Chasing new challenges and greener pastures

Out of the 16 teams participating in the World Cup, seven are playing under foreign coaches

Indervir Grewal in Bhubaneswar


Roelant Oltmans

Malaysia had a rough start to their World Cup campaign with a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands. The Dutch are a lethal side and can destroy teams on their day. One person knew that exactly. "We all know how dangerous Holland can be when they get into their flow," said Roelant Oltmans, Malaysia's coach. Having coached the Dutch women's and men's teams for over 10 years, Oltmans knew what his former team was capable of. Did it help? "I don't think it benefitted, looking at the scoreline," said Oltmans before breaking into a self-deprecatory laughter.