India vs Hong Kong: How can India qualify for AFC Asian Cup? All possible match scenarios

Indian football team is up against Hong Kong, on Tuesday, June 14, in Group D match of 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Sunil Chhetri-led Indian team picked up ir second straight victory of qualifying st on Saturday by earning a 2-1 win against Afghanistan. Having started ir campaign with a 2-0 win over Cambodia, Igor Stimac's men w eye a victory against Hong Kong in ir third game of Group D on June 14 and go one step ahead towards qualification. 

India will qualify for AFC Asian Cup if y defeat Hong Kong

India vs Hong Kong match on Tuesday will determine who will advance to Asian Cup finals as group topper. Having said that, India are currently placed second in table behind Hong Kong, with equal points to ir credit, and separated by margin of goal difference. However, second-placed team in 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers is also likely to qualify for tournament. 

Group D points table ahead of India vs Hong Kong

What happens if India and Hong Kong finish qualifiers on equal points?

In order to qualify for Asian Cup finals, India needs to win final round against Hong Kong. However, if India draws game, Hong Kong will finish qualifying st as table toppers and qualify. Having said that, India’s chances of qualifying as second-placed team is also high, as one of five best second-placed teams will also qualify.

Criteria to determine table topper if two teams are tied in points

As reported by Goal, if two teams are tied in points after three games, re are nine criteria that can be applied to choose winner. 

• Points earned by tied teams in head-to-head matches
• Goal difference of tied teams in head-to-head matches 
• Goals scored by tied teams in head-to-head matches
• In case, more than two teams are tied, and teams are tied even after applying criteria 1 to 3, criteria 1 to 3 are reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams
• Goal difference in all group matches
• Goals scored in all group matches
• If only two teams are tied, a penalty shootout will determine group winner if y met in last group match
• Disciplinary points (yellow card = 1 point, red card as a result of two yellow cards = 3 points, direct red card = 3 points, yellow card followed by direct red card = 4 points)
• Drawing of lots

What happens if India loses match against Hong Kong?

If India loses match to Hong Kong, y will finish qualifiers with six points, but will still have chance of qualifying among five best second-placed teams.

(Im: @IndianFootball/Twitter)