Asian Games 2023 Football: India vs. Saudi Arabia Date, Venue, Head-To-Head, And Updated Points Table. India scripted history at the Asian Games 2023 as it qualified for the knockouts of the tournament after a gap of almost 13 years. India drew its final group league match against Myanmar and progressed to the knockouts based on more goals scored as there was a tie on both point and goal difference with Myanmar. The scoreline of the game 1-1 tells the story. There was not much to separate between the two and it was heartbreaking for Myanmar to miss out on the Round of 16 place due to lesser goals scored.
India’s Performance So Far at the Asian Games 2023: Analysis
Igor Stimac’s team performed satisfactorily in the games played so far. India started its campaign with a humiliating 1-5 defeat against the Chinese. Things were in control till the first half when India equalized China’s opening goal with a blistering strike from KP Rahul. However, India lost the plot in the second half to concede 4 goals and lose the match 1-5.
The second match against Bangladesh was a close contest as India’s neighbors resolutely defended and launched fierce counterstrikes. India had to dig deep to launch consistent attacks and also repel counterattacks. India heaved a sigh of relief when Miranda won a penalty in the 84th minute which Sunil Chhetri converted.
In the final game, India won an early spot kick which Chhetri converted. However, India was sloppy in the later half of the game cost them an equalizer. Overall, India showed promise of going deep into the tournament. Some tough encounters early on the group stage will help the team to get over their nerves and be more ready for the business end of the tournament.
Also Read: Asian Games 2023: Football And Tennis Achievements Of India At Asian Games: A Historic Overview
Group A Points Table
Rank | Team | Matches Played | Won | Draw | Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Goal Difference | Points |
1 | China | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 7 |
2 | India | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 4 |
3 | Myanmar | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 4 |
4 | Bangladesh | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
India VS Saudi Arabia H2H
India and Saudi Arabia have played each other 3 times and, on all occasions, Saudi has come out on top. Here is a list of previous meetings between India and Saudi Arabia:
- Saudi Arabia 1 – 0 India, 27th November 1982 Asian Games, New Delhi
- Saudi Arabia 3– 0 India, 16th August 2006, AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, New Delhi
- Saudi Arabia 7 – 1 India, 6th September 2006, AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Riyadh
India will face the formidable task of defeating Saudi which has a clean slate record them. However, the Indian team has fresh faces who do not have any baggage of the past and can shock the best in the world.
Also Read: What Are The Chances Of Indian Men’s Football Team Winning Asian Games 2023?
Asian Games 2023 Group B Points Table
Rank | Team | Matches Played | Won | Draw | Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Goal Difference | Points |
1 | Iran | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
2 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
3 | Vietnam | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 3 |
4 | Mongolia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 10 | -8 | 0 |
When and Where to Watch India vs. Saudi Arabia Round of 16 Match
The round-of-16 encounter between India and Saudi Arabia will take place on 28 September 2023 at the Huanglong Sports Stadium in Hangzhou, China. The match will start at 05:00 Pm (IST). You can watch the live broadcast of the match on Sony Sports Network and also on Sony Liv App.