Kochi, Apr 1: Ecstatic after scoring on debut, India’s Australian-born striker Ryan Williams said that he had replayed the moment in his head so many times before the match that when it actually happened, he felt a bit “blurry”.
Williams made a dream India debut as his fourth-minute strike set up the home side’s 2-1 win over Hong Kong in an inconsequential Asian Cup qualifying round match here on Tuesday.
“It’s a strange one. I have been dreaming about this for a long time and done a lot of work to make this happen. You know, you couldn’t write this, in Kerala, the home of football, scoring within five minutes and winning,” Williams said in a short video posted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
“It just went blurry. I think I just slipped over and ran away and didn’t know what to do. Because having, in my mind, scored that goal so many times and then it happening is just special and just, you know emotions take over,” he said.
Akash Mishra scored the other goal for India in the 50th minute, also his first international strike, to help the Khalid Jamil-coached side notch its first victory of the third round of the qualifiers.
Already out of contention from the continental showpiece, India ended their campaign with five points — from one win and two draws — and at the bottom of Group C. Williams said a consolatory win was welcome for the team that has struggled for good results in the recent past.
“You know that’s the main thing, for us to win. It means nothing if you score and don’t win. It’s just incredible. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet. I know we can’t get anywhere with this win but it just feels special,” he said.
The 32-year-old was also appreciative of the fans who turned out in good number to support the home side.
“When you play these games, you want that atmosphere, they brought it and pus more. I just want to say from the bottom of my heart that thank you for making this so special not only for me but for everyone. This will be something that myself and my family will remember for many, many years,” he said.
Williams was included in India’s squad after FIFA cleared his change of association. He had earlier been part of India’s preparatory camp for the Bangladesh match but missed out on the lineup due to pending documentation.
It was also his international debut as he has not played for Australia in an official senior match. He represented Australia at the youth level, featuring in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
A versatile attacker currently playing for Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, Williams relinquished his Australian passport last year to play for India. (PTI)
