AFC Asian Cup
It will, however, not be easy for Igor Stimac's side with all their Group B challengers - Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria - ranked higher than the South Asians.
Factfile
FIFA World Ranking: 102
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Runners-up - 1964
2019 Result: Group Stage
Head Coach: Igor Stimac (CRO)
Fun Fact: India have qualified for back-to-back Finals for the first time
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Runners-up - 1964
2019 Result: Group Stage
Head Coach: Igor Stimac (CRO)
Fun Fact: India have qualified for back-to-back Finals for the first time
Stimac, however, wasn't worried about the opposition, saying it is important to prepare thoroughly for the challenge.
“We have entered the new phase of our work, and we know it’s going to be very hard and difficult on the boys," Stimac told the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.
“We know that the next few months until March will be very difficult,”
“We are very optimistic that once the players, who are missing now (through injury), are back, we will become solid again and show strength on the pitch, no matter who we play against."
India's Group B fixtures
13 January
v Australia (14:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
18 January
v Uzbekistan (17:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
23 January
v Syria (14:30 local time, Al Bayt Stadium)
13 January
v Australia (14:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
18 January
v Uzbekistan (17:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
23 January
v Syria (14:30 local time, Al Bayt Stadium)
