¸â£nd half! The final push for victory ðð¯
Sahal Abdul Samad replaces Manvir while Suresh comes in for Tangri. The crowd welcomes Sahal and Suresh with a huge round of applause and cheering.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:55 PM
What a miss! | 63'
Akash Mishra goes on a dribble and Hesar takes the ball off him before sending it into the far post towards Omar Khribin who smashes a header onto the roof of the net.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:49 PM
Free Kick for India | 58'
Manvir wins a foul in the Syrian half and the referee blows the whistle for an Indian free kick. Manvir wins the first header from the set-piece, but the ref once again blows the whistle but this time against Manvir as he commits a foul in the process of winning the header.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:48 PM
What a chance for India! | 54'
Ahmad Madania, the Syrian keeper almost gifts a goal to India. The keeper comes out for a cross and drops it at the feet of Chhangte. But the defenders force him wide and ultimately India wins a corner.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:42 PM
What a block by Bose! | 50'
Omar Khribin moves into a dangerous area. Hesar heads the ball towards Khirbin who turns brilliantly to shoot at goal, but Bose pulls off another huge block.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:36 PM
AFC Asian Cup 2024: Syria (0) vs India (0) | Second Half Kick Off
The second half begins awfully as Jhingan is injured again and has to leave the field immediately. Nikhil Poojary will replace him.
One change for both sides in the second half before Jhingan made it two. Udanta on for Mahesh for India.
47' | Sandesh Jhingan leaves the field after sustaining a knee injury.
AFC Asian Cup 2024: Syria (0) vs India (0) | Half Time
Manvir wins a header and Chhetri takes a touch before unleashing a shot but it goes off-target. And that's it for the first half action. The referee blows the half-time whistle and it ends all square in the Al Bayt Stadium.
We remain goalless at the break at the Al Bayt Stadium ð¤ð¤
Jhingan is back on the pitch after receiving some treatment and he is right into action with a good clearance.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:18 PM
Jhingan is down with an injury | 44'
Sabbag and Jhingan go toe-to-toe as Sabbag chases a good ball into the box. Jhingan denies the Syrian striker but twists his knee in the process. He is receiving medical attention at the moment.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:13 PM
Another Free Kick for Syria | 40'
Bose brings down Alaswad with a nasty tackle and it's a free kick for Syria.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:09 PM
Double save from Gurpreet | 39'
Ramadan cuts back and smashes a lovely curler at goal but Gurpreet punches it clear the rebound goes back to Syria and Gurpreet has to punch it clear once again. Syria are looking threatening but India holds onto it.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:08 PM
Syria keeping possession | 36'
Chhangte tracks back brilliantly to stop Ramadan's run into the box. Syria are keeping the ball at the moment.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:03 PM
Chhangte wins a corner for India | 33'
India races forward on another counter and Apuia takes a shot which gets blocked by Ham. India recycles the ball and ultimately reaches to Chhangte who shows some brilliant skills on the right falk to win India a corner.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:02 PM
No Penalty | 28'
Ramadan goes for a shot and Deepak Tangri puts his foot in and Ramadan kicks Tangri's foot. VAR checks, and agrees with the ref's decision. It's just a corner for Syria.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:00 PM
Yellow Card for Mahesh and Weiss | 26'
Weiss gets pulled back by Mahesh and he reacts menacingly by going physical with Mahesh. The referee shows yellow to both the players.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:55 AM
Chhetri misses an open header | 25'
Manvir races upfield and passes it to Mahesh who whips it in, but the ball deflects off Elias' back and Chhetri misses by an inch to get a touch upon it.
