Syria’s proven youth pedigree poses tough opening test for India

Syria arrives in Tashkent with a solid pedigree at the under‑20 level, having qualified for the previous two AFC U‑20 Asian Cups and clinching the AFC U‑19 Championship in 1994. Coached by Dutch tactician Arno Buitenzuerm, the Syrian side brings tactical discipline and a track record of beating India in the only two Youth Championship meetings in 1996 (1‑0) and 2004 (2‑1). The Indian coaching staff knows that a slip against Syria could jeopardise their chances of topping the group.