After defeating Kuwait national team at the Jaber Stadium in Kuwait, head coach of Indian national football team Igor Štimac thanked the Indian crowd for their great support.
"Our first away win at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 22 long years. I expected a decent support for the #BlueTigers but the massive turnout was truly heartwarming. Thank you to everyone at the stadium and the ones supporting from home," Indian head coach Igor Štimac tweeted after leaving Kuwait with a three point lead.
"We are not surprised with the result, but we always respect the opponents. I am very confident about our team and our capacities. We came here to win the game. I have full trust in my boys. They have worked really hard in the last four and a half years," said the coach as quoted by an All India Football Federation (AIFF) release.
Despite playing away from home, India received a lot of support at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, where they stopped the hosts in their tracks.
Tens of thousands of Indians occupied the Indian pavilion at the stadium to cheer for their team on Thursday evening. Many Indians came with family wearing Indian t-shirts to cheer for the Indian team.
"We had great support from the stands like we are playing at home. By winning here, we have a greater chance of getting the second spot in the group. We wanted Kuwait to become nervous and impatient and start putting long balls," coach Igor Štimac said.
The man of the moment was forward Manvir Singh, who swooped into the vacuum left at the top of the Kuwait box by a retreating Sunil Chhetri, as he connected perfectly with a Lallianzuala Chhangte cross to smash the winner home.
Indian team captain Sunil Chhetri also thanked the crowd for their tremendous support on the ground. "We played a home game in Kuwait last night. To each and everyone who came and supported us, thank you, and I hope you too enjoyed the evening as much as we enjoyed your support," Captain Sunil Chhetri tweeted.
"I am really happy that I got the goal against Kuwait, but I must thank my teammates for it. It is all because of everyone's hard work," said Manvir. "I am lucky to score in a big match like this. Really looking forward to scoring more in the coming matches," he added.
Indian team will face the mighty reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in their next match in Bhubaneswar.
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