Mumbai, Oct 8: Subrata Paul, the maverick custodian was beaten for the first time on Friday (October 7) in the Indian Super League (ISL). And from the penalty spot he conceded the only goal for NorthEast United FC to Uruguay's superstar World Cup striker Diego Forlan.

Forlan wins it for Mumbai; Full schedule of ISL

The Uruguay striker, who won the Golden Boot in World Cup 2010, stole the limelight on Friday after scoring his first goal in the ISL, for Mumbai City FC. Thanks to his only goal, Mumbai earned 3 full points.

Forlan, however, talking to media after the match seemed to be in a festive mood. He expressed surprise at the popularity of cricket in India.

He said, "I have also seen popularity of the game (cricket) in England. But in India, as I have noticed the popularity of football, sometimes I get surprised to have noticed the craze of cricket in this country."

Forlan was also asked whether he liked cricket. And the star striker who played as an attacking midfielder for his team Mumbai on Friday, said, "I have been amazed to see how both the teams continue playing for consecutive five days."

Cricket apart, Forlan was also moved by the so called middle class people's struggle for existence in everyday life.

He said, "So far I have roamed around in Mumbai, I have seen people a galore who have been fighting to establish their existence in everyday life. I am simply moved to have seen their struggle. And at the same time I also have watched the disparity in the society where rich people are living together with the lower and middle class people."

One of the teammates of Forlan in Mumbai City FC, Shehenaj Singh had also a high appreciation for the 37 year old Uruguay striker.

He said, "After training we watch Forlan reading books on Indian culture and people. Even after our evening training session Forman and his wife go out of the hotel and roam around the city. He is a different type of persons among the top footballers we have seen, playing in ISL so far."

OneIndia News