Syria vs India: Chhetri's reaction says it all Image - Getty
Jan 23, 2024, 11:52 AM
Gurpreet and Bose into rescue | 20'
Ham catches Apuia off guard and takes a shot from the edge of the box but Gurpreet saves it comfortably. Sabbag runs to receive the rebound and he smashes it towards the goal but Bose comes with a block to deny him.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:48 AM
Gurpreet rescues again | 18'
Ham tries to send a superb ball to Pablo Sabbag into the box but Gurpreet reads it perfectly, comes out, and collects the ball. He needs medical attention as he was collided with Sabbag on the process of collecting the ball.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:46 AM
Shot off target | 14'
Ezequiel Ham unleashes a powerful shot but it goes off the target.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:44 AM
Apuia comes into rescue | 11'
Alaswad looks to send the ball towards the Syrian winger but Apuia reads the play superbly and shields the ball out of play harmlessly.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:39 AM
Gurpreet comes up with a superb save | 7'
A superb corner and Sabbag heads it at goal but Gurpreet stops it from going in. What a start to the match!
Jan 23, 2024, 11:36 AM
Manvir misses to find Chhetri | 5'
Mahesh intercepts the ball and starts a counterattack by moving the ball to Manvir who has Chhetri alongside him. Manvir comes 2-on-1 against the Syrian defence but delays his pass and Ousou smartly cuts it out. A huge chance wasted.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:35 AM
What a chance! | 3'
Naorem Mahesh is through on goal and the Syria goalkeeper pulls off a brilliant save to deny him and it's a corner for India.
Nothing comes out from the corner
Jan 23, 2024, 11:33 AM
Yellow card for Bheke | 2'
Yellow for Bheke for a foul on Ramadan.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:30 AM
AFC Asian Cup 2024: Syria vs India | First Half Kick-Off
The first half begins at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:27 AM
Time for the National Anthems
Syria vs India: The Blue Tigers are ready to face Syria Image - Getty
"There is an idea that the manager changes players for the sake of rotation, but we need more harmony among the players. This is what we ask them to achieve. We lacked that in the first match. All 26 players should have one focus, one objective. Push and press and try to build up from the low block. We have talented players who will try and control the ball." "I believe the Indian team have the same motivation to win three points. So, we need to be more calm and focused on the match to get the three points and qualify for the first time in our history."
Jan 23, 2024, 8:04 AM
Igor Stimac, the Indian coach
"All three teams are similar, very physical and playing in a similar way. We didn't have many reasons to change our approach. What's interesting about Syria is they use the same 11 players; they have a small bench with two or three changes. They're obviously limited on the bench. We'll try and see how fresh they're going to be tomorrow."
Jan 23, 2024, 8:04 AM
Possible Starting Lineups
Sahal may not feature from the start, but Stimac can bring him later in the game.
Hector Cuper is unlikely to make any changes to his side
Syria XI (4-2-3-1): Ahmad Madania (GK); Abdul Rahman Weiss, Aiham Ousou, Thaer Krouma, Mouyad Ajan; Mahmoud Al-Aswad, Jalil Elias, Ezequiel Ham, Ammar Ramadan; Pablo Sabbag, Ibrahim Hesar
Sunil Chhetri, the Indian captain ahead of the Syria vs India match
"One thing we knew for sure was we would have to deal with their physicality. It wasn't a surprise when we drew Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. What has helped us is we've had two games against teams that were quite physical. What's more important is we rectify the small mistakes we made. We can't change things completely, but knowing how we fared physically, we need to rectify mistakes. Playing those two teams has given us the experience we need to play physical games."
Syria and India meet to see if either side can secure the three points necessary to push into contention for a Round of 16 place. This will be an exciting and entertaining affair with both teams looking for a victory.
Syria have their point from a 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan while India have not yet managed to avoid defeat in their opening two Group B matches. As a result, Australia and Uzbekistan have already secured a place in the Round of 16.
With plenty of places still available in the third-place table, both these sides will consider themselves still in contention. Syria have an outside shot of finishing second if they beat India by a 4-goal margin and Uzbekistan finds themselves thrashed by Australia by a 3 or more goal margin.
Across six meetings, India have won three, lost two, and drew one.
Matches Played: 6
Syria won: 2
India won: 3
Draw: 1
No Result: 0
Renewing our Nehru Cup rivalry of the past decade, the #BlueTigers ð¯ are set for their 7ï¸â£th meeting with Syria, and the first time on foreign soil ð
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