Siliguri, Nov 14 (IANS) India will have their hands full when they take on higher ranked Philippines in an international football friendly at the Kanchenjunga Stadium here Friday.
A minute’s silence will be observed prior to the kick-off as a mark of respect to all those who lost their lives in Typhoon Haiyan.
“We appreciate Philippines coming over to play, especially during difficult times,” India’s Dutch coach Wim Koevermans said at the pre-match conference Thursday.
Welcoming the Philippines contingent, India captain Sunil Chhetri added: “Our heart goes out to all who unfortunately died in Typhoon Haiyan. Our prayers continue so that everything comes back to normal in your country.”
While India have dropped to the 154th position, Philippines are ranked 17 places higher at 137th place. The two teams have met four times with India winning twice, losing once and one drawn game.
“I’ve had a look at Team India’s videos and am aware about the progress which they have made since March 2012 when we last played them. We watched the SAFF Championship final and know India play with a very high intensity. They are an aggressive team,” Philippines coach Hans Weib pronounced.
Koevermans pointed out that India wanted to take on a tougher opposition and gain experience rather than rack up points by beating a lower ranked team on an international FIFA date.
“We didn’t win the SAFF final, a match which we deserved to win,” Koevermans stated.
“When I took over as the Indian national team coach I had stressed on playing on as many FIFA dates as possible. We could have easily picked up any other weaker opposition but we intend to play against stronger teams,” he added.
Chhetri said the “fresh faces” have settled in fast.
“The best thing about FIFA dates is that you get to play good opposition. It is a learning process for all. The fresh faces are eagerly looking up to the match. We don’t have any injury concerns and are raring to go,” he added.
Koevermans didn’t buy the logic that his team is an “inexperienced one.”
“Look carefully and you will find experience all over. International football is always played at a different tempo. The first practice session at the national team camp is of much higher intensity that what you normally have in your clubs. The boys have responded well and I look forward to their response in the match,” Koevermans maintained.
The list of Philippines’ squad of 23 reveals that seventeen of them were born outside Philippines and possess dual citizenship including Bundesliga Club Eintracht Frankfurt defender Stephan Markus Schrock.
“Unfortunately we can only field Indian born players,” Koevermans said with a smile.
