NEW DELHI: Australia secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in their AFC Asian Cup opener against India in Doha. Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos scored from close range to launch their title bid.
Despite a challenging first half, where Australia missed several opportunities and India defended resolutely, Irvine broke the deadlock just after the restart.
The midfielder capitalised on a loose ball in the box after India's goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu failed to deal with a cross, driving home from 10 yards.
With the 2015 Asian Cup champions in control, Bos doubled Australia's lead shortly after the 70th minute. The 21-year-old, who came off the bench, slotted home from close range after a precise delivery from Riley McGree.
The match, witnessed by a pro-Indian crowd at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, featured a historic moment as Japan's Yoshimi Yamashita became the first woman to referee at an Asian Cup.
Australia's win puts them in a strong position in Group B, while India will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Uzbekistan.
(With AFP inputs)
