Kathmandu: India football team coach Wim Koevermans on Sunday said his players are feeling fresh and raring to go ahead of the crucial semi-final game against Maldives on Monday.
"We are happy we have a bit of rest prior to the semifinal. There's more energy in the squad. We are focusing on the semi-final at the moment," said Koevermans.
Maldives have been scintillating form in this tournament and have scored 18 goals in three matches.
"Maldives have scored 18 goals in the Group Stage. But all had said that was an easier Group and ours was the Group of Death," he quipped about his opponent.
"I don't need to motivate anyone. Tomorrow will be a tough match. Maldives are a strong opposition."
Goalkeeper Subrata Paul said the team was not taking Maldives lightly despite sharing an upper hand over the islanders.
"Every match is a tough one. Just because we have won the last two or more matches against Maldives doesn't mean that we will win this one too. History just doesn't matter," said Paul.
Paul felt that Maldives team was not just about its striker and insisted that both the sides have equal chance of making it to the final of the SAFF Championships.
"Ali Ashfaq is not the sole one. They are a very good unit and very dangerous. They may have scored 18 goals but we are also not that bad a team. No one is a favourite. We need to convert our chances.
It was Ali Ashfaq's opinion that India are the weakest team ever. We will play the match on the field," said Paul.
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