India started their campaign in the World Cup qualifiers with a commendable 1-0 win against Kuwait in Kuwait City. The goal came from Manvir Singh in the 75th minute.
It was a left-footed finish amidst some pressing from the Kuwaiti defenders, following a delightful ball delivered into the box by Lallianzuala Chaangte.
It was a big goal from the point of view of Indian football, not just because of the precious three points it fetched. There was a win in a crunch match without Sunil Chhetri scoring. The team needed this. Someone had to reduce the pressure on Chhetri, who has been getting most of the goals for quite some time.
This also brought Manvir back into the limelight. After starting out in club football showing a gift of hitting the target from tough angles, he was losing it a bit. This one-touch finish at Jaber al-Ahmad International Stadium was the 28-year-old’s first goal for the Indian team after June 2022 against Hong Kong.
Manvir’s father, Kuldip Singh, played for erstwhile club powerhouse JCT and represented Punjab in the Santosh Trophy. But he failed to don the national jersey. Fulfilling that dream in 2017, Manvir repaid the faith shown in him by Igor Stimac.
His seventh goal in his 37th international appearance comes at a significant time. The Mohun Bagan Super Giants player was injured and did not take part in the Hero Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championships won by India earlier this year. Although he came back for the Merdeka Cup and Kings Cup, the returns were not noteworthy.
In spite of that, coach Stimac showed faith in Manvir. The Croat’s decision was based on his attacker’s ability to keep possession of the ball and make use of his strength to hold off the opposition. Manvir, who has scored crucial goals at the club and state levels, repaid that faith with a lightning strike and made a statement that he is here to stay!