Blue Colts put Australia defeat behind, set sights on Uzbekistan challenge

With the 0-4 defeat against former semifinalists Australia behind them, India will look to regroup and upstage defending champions Uzbekistan in their final Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 campaign here on Sunday.

With the 0-4 defeat against former semifinalists Australia behind them, India will look to regroup and upstage defending champions Uzbekistan in their final Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 campaign here on Sunday. Placed in the truncated Group D after DPR Korea's withdrawal from the tournament, India's last group stage game will be against defending champions Uzbekistan. With the top two teams from each group set to progress to the quarter-finals, everything will be on the line when the Blue Colts face the side from Central Asia. A win against Uzbekistan, followed by the latter dropping points against Australia on May 13, will see India make the last eight, a progression that will also secure them a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Even a draw against Uzbekistan may be enough, should Australia defeat Uzbekistan by a margin of more than four goals. At the Indian camp in Jeddah, the general feeling is one of introspection after the defeat to Australia. However, there is an air of hope and determination to fight it out for the desired result on Sunday. Despite conceding four goals, goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar had a good outing, making numerous saves against Australia, something that instils the entire team with confidence. ''We all were aware of Australia's attacking prowess, and I was mentally prepared and knew that they would be coming at us all out. After conceding early, I realised I had to step up my game, which helped me do better. We could have done better, but we made a few mistakes in the crucial phases. Still, we are confident we will give our best in the next match,'' Rajrup said. Captain Dallalmoun Gangte has already put the past result behind him. ''After yesterday's loss, we have to give everything. And everything for me means better than yesterday. This is a do-or-die match. If we lose, it's over. We have to win it. ''They are the defending champions. They are technically, tactically, and physically strong,'' said Gangte. ''We have to be fully confident and fully focused on the next match. Nothing else. We have to give everything.''