Philippine Azkals to focus on ‘finishing games’
WHILE it was able to hold its own in its internationally friendly with Malaysia on Wednesday night that ended in a scoreless draw, the Philippine national men’s football team said it still needs to work on certain aspects of their game in the lead-up to the AFC Asian Cup qualifier, including how to finish games.
Back in action for the first time since the 2016 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, the Philippine Azkals were able to see much of their game plan through but failed to secure a goal to bag a win in the friendly which served as part of their preparation for the Asian Cup qualifier.
The goalless draw was the fifth straight time that a game involving the two countries ended in a draw. The Philippines last defeated Malaysia in 1991 during the Southeast Asian Games.
“We wanted to win the match. After 26 years we want to beat Malaysia. I think we did a pretty good job. We created chances and had possession most of the time. That was what we expected. We pressured them but we just could not finish,” said Azkals coach Thomas Dooley in assessing their performance in the friendly.
“This is football. And in order to win we need to score goals. So we are going to focus on finishing, finishing, finishing, as we expect Nepal to play the same way and we have to win in the first game,” added Mr. Dooley, referring to their first match in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal on Tuesday.
The American coach also expressed gladness that for the Asian Cup qualifier the Azkals are in “full strength,” with guys like goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defender Daisuke Sato back in harness after missing the Suzuki Cup, which affected their campaign in said tournament.
“I’m happy that the qualifier is happening during the FIFA window for players. We are going to use the next five days playing more together as a team and we look forward to playing Nepal,” Mr. Dooley said.
In the AFC Asian Cup qualifier, the Azkals are bracketed in Group F along with Tajikistan, Yemen and Nepal.
Of the four teams in the group, the Philippines has the highest FIFA ranking right now, with Tajikistan at 133, Yemen at 148 and Nepal at 170.
The Azkals begin their campaign against Nepal on March 28 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Tickets for the match are available at SM Ticket outlets and at the gate. —