India football coach expects tough competition against Pak

India football coach Wim Koevermans today said he expects tough competition in the two friendly matches against Pakistan to be played here tomorrow and August 20.
"As we know whenever India and Pakistan play each other, they turn out to be good games," he told reporters here ahead of the first friendly match here tomorrow.
Replying to a query, Koevermans said the exposure tour to Czech Republic was a good experience for the boys.
"The level of football played in Czech Republic is of very high standard. The boys came back richer in experience. We will also play some good opposition in China prior to the Games in Incheon. That surely will make the boys stronger," he said.

Asked about quality goal scorers besides Sunil Chhetri, Kovermans said, "It is not him alone, but there are other two senior players -- Robin Singh and Francis Fernandes -- who can score.
"Also you all need to remember that Sunil does not only score goals but also creates a lot of them," he said.

"Our aim is to develop the team in all aspects of the game. So far I feel we have made progress and we would be able to judge it in the two forthcoming matches," Koevermans said.
Indian captain Sunil Chhetri said the one-and-a-half month exposure camp has helped his side to gel together as there were many players who came from different I-League teams and most were not in shape.

"The best part is that we have got a lot of time to gel. There are a number of young players who came from different I-League teams and not all of us were in the best possible shape. The long exposure camp has helped us for sure," he said.
Thanking the AIFF for organising the friendly matches, Pakistan coach from Bahrain Mohammad Shamlan said playing against India would help his players in their preparations for the Asian Games.