The dark clouds of distress lay scattered over the Indian Football Team. Sunil Chhetri and Co have lost out on the chance to automatically make it to the knockouts of the AFC Asian Cup. Only a win against Syria and other favourable results can help India’s cause to advance in the tournament.
The Blue Tigers were handed a humiliating 3-0 loss by Uzbekistan. This means India now have no points from 2 games and lie at the bottom of the standings in Group B. With Uzbek having accumulated 4 points, means India in no way can become second and thus loses the chance to automatically qualify for the knockouts.
However, the dream is still not over. India can make it to the next stage. However, it will need a lot of things working in favour of Igor Stimac and his boys. Not even a draw will be enough. India will need a comfortable draw to make it to the next stage.
How Can India Qualify For Knockouts of AFC Asian Cup?
The dynamics are not simple anymore. India will have to win their last match against Syria. A draw will not be enough.
A win by a big margin is needed. Once then can India topple Syria to take the third spot in the standings. A loss and draw will mean India finish at the bottom of Group B.
Even a big win is not enough. India will have to hope for favourable results from matches of other groups. The Top teams automatically make it to the next stage. 12 teams head into the knockouts. The remaining 4 teams are taken from the best placed third placed team from the 6 groups.
Therefore, India will have to finish among the best placed third placed team across all 6 groups.
AFC Asian Cup Group B Standings
| Teams | Points | Matches | Wins | Draw | Loss | GD |
| Australia | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Uzbekistan | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Syria | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 |
| India | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -5 |
Editors pick
