Singapore: High on confidence after their recent Nehru Cup triumph, India take on Singapore in a football friendly, which will also be the first away match under coach Wim Koevermans, on Tuesday.
Having successfully begun his stint at the helm of affairs, Koevermans will want to collect valuable ran-king points from the match.
Being a match on a FIFA date, Koevermans has a full squad available and doesn’t have to wrangle with clubs for the release of players.
India are ranked 168th, while their opponents are six places higher.
India and Singapore have played 15 times against each other with the latter winning seven times to six.
Their last match was in 2004 when Singapore won 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
“It’s nice to play a match on a FIFA date. We look to improve ourselves and are looking forward to a good match. It will be a difficult one,” Koevermans said.
Captain Sunil Chhetri said the team was excited about playing here. “We are excited to come here and play. Our last tournament was a memorable one. But that’s past. Now it’s up to us to take up the challenge.”
Meanwhile, Indian goalie Subrata Pal expressed confidence that the country could break into the top 100 within 18 months if they play regularly on FIFA dates.
On Koevermans, Pal said, “I wish he stays long in India. The start has been a dream one and the [future] script promises much. (PTI)