A Draw Is Enough For Team Azkals

A win is going to be “massive” but a draw against Kuwait is likewise more than enough for the Philippine Azkals to exit this oil-rich country having a big measure of fulfillment.

As heavy underdogs in their second-round World Cup Qualifying clash, the Azkals are looking for a more conservative approach that might turn Saturday night’s game into a cagey encounter at the Mohammed El-Hammad Stadium in Hawalli.


“A 1-1 or 0-0 outcome will be large for us,” skipper Aly Borromeo mentioned. “If we let them whip us here, then the series is over. We're much more worried about the 1st leg (on Saturday). It will set the tone for our home leg.”

The Azkals will have their turn hosting the Kuwaitis on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Tickets to the game are apparently sold out.

For now, although, the main objective is on neutralizing a vaunted Kuwaiti attack, which is enjoying a high degree of confidence following remarkable wins over Iraq and Saudi Arabia in a four-nation tournament in Jordan last week.

Borromeo said the pressure is on Kuwait to deliver a extensive win prior to its home fans.

“We’re often underdogs, so we’re not under pressure,” stated the skipper, who is still waiting for the final judgment on his one-game suspension for getting two yellow cards in the first-round win over Sri Lanka.

Though deprived of a complete lineup, Azkals coach Michael Weiss stated he’s delighted with the buildup of his team.

Leftback Ray Jonsson, who had missed the Sri Lanka tie, was likely to arrive on wednesday, while goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will fly in on Friday.

“I’m quite content,” mentioned Weiss. “I think that the boys are now keeping track of the hours toward the match. As they say in England, it’s a enormous match. It will give us an idea where we stand and I’m very positive we are able to do well if we play the way we desire to play.”

Weiss’ confidence is a result of the reality that they've scouted the Kuwaitis well. “We have researched the opponent quite carefully,” Weiss stated. “The players know precisely what they are dealing with.”

The German coach also shrugged off earlier fears that the hot weather here would pose a dilemma for his team, after supervising their first training Wednesday night where temperature ranges hovered from 32 to 38 degrees.

“It’s much more pleasant that the heat isn't an problem,” mentioned Weiss. “If (Wednesday night’s weather) is the same on Saturday, we would be fine.”