The Philippine Azkals will face their toughest opponent so far in Group H of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the national team of Uzbekistan which is ranked No. 71 worldwide. We will give you our very own preview of the match between the Azkals and Uzbekistan.
The Azkals vs. Uzbekistan match will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan. The Philippines will try to secure a win against the Uzbekistan national team despite the fact that the Philippines is behind in terms of FIFA ranking as the country ranks at 129th worldwide.
According to Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley, he considered his team as the underdogs on their battle against Uzbekistan who are now gunning for the full three points against the Philippines, after they lost to Group H leader North Korea.
During an interview on Monday, Uzbek midfielder Server Djeparov revealed to the media that they come to the Philippines with their ultimate goal, to win against the Filipinos and nothing else.
The visiting Uzbekistan team also revealed that they will make sure they can neutralize the team captain of the Azkals, Phil Younghusband, who is considered as one of the most popular football star in the country.
Coach Thomas Dooley on his part noted during the press conference and game preview on Monday that like the Uzbekistan team, his Azkals is also looking at key players of the opposing team.
The Azkals head coach mentioned the jersey numbers of defenders Islom Tukhtakodjaev and Anzur Ismailov, forward Alexander Geynrikh, and midfielder Server Djeparov as the players that the Azkals have to keep tabs on.