Roadblocks for Stimac’s men

Australia: Graham Arnold’s side are armed with players like Craig Goodwin, Jackson Irvine, Mitchell Duke and Harry Souttar, who ran eventual winners Argentina close in the last-16 stage of the 2022 World Cup. They love to weave their way with a string of passes against weaker opponents. However, going by their recent friendly against a defensively solid Bahrain, they struggled to a 2-0 win, the opener being an own goal. Australia did dominate possession but had no clear-cut chances to show for, something that will make Arnold sweat and ease out the creases on Stimac’s forehead.

Uzbekistan: India are expected to deploy a deep-lying defence against Uzbekistan as well. Uzbekistan portend as much trouble as the 25th-ranked Aussies, their forays into the opposition’s half being more direct and menacing. Since losing 0-3 to USA in the latter half of 2023, they have won five of their last seven matches, with draws against Mexico (3-3) and Iran (2-2). With star player Eldor Shomurodov out injured, Jaloliddin Masaharipov, Otabek Shukurov and Oston Urunov still make for a deadly trio up front. Moreover, 20-year-old Abbosbek Fayzullaev has been a revelation with nine assists in 18 matches this season for his club CSKA Moscow. A player of his pedigree is the super-sub in a national team abounding with talent.

Syria: Hector Cuper’s side have blooded a couple of players of South American-origin — Pablo Sabbag and Ibrahim Hesar — in their team to boost their chances. Though India have beaten them twice and drawn once in their last three meetings, Syria still remain a formidable outfit.