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.