Nehru Cup: We succumbed to pressure in the first half, says India coach

New Delhi: India’s football coach Wim Koevermans yesterday admitted that they were overshadowed by Nepal in their goalless draw but still was gung-ho about his side’s chances of making the final of the Nehru Cup. “We are still in the race to make the final. We have six points from two games,” Koevermans said in the post-match press conference. Needing a win to seal a place in the final for the third time in a row, India showed intent but could never find the much-needed goal against a side that fought bravely after coming off two reverses. [caption id=“attachment_434486” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Indian captain Sunil Chetri (11) tries to go for a back volley against Nepal during their Nehru Cup match in New Delhi on Tuesday. Vijay Verma/PTI[/caption] India, who play their last game against Cameroon on Friday, still have a chance to make the final, but will have to wait and see how today’s match between Maldives and Cameroon pans out. While a win for Maldives will leave India with no option but to beat Cameroon in their next match, a positive result for the African nation will be more beneficial to the hosts. The Dutchman felt pressure may have got the better of his team in the first half. “I expected my team to be better in the first half. Nepal played better in the first half, probably because there was more pressure on us,” he added. “We defended well with everything we had. The boys were disappointed at the first half but in the second half they had two very big chances – one from Robin Singh and the other from Jewel. The Nepal goalkeeper did well to block them. The balls from the flanks created chances,” Koevermans said. Asked if starting with someone like Robin Singh would have benefited the team more considering the wet surface, he said, “We bring the subs on where we think we can make improvements. Every long ball in the first half was without any reason. “Anything can happen on this surface, suddenly you may find yourself near the box. That’s the way it is for both team, everybody wants to play football,” he added. About Jewel Raja, Koevermans said, “Jewel was a very good substitution, it was a great save by the goalkeeper. Nepal adjusted better in the first half. We have to cope with pressure.” Nepal coach Krishna Thapa seemed content with result. “We gave India a good fight. We wanted at least a point from this match. The boys were told that, and they did exactly that.” PTI