India gear up to take on Philippines

India are slated to play two back-to-back international friendlies at the stadium, the first against Philippines on Nov 15, followed by another against Nepal on Nov 19.

“The ground is in good shape. The last time I was here for the Federation Cup the atmosphere was just electric. It’s the perfect condition to play an International Friendly,” national coach Wim Koevermans said.

“We have had a look at videos involving the Philippines Team and it will be an interesting match. The Weather here is a bit cooler but that’s the fun of International Football,” he said.

“We will play in the manner we want to play,” he said.

Apart from the evening practice session under the lights, Koevermans and the entire Indian contignent had a feel of the turf when they had a stroll on the ground in the morning.

“Siliguri is known for its passionate support. I urge all to throng the stands in large numbers in the Stands,” central defender Arnab Mondal, who had scored in the Federation Cup Final for East Bengal last season, said.

“There’s always that feel-good factor when you play the Kanchenjunga Stadium," Mondal said.

“There are some new faces in the squad but we have been playing against and with each other at the domestic level. Adjusting has never been a problem,” he said.

Robin Singh said the team is all geared up to entertain the crowd in Siliguri.

“We are here to make our Country proud,” he said.

“Football is a game of 90 minutes. So we need to stay alert and grab the chances that will come our way. We have been guilty of squandering chances and if you do it consistently, you will be in trouble,” he said.

“It’s the Players who have to go there on perform,” Singh said.

There was a queue for tickets at the stadium gate on Wednesday.

Tickets have gone on sale from Monday onwards and the local organisers expect a good turnout for the matches.

Meanwhile, the Philippines team who landed in Siliguri on Wednesday morning also had their practice session under the lights at the stadium.

(Image: AIFF Media)