"India tested us like other top Asian teams" - Australia's Jackson Irvine heaps praise on the Blue Tigers

Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine heaped praise on the Indian Men's Football Team despite their 0-2 loss to the Socceroos in their opening Group B fixture on Saturday (January 13).

Speaking about Team India's valiant display of football at the post-match press conference, Jackson said (via Socceroos' official website):

"India fought really hard in the first half and defended with intensity. They threw their bodies on the line in front of the box and all credits to them. They tested us like other top Asian teams and conducted themselves really well on the pitch. It was challenging but mentally we handled it well"

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Jackson Irvine produced a Player of the Match-winning performance against India

Breaking the deadlock wasn't easy as both India and Australia found it difficult to find the back of the net in the first half despite having plenty of chances. It was Jackson Irvine, who opened the scoring in the 50th minute for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup champion while Jordan Bos doubled the lead 23 minutes later.

The central midfielder, who plays for FC St. Pauli in the German second division, produced a Player of the Match-winning performance in his side's much-needed victorious start (2-0) to the tournament.

The highly anticipated clash which was played at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, registered an official attendance of 36,253 spectators. The majority of the crowd that thronged the venue comprised the vociferous Indian supporters who were cheering for the Blue Tigers throughout the game. Talking about the stadium atmosphere, Irvine further said:

"The crowd was excellent, great energy and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. I think we thrive in such environment. We are used to it over the last few months and years where they cheer mostly for the opposition"

Next up, Australia will be facing Syria at Al Rayyan's Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on January 18 before their final Group B fixture against Uzbekistan in Al Wakrah five days later. Having already begun the tournament on a winning note, they will be looking to maintain the momentum going into the next two matches and seal the knockout spot.