Syria's players celebrate with a national flag on the pitch after the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group B football match between Syria and India at Al-Bayt Stadium in al-Khor, north of Doha, on January 23, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Substitute Omar Khrbin struck in the 75th minute as Syria defeated India 1-0 to book a place in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Round of 16 for the first time as one of the four best third-placed teams yesterday.
In front of a roaring 42,787-strong crowd at Al Bayt Stadium, Syria’s victory marked their first entry into the knockout stage in seven attempts, while India’s journey at Qatar 2023 ended with no goals in front of their name.
Australia claimed the top spot in Group B with seven points following their 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan, who finished the group stage in second spot with five points.
Syria’s Argentine coach Hector Cuper was proud of the victory, and the 68-year-old veteran praised the team which had made huge sacrifices throughout the years.
“We are very happy with the qualification, very proud of my players, they made huge sacrifices to get this result,” Cuper said after the match.
Match Highlights
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) January 23, 2024
Half-time substitute Omar Khrbin was the difference today, as he scored the goal that could see Syria reach the Asian Cup last 16 for the first time.#Qatar2023 #AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia #SYRvIND #Syria #India pic.twitter.com/GDLSpiDsPH
“We played the game with one aim in our mind -- to win, and we managed to do that.
“We don’t want to stop here,” Cuper said.
Coach Igor Stimac decided to reinforce the defense for yesterday’s decisive clash while Cuper opted to maintain his starting lineup.
Both teams showed fighting spirit right from the start. India tried to take the lead through Mahesh Naorem whose attempt was saved by Syrian goalkeeper Ahmad Madanieh, before Pablo Sabbag replied with a powerful shot which was saved by the diving Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
As the game progressed, Syria intensified their attacks, keeping the Indian defense busy. Sandhu further thwarted repeated attempts from Syria before the break.
Desperately looking to increase the pressure on India and break the deadlock, Cuper brought in the Al Wahda FC striker Khrbin just a minute after the play resumed.
India's players salute the attendance after the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group B football match between Syria and India at Al-Bayt Stadium in al-Khor, north of Doha, on January 23, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Although his initial attempt was blocked, Khrbin eventually found the net in the 75th minute with a right-footed shot, securing his 22nd goal for Syria.
In the closing minutes, India pressed high in an attempt to equalize, but they were unable to find the back of the net as their Qatar 2023 campaign concluded without a point.
Despite the early exit, Stimac said India have benefitted from the lessons learned in Qatar.
India, playing in a tough group B, were beaten 2-0 by Australia and 3-0 by Uzbekistan.
“It was a learning experience for the boys,” Stimac said.
“My satisfaction is that we managed to create chances against Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria,” the Croatian tactician said.
RESULTS
Group B
Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan
Syria 1-0 India
Group C
Iran 2-1 UAE
Hong Kong 0-3 Palestine
FIXTURES
Group D
Iraq vs Vietnam
(Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, 2:30pm)
Japan vs Indonesia
(Al Thumama Stadium, 2:30pm)
