Wim Koevermans confirms Asian Games exposure tour to Czech Republic

Sportskeeda reported earlier that the India Under-23 team could have an exposure tour to Czech Republic to prepare for the 2014 Asian Games and now India coach Wim Koevermans has confirmed the same while speaking to the Asian Age.

While speaking on the sidelines of the preparatory camp in Bangalore, Koevermans revealed that the team could play three friendly matches in Czech Republic and also have a trip to China before heading off to South Korea for the tournament.

“We kind of finalised the two-week trip to the Czech Republic and hope to play three matches there. Then we come back to India for two weeks and play Pakistan and probably go to China. We are busy finding good teams to play there,” Koevermans was quoted saying.

India reached the round of 16 in the 2010 edition and it was their first appearance in the knockouts since the 1982 edition in New Delhi. When asked about their chances in 2014, Koevermans was quite optimistic as he didn’t even rule out the possibility of securing a medal.

“I have never been to the Asian Games but it’s the Olympic Games of Asia. That’s how big it is. There’s still a long time to go but I’m happy that we’re in this situation, having the boys this long together.

“Our focus when we go into a tournament is to win it. It might not happen but we’re not thinking like that. We want to go as far as possible,” he said.

The camp in Bangalore has 29 players with Stabaek trialist Gurpreet Singh Sandhu expected to join later. Three of those players are seniors – Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Francis Fernandes – and Koevermans was full of praise for them adding that the trio could have a positive influence on the under-23 players.

“Sunil and Robin score a lot of goals and Francis is a high quality player who can play in any position in midfield and up front. So I am very happy with them. Players will learn a lot from the seniors,” the Euro 1988 winner concluded.