Asian Cup 2019: 5 Things We Learned as India lose to UAE  

#1 Work left for Round of 16

Stephen Constantine. Photo Courtesy: Indian Football Twitter handle

It is India's 4th appearance at the AFC Asia Cup and the Blues hasn't been able to go past the group stages. But the win against Thais was an almost guarantee about the more number of matches India are going to play at UAE. However, the encounter with the hosts has let us know that there is work left to be done.

India's Round of 16 dreams are not too far, but will be one that has to earned fighting well. At present, Group A remains open to any team to make it to the knockout stages. UAE is at the top with 4 points, followed by India with 3 points. Thailand's victory against Bahrain has got them 3 points too, only to be fallen behind India by goal difference. Bahrain lies at the bottom with 1 point.

What keeps things interesting is that, Bahrain at the bottom too has a fair chance of advancing to the next round. If Bahrain defeats India and UAE wins against Thailand, Bahrain and UAE will be the two teams going into the next round directly.

For India to advance without trouble, a win is all that they want. 3 points from Bahrain would assure India their chances, getting a spot even as the second placed team of the group.

As of now, Stephen Constantine's team has good chances of playing their first Round of 16, but will have to display a good game with a win against Bahrain. Any other results will keep India in the radar to go in as one among the four best third-placed teams from all groups.

But, coming with big dreams wouldn't let the players take a chance as all they would want of January 14 will be 3 points.