India are pitted in Group A at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 alongside hosts UAE, Bahrain and South-East Asian giants Thailand. The 24-nation continental tournament starts from January 5, 2019.
This will be India's fourth appearance in the Asian Cup. They had finished runners-up in 1964 and were ousted from group stages in 1984 and 2011. After a gap of eight years, Stephen Constantine's men have made it to the continental competition.
An important member of India's 2011 Asian Cup side, Clifford Miranda, spoke exclusively to Goal and shared his thought's on India's draw. He said, "At this level every match is difficult. It does not matter whom India have drawn. The opponents will be tough. In the past (2011), we had managed a draw (2-2) against UAE. We have also managed to get good results against Thailand in the past. All the teams are tough and the group looks difficult. But I still feel we have a chance to get something out from this group."
Recollecting his experience from 2011, Miranda suggested that comparatively India are placed in an easier group and the left winger believes that maybe the team can make it to the knock-out stage.
Clifford said, "In 2011, the group was even more difficult with Korea Republic, Australia and Bahrain. This time also it’s difficult but like I said we still have a chance. I feel India can get something out of this group. The team has shown that they can compete and win matches. With a slightly improved performance, India can possibly go through to the knock out stages."
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)