Back
Liam Foster - January 8, 2024
In what appears to be one of the most exciting and open group of the tournament, Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, and India would fight to progress to the next stage of the competition in Group B.
Australia, the 2015 Champions, are the favourites to win the group. The Socceroos are in great shape heading into the competition after some subpar showings against formidable opponents.
Graham Arnold would have several quality names at his disposal, including captain Mathew Ryan, alongside Harry Souttar, Jackson Irvine, and Mitchell Duke, among others. However, it would be significant to note Australia’s lack of depth in midfield and in some offensive areas, which might change their plan of attack if they advance.
Uzbekistan is most likely the squad capable of competing with Australia. The White Wolves have been doing well offensively for some time now, particularly with key players like captain Eldor Shomurodov, Igor Sergeyev, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev, among others.
Aside from Eldor Shomurodov’s ongoing injury, their defence has shown a sense of concern, which indicates they will finish second in the group.
The Indian squad under Igor Stimac has generated a lot of noteworthy performances. The Blue Tigers also have to their disposal some quality players, such as captain Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Their lack of offensive variety, meanwhile, is concerning, as they came up barely short of the top two slots in the group.
Syria has been having difficulty for a while, and given their lack of depth in the attack and midfield, this would result in the same likely consequences as in 2019, when they were eliminated in the group stage.
However, Hector Cuper would have access to a number of very good players, like Ibrahim Alma and Omar Khribin.
Australia, backed by their top players, is largely expected to win the group due to its recent performance and superior offensive and defensive skills when compared to the other teams in the competition. Uzbekistan’s attacking power would enable them to finish second in the group.
India, on the other hand, would place third in the rankings since they are in far better shape than Syria, who may give some fight, but their lack of depth would finish at the bottom.
Expected Group Position:
