Manvir confident of good show vs Bangladesh in WC qualifier

Manvir Singh, who earned plaudits for his exploits against Qatar last month, sounded confident as the Blue Tigers take on neighbouring country Bangladesh in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on October 15.

"It's going to be a perfect stage for us to get our first win in the campaign and we're eager to achieve that. I played in Kolkata for a short stint and was mesmerised seeing the passion amongst them about the game. I just can't wait to go out at the VYBK Stadium on 15th and win it together," Manvir said on the sidelines of the ongoing preparatory camp in Guwahati, which kicked off on October 3.

The Punjab-born striker, who made 80 per cent successful passes against the Asian champions, was praised by none other than Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri who, unfortunately, could not play his part due to illness.

"I honestly don't know whether I deserve to be praised like this. Sunil bhai said a lot of good things about me in front of everyone and even wished me after the game personally. It's huge for me," Manvir said.

Nikhil Poojary, who started in midfield against the Maroons, sounded ecstatic while speaking about the match which was played in front of a 23,000-odd crowd at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

"It was a great night for all of us, let alone Indian football. Everyone played their part and contributed to earn the desired result. Gurpreet bhai dished out one of his finest performances which will be remembered for long," Poojary recalled.

"As coach Stimac mentioned, we have to keep our heads down and keep working to get our first win now. Unless we get to win against Bangladesh, the draw against Qatar will lose its value," he added.

Vinit Rai, who came on off the bench against Qatar, mentioned that the 'never-say-die' attitude in the dressing room helped them achieve the result against Qatar in front of a hostile crowd.

"The never-say-die attitude in the dressing room helped us get the result and we can't thank enough coach Igor Stimac for believing in our abilities. Now, we have a major task cut out against Bangladesh in Kolkata and no matter what, we have to get the desired result," Rai concluded.

( With inputs from IANS )