When young India forward Simranjeet Singh, 22, made the leap from the Junior India World Cup-winning squad for the senior team at the four-nation invitation tournament in New Zealand earlier this year, little did he know that he'd be a World Cup hero with the senior team by year-end. With three goals (two against South Africa and one against Belgium) in two league matches so far, Simranjeet is the tournament's leading goal-scorer alongwith the Netherlands' Jeroen Hertzberger and Argentina's Agustin Mazzilli.

Change in fortunes
More importantly, his crucial link-man role (attacking midfielder who plays just behind the three-man forwardline) saw India's fortunes turn around in the 2-2 draw against Belgium on Sunday. With original link-man Akashdeep Singh struggling, India coach Harendra Singh placed the responsibility on Simranjeet's shoulders, and the result was there for all to see.