THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Koevermans: We are still in the race

Wim Koevermans

India coach Wim Koevermans is still optimistic about India’s chances to advance to the final of the 2012 Nehru Cup. The Dutchman faced the media at the post-match press conference after the unexpected 0-0 draw against Nepal [+ read the match report].

Koevermans admitted that Nepal was the better team in the first half and that the India team had problems to adjust to the waterlogged pitch of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

“I expected my team to be better in the first half. Nepal played better in the first half, probably because there was more pressure on us,” the Dutchman told. “They adjusted to the conditions quicker. Our players didn’t take any risks but it was a better performance in the second half.”

“We defended well with everything we had. The boys were disappointed at the first half but in the second half they had two very big chances – one from Robin Singh and the other from Jewel,” Koevermans continued. “The Nepal goalkeeper did well to block them. The balls from the flanks created chances.”

Asked about India’s chances to advance tothe final, the India coach said: “We are still in the race to make the final. We have six points from two games.”

India will face Cameroon in the final group stage match on Friday, but much will depend on the outcome of the Cameroon v Maldives match tomorrow. A win by Cameroon would favour India’s dream to reach the final and to clinch the Nehru Cup for a third consecutive.

More details and exclusive updates on the the NEHRU CUP will be available at www.facebook.com/cpd81