In the Dutchman's first assignment, India bounced back from being 1-2 down to stun a much-higher ranked Cameroon 5-4 in the shootout to lift their third straight Nehru Cup.
"The type of football they displayed, the attitude shown by the boys is a very good sign for Indian football," Olympian P K Banerjee told PTI. "Despite the height factor, we managed to keep possession, with some short-passing game. It's a tremendous achievement."
Speaking highly of the coach, he added, "He has done a great job. It seemed he has connected (himself) well with whatever advantages and disadvantages we have."
His younger brother Prasun, who captained India at the inaugural edition of Nehru Cup in 1982, went further saying India would make the World Cup if Koevermans was given time.
"The biggest problem with India is that we don't give continuity to our coaches. There has to be a continuity. Give him (Koevermans) six years, and I'm sure we would make the World Cup."
"The best thing to have happened was that we're never bogged down. There was no inferiority complex, one significant change I noticed after the arrival of Koevermans. We also showed amazing temperament. Even trailing against the superior side, they fought till the last," he said. MORE