New Delhi: Even as India head into Sunday's Nehru Cup final against Cameroon as underdogs, the East Bengal striker, Robin Singh believes that the hosts can upset the applecart of the Indomitable Lions if they play to their potential.
"It is always 11 vs 11 on the football pitch. We have the belief that we can. I don't believe in rankings so it does not bother me that they are 59th and we are 168th. It matters what you do on the day. If we play to our potential and give our hundred per cent we certainly have a chance," said Robin.
Both teams sealed their places in the finals of the five-nation invitational tournament, having recorded two wins and a draw from their engagements. The teams have collected seven points each.
India and Cameroon will test their respective bench strengths when they face off in an inconsequential Nehru Cup match here Friday.
For the 22-year-old Robin, it's been almost two years since he has been waiting in the wings. He was eventually rewarded with a call for the preparatory camp for the Nehru Cup and earned his international debut against Maldives.
"This is my first step towards playing for the country.
"It is always special to play for India. Playing for your country and club is very different. When I donned the India jersey for the first time, the feeling was very special and unique. I am relishing every bit of it and want to give my all for the country," he told www.the-aiff.com.
Describing his role in the national team, Robin said he has always been the target man in every team.
"I have the responsibility to support the other striker receive the aerial balls as well. It is not difficult for me to adjust as I play in the same system under Trevor (Morgan, East Bengal coach).
"Football is a team sport and not an individual sport. So every player needs to be ready to respond to the call - be it in the starting XI or as a substitute or from the Team Bench.
"You need all the 11 players to stand up and deliver," said Robin, a regular starter in the I-League for almost two years.
People have always questioned his attitude, but Robin said that there will always be admirers as well as critics.
"I am who I am for those who love me, and for those who hate me. Performance speaks and I believe I am putting in that extra bit every day to do well. My performance has earned me the international call. I have been consistently doing well for the last two years. My job is to play and I don't care about my detractors," he said.
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