AFC Asian Cup 2019, India 0-2 UAE: 5 Talking Points

#1 India can be proud of their efforts

The Indians have already exceeded expectations in terms of their performance levels

For a large portion of that game, the Blue Tigers were absolute warriors, fighting united for that cause. They defended as a unit for the most part, they were sprightly in pressing the opposition, they were creating chances, and it was just not their day.

On Monday in Sharjah, they have their date with destiny though. If India don't lose against Bahrain, they should qualify for the Round of 16, and there's one more big effort that is going to be needed.

Bahrain have shown that they are a good side, with fantastic quality, but India have probably played the best football amongst all the teams in this group.

So, they should really fancy their chances of getting a positive result and qualifying for the next round.

With a little more luck, they could even have booked their place in the next round tonight, but it wasn't to be. Regardless, India can be proud. Proud of their fight, proud of their desire, proud of their spirit.

There's one big night to go. January the 14th, 2019. The Sharjah Stadium. Will the Blue Tigers rise in a new chapter for Indian Football?