Siliguri: “Look at that. It’s beautiful and captivating,” National Coach Wim Koevermans points to the snow-clad Kanchenjunga. “I’d have to come here once for a trek in the Himalayas,” he echoes.
The neighbours from the Himalayan Kingdom, meanwhile, have already arrived in Siliguri and they will be playing India in the International Friendly at the Kanchenjunga Stadium on Tuesday (November 19).
The kick-off on November 19 is at 6pm.
At the Official Pre-Match Media Interaction, Nepal’s Head Coach Jack Stefanowski utters: “We look forward to the Match and am confident.”
For the record the last time the two Teams met, Nepal edged past India 2-1 at the 2013 SAFF Championship in Kathmandu.
“We wanted to have a look but haven’t been able to watch India’s match against Philippines. It was good match,” Stefanowski maintained. India and Philippines played a 1-1 draw at the Kanchenjunga Stadium on November 15.
“I want to thank Nepal National Team for coming over here in Siliguri for the International Friendly,” India’s National Coach Wim Koevermans said. “We played an interesting Match against Philippines and know this will be an interesting match too. We are looking forward to it.”
“It’s not a Match of revenge as is being stated. Every Team takes the field to win. Sporting culture says that once you lose to a Team you stay keen to win it the next time you play. We want to win,” Koevermans stated.
“But it’s not that easy. We know Nepal are a strong side as we played them in the Nehru Cup and then in the SAFF Championship.”
While there are no injury concerns in the Indian Team, Stefanowski will be taking a final decision on Raju Tamang on the morning of the matchday.
National Team Captain Sunil Chhetri, presently tied with Bhaichung Bhutia on 42 Goals as India’s highest-ever goal-scorer felt it just “didn’t matter as long as someone scored.”
“To win Matches you need to score. It just doesn’t matter as long as we convert our chances. Whether it’s me or anyone in the squad, it’s immaterial as to who scores,” he opined.
“Tomorrow is a new game with both Teams starting from the same score. History is there for stats,” he referred to India’s loss to Nepal in the SAFF Championship.
“I need to thank the fans in Siliguri for their overwhelming support in the last match against Philippines. We expect them to cheer for us once again,” Koevermans pronounced.
“In the recent past we have not been able to convert our chances. We got plenty of them for sure. Chances only come when you play well,” Koevermans opined. “We are playing some good Football and hope to carry on the trend.”
Meanwhile Koevermans and Sunil congratulated Subrata Paul for signing a contract with Danish Superliga team FC Vestsjaelland. “I’m very happy for him. I wish him all the luck,” Koevermans stated.
Chhetri who has played for long with Paul in the National Team lauded his signing for the Danish Club. “He is a strong character. It’s such a wonderful news for Indian Football.,” he said.
