AFC Asian Cup, India vs Syria: Know your opponents - The Eagles of Qasioun

Syria's footballing landscape is not as colourful as India's domestic scenario, but their national team has proved to be a unit of respite and hope for the people of a nation which has been suffering for years from civil war. Their story in regards to football is one that of 'so close, yet so far' till now.

A member of AFC since 1969, this is their seventh Asian Cup appearance, none of which has seen them progress past the group stage - a record that they'll look to change this time around, having the slight upper-hand coming into the game against India.

With both sides even in head-to-head clashes (having 2 wins each), it could not have been set-up better. Syria is India's best bet at winning a game in Group B, and Syria would feel the exact same favouring themselves.

Know your opponents