Bhutia makes his 100th appearance, India beat Kyrgyzstan

New Delhi: It was a perfect script for Bhaichung Bhutia who was playing his 100th international match at the Ambedkar Stadium on Sunday.

The Indian skipper led the team from the front, scoring a goal in its 2-1 victory against Kyrgyzstan in the Nehru Cup football and later bagging the man of the match award.

"I could not have asked for anything better. Playing in my 100th international match for the country and scoring in it and then winning the man of the match award, it is like a dream come true," Bhutia said.

Bhutia dedicated the goal to his teammates.

"The boys are hardworking and honest. Without them today's success wasn't possible. We have been together for more than two months. It is tough to stay away from families for such a long time. My team is like a family. The win will give us more confidence to defend the title," he said.

"The conditions were tough. It was hot and humid but we did well. The month-long training in Barcelona is helping us but don't expect us to play like Barcelona. We will play in our own distinctive style."

The 32-year-old forward also said that the fitness level of players has improved and now the 156th-ranked team can give a good fight to top Asian teams like Japan and South Korea.

"It will be tough for other teams to beat us. We were unlucky against Lebanon in the first match, but we will make up for in it the remaining two matches. We have to win against Sri Lanka and Syria," he said.

Chief-coach Bob Houghton lavished praise on his captain.

"He has been a role model for thousands of aspiring Indian footballers. In my coaching career I have seen very few players like Bhaichung. He is incredible," he said.