The Philippine National Football Team, more popularly known as the Philippine Azkals will try to seek revenge for their previous back-to-back losses to Middle East powerhouse football team, Kuwait Al-Azraq.
The Azkals wanted to continue their undefeated international friendlies as they force a scoreless draw against Bahrain four days ago. The team is now focused on sending a strong message to the rest of the Asian team as they will try to win or at least score a draw against Kuwait.
The Philippine Azkals match against the 112th ranked Kuwait is one of the final stages of their preparation for the upcoming Suzuki Cup to be held in Thailand. Aside from their Middle East build-up, the team wanted to avenge their previous lost against Kuwait, the team who stopped the dreams of the Philippines to secure a slot in the 2014 World Cup.
The Kuwait National Football Team easily defeated the Philippines in the second round of the Asian Qualifications for the 2014 World Cup with the final aggregate score at 5-1, scoring only one goal courtesy of Fil-German midfielder Stephan Schrock.
The Philippines have prepared well for the FIFA-sanctioned international friendly as the game will affects heavily on the chances of the Philippines to climb on their current FIFA rankings at 147th, the highest-ever for the Nationals.
On their match-up against Kuwait today which will kick-off at around 11:30 PM (PST), the Azkals will welcome back the service of veteran midfielder Angel Guirado who is currently playing at the Indian Salgaocar FC. James and Phil Younghusband will be back for the team as well together with Filipino-Canadian Demitrius Omphroy.
Premier League goalkeeper Neil Etheridge who is currently at loaned with Bristol Rover’s will return to the squad also fortifying the goal for the Philippines.
The Kuwait Al-Azraq on the other hand have prepared also against the Philippines especially with the recent success of the Azkals against Bahrain. The team will be bannered by Yousef N(–foul word(s) removed–)er who scored for the team during their previous game against the Philippines.
Other notable names who were playing for the National Team of Kuwait were veterans international player such as Fahad Al-Enezi, the Gulf’s Ronaldinho and Bader Al-Mutawa.
