JOIN USIndia’s Dutch coach Wim Koevermans was understandably pleased with India’s 3-0 victory over higher-ranked Maldives, and said his boys need to keep improving in the tournament.
Koevermans said India’s quick passing helped them dominate the second half, where they scored two goals.
“It was an interesting game. The first half could have been better. A lot of crosses but we did not have enough men in the box. We knew Maldives will start aggressive and we had to pass the ball quickly,” he said. “It was great to have a penalty at that stage but I was not sure we would win.
“The boys know they can do it. We could not have the much of short, quick passing in the first game because of rain. But the boys saw how they redominate the game by putting the ball on the ground, and moving it quicker, especially in the second half and came with some great goals,” added the Dutch coach.
Debutant Robin Singh, Koevermans said, brought ‘more presence in the box’. “We will see more of new players in the coming matches but they should show the confidence to play the pressure game. They have to learn to build when under pressure and change positions. There was nice overlapping today.”
He also praised goalkeeper Subrata Paul. “It is important for the team he didn’t concede a goal.”