Goal.com

The clinical striker spoke about what it means to score a winner for his country, the next match against Guam, his 'regained confidence' and much more...

Coming on as a substitute against Chinese Taipei, Indian forward Robin Singh ensured 'the most important match of the tournament' yielded the Blue Tigers all three points. The striker rose majestically in the 91st minute to head in a Syed Rahim Nabi cross and hand Wim Koevermans' side all three points.

Clearly the goal meant a lot to the 22-year old. "It's my first goal for my country and that too a winning one. Honestly it took a long time for the feeling to sink in", he proudly said. Dedicating the goal to his parents, he said, "I can imagine the excitement and pride my mom and dad must be facing."

However, Singh humbly took the goal in his stride and said that this was just the start and it was essential to move on and concentrate on the next game.

The goal has done Robin's confidence a world of good. He also mentioned that it was a special feeling to have scored a goal in a foreign country, away from his near and dear ones. "It's a special moment for me as much as it is a confidence booster", he said.

Funnily enough, the East Bengal striker was so overwhelmed on scoring his first goal that he forgot to celebrate it and now hopes there are many more to follow so that he can rectify that part.

Focusing on the upcoming clash against Guam, the former Tata Football Academy player said that both teams will be going for a win from the start. "If we will be playing to win, so would Guam. We'll stick to our coach's plans and look to sustain the momentum gained against Chinese Taipei", he opined.

In response to claims by critics saying he has not done justice to his talent, the striker had this to say; "I've never felt that way. People will obviously have their opinions but you can never control or influence what they think. My coaches will tell you I have never shied away from working hard or sweating it out."

The 6"1' attacker has complete faith that such perception will change. "I won't let my talent go to waste and the fact that I am donning the India Blue explains it hasn't", he smartly retorted.

Singh has not taken his place in the bench to heart. He understands that he will have to be patient for chances like the one he got against Chinese Taipei. "Whatever the coach asks of me, I'm there for the team - be it 5 minutes, 55 minutes or the full 90 minutes."

And lastly talking of tattoos, Singh revealed that he has a total of five of them on him. He has nine stars on his left leg as nine is his lucky number and the stars always remind him to aim and dream big!

"I also have a tattoo of a warrior on my right shoulder which signifies hard work and fighting through rough times. As my mom is Christian, I have one on my right shoulder which is a prayer with a cross. Then there's one with the names of all my family members on my chest as I like to keep them close to my heart at all times. And lastly on my back I have a tattoo of faith as I must always have faith in myself, my abilities and my talent", he concluded.

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