WATCH: Subway Socceroos secure victory in their Asian Cup opener against India

Australia start their Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over India, thanks to goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos.

On the ground where the grey wiggle was created during a penalty shootout victory over Peru, it was the same side of the pitch that saw Australia convert their two goals, against an India team which can be proud of their attitude and desperation in defence.

Three Australians made their starting debut at a major tournament with Martin Boyle, Connor Metcalfe and Gethin Jones lining up for Graham Arnold's first XI. 

Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1746140986722619458

Jones' remarkable rise was made complete, after the Bolton fullback was selected for his first international squad, made his debut, and now having played in an Asian Cup fixture, all within the space of two weeks.

The first 45 minutes passed without success for the green and gold, despite dominance in possession (74%) and attacking stats (14 shots to 2), which included an incredible 11 first half corners, it was the resolute last-ditch defending from India's backline that denied Australia's opener.

Craig Goodwin's deliveries seemed to be the most effective avenue to goal, with the winger's precision crosses into the six-yard box finding the heads of Kye Rowles and Mitch Duke on a number of occasions.

However, the second half could not have started any better for the Socceroos, with an uncharacteristic mistake in the 50th minute from Indian goalkeeper Sandhu gifting the ball to Jackson Irvine, who calmly chested the ball down and tapped home.

Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1746154864462451142

Having seen the game widen after the first goal, coach Graham Arnold elected to introduce two of his younger attacking weapons in the 63rd minute, with Riley McGree and Samuel Silvera brought on for their first Asian Cup appearance.

In the 72nd minute, World Cup attacking heroes Craig Goodwin and Mitch Duke departed with A-League Men's top scorer Bruno Fornaroli introduced, alongside young fullback Jordan Bos, who was deployed further up field as a winger.

The unorthodox positional shift paid dividends immediately with Bos placed perfectly at the back post to finish off a slick low cross from fellow substitute Riley McGree. 

Bos took less than 30 seconds to score on his debut, which may well prove to be an Asian Cup record.

Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1746160199256416423

The last of the substitutions were completed, with Aiden O'Neill replacing the tireless Keanu Baccus in the middle of the park, as Australia fought for their third goal.

With five minutes to play, both sides and supporters showed their appreciation for India's captain and all-time goalscorer Sunil Chhetri, as he was substituted, in perhaps his last ever Asian Cup campaign.

The full-time statistics highlight a dominant performance from the green and gold, with 28 shots taken and 71% possession achieved.

The focus now turns to an old foe in Syria, who Australia will face on Thursday night, with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line.

Australia: 2 (Jackson Irvine 50', Jordy Bos 73')

India: 0

Date: Saturday 13th January 2024

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Australia: 1. (C) (GK) Maty Ryan, 25. Gethin Jones, 19. Harry Souttar, 4. Kye Rowles, 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Keanu Baccus (Aiden O'Neill 82'), 22. Jackson Irvine, 8. Connor Metcalfe (Riley McGree 63'), 6. Martin Boyle (Samuel Silvera 63'), 15. Mitch Duke (Bruno Fornaroli 72'), 23. Craig Goodwin (Jordy Bos 72')

Substitutes Not Used: 2. Thomas Deng, 3. Nathaniel Atkinson, 10. Kusini Yengi, 11. Marco Tilio, 12. (GK) Lawrence Thomas, 18. (GK) Joe Gauci, 21. Cameron Burgess

Yellow Cards: Aiden O'Neill

Red Cards: N/A

India: 1. (GK) Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, 2. Rahul Bheke, 3. Subhasish Bose (Akash Mishra 74'), 5. Sandesh Jhingan, 8. Suresh Singh Wangjam (Liston Colaco 74'), 9. Manvir Singh, 11. (C) Sunil Chhetri (Naorem Mahesh Singh 89'), 17. Lallianzuala Chhangte (Vikram Partap Singh 89'), 19. Lalengmawia Ralte, 21. Nikhil Poojary, 25. Deepak Tangri (Anirudh Thapa 74')

Substitutes Not Used: (GK) Amrindah Singh, (GK) Vishal Kaith, Lalchungnunga, Brandon Fernandes, Rahul KP, Pritam Kotal, Mehtab Singh, 

Yellow Cards: N/A

Red Cards: N/A

SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):

Every AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 match will be live on Paramount+