An unexpected win by Bangladesh against Myanmar have put a clear picture to the Azkals, they have to win this game against Bangladesh or else they will have an early exit and failure for the team’s goal of reaching the top eight for the next years AFC Challenge Cup.
The Azkals which was the highest ranked among the teams in Group are now struggling to maintain their standing after two successive draws, first from home team Myanmar then to the league leading Palestinian team.
The Azkals could not afford to lose this last game they must win in order to advance. German coach Michael Weiss was quoted as saying “We have to win the match. If you want to succeed you cannot do it with draws. We must win this match,” he said yesterday after they watched the game where Bangladesh beats Myanmar by 2-0.
The game between Azkals and Bangladesh will be played at Aung Sun Stadium, the other Stadium which is a little bit smaller compared to the previous stadium where the Azkals have played. It will be played simultaneously with the Palestine against Myanmar in the Youth Training Center Stadium.
Bangladesh coach Robert Rubcic have admitted the facts that their individual players could not match the talented Azkals that’s why he is now changing his tactics and just aiming for a draw for it will (–foul word(s) removed–)ured them of an entry to the next round. A must win for the Azkals.
Another player from the Azkals will not be seeing action against Bangladesh was Rob Gier one of the best defensive player of the Philippine team, he will go back to his home to attend his wife’s delivery. The Azkals have already prepared for this instance even before the start of the competition.
The recently reported 5.8 earthquake in Myanmar could not affect the scheduled games for it has been cleared already and there was no serious incidents and aftershocks were never felt anymore.
Filipino football enthusiasts are once again depending on the tweets by our ever reliable news reporters who are now in the venue. Thanks to the latest updates from Dyan Castillejo, Craig Burrows, and Cedelf Tupas.
Philippine Azkals starting line-up against Bangladesh: Etheridge, Sabio, Del Rosario, Borromeo, Jonsson, Lucena, Caligdong, Guirado, Younghusband, Barsales, and Ian Araneta.
