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India were handed over a relatively easy draw in Group ‘A’ for the upcoming 2019 AFC Asian Cup alongside hosts UAE, the other two teams being Bahrain and Thailand. Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri was present at the event in Dubai besides Iran legend Ali Daei.
UAE will face Bahrain in the opening tie of the mega event on January 5, 2019, while the Indian team will face the likes of Thailand in their first appearance at the Asian meet since 2011. The ‘Blue Tigers’ qualified for the final rounds after they piped Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Macau to top the group.
Stephen Constantine’s men have shown a steep rise in form in the past few years and have transformed the team into a better unit than his predecessor. India are currently ranked 97th as per the latest FIFA ratings. The Blue Tigers will be firm favourites to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition behind UAE, Bahrain and Thailand are both lower ranked teams than India, and considering the recent form, India have a high chance of getting past the group stages.
Indian football fans were overjoyed after the draw as they are now hopeful that Chhetri and Co. can put up a good show in the tournament. Let us have a look what the Indian Football experts have to say about India’s chance in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Gumpe Rime (Head of Youth Development, Shillong Lajong FC)
I think that everyone is comparing the 2011 edition. But if you look at this draw it is pretty easy and India have a good chance. The team we have at our disposal at the moment had been doing well together for quite some time. I think we stand a good chance looking at the opponents, I don’t think they are much ahead of us.
Sanjoy Sen (Former Mohun Bagan head coach)
The standards of the other teams are high, we do have a chance against Thailand but the match against UAE will be tough. They are much ahead of us. Although India have improved in the rankings (ahead of Bahrain and Thailand), the true picture will not be reflected till India play regular matches against quality teams. Can you remember the last time we played against South Korea or Iran?
Ranjit Bajaj (Minerva Punjab FC owner)
I think it’s the best draw we could have had, compared to the other pots and groups. Thailand and Bahrain are not very tough teams to play against; we can expect a draw at least. UAE are a very good team and have some good players. If we win one, we have a good chance of making the cut for the knockout stage. The first match is important. If we manage to win that, we have a good chance to qualify. I fancy India’s chances this time.
Bhaichung Bhutia (Former Indian Captain)
It's going to be very tough. But we’re not in a group that cannot be cracked. We are in fact the second highest ranked team in the group, so that puts us in a good position. If we can work hard, play hard, and get the desired results, we can even finish in the top two positions.
