Depleted Azkals face Vietnam

Game Today (Panaad Stadium, Bacolod City) 7:30 p.m. – Philippines vs Vietnam

The absence of key players could play a pivotal role for the Philippine Azkals tonight when they seek a favorable result against Vietnam in the first leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal showdown at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Defender Daisuke Sato and midfielder Patrick Strauss won't be available for the 7:30 p.m. home tie after resuming their club duties in Europe, leaving the Azkals without two of many players responsible for securing a return trip to the semis of the biennial competition.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's side is already depleted after Neil Etheridge and Stephen Palla returned to their clubs during the group stage.

Sato has resumed club duties for Sepsi Sfantu Gheorghe in Romania while Strauss is with German division two side Erzgebirge Aue.

Both were instrumental in giving the Azkals an unbeaten slate in the group stage with two victories and two draws to finish second behind defending champion Thailand in Group A.

Sato was a key figure at the backline while Struass impressed football observers by setting up scoring opportunities, including one that allowed Jovin Bedic to score an equalizing goal in the Azkals' 1-1 draw against Thailand at home last Nov. 21.

Their departures leave major holes and big responsibilites for the rest of the Azkals as they aim to gain a headstart against Group A winner Vietnam, a team that didn't concede a goal in four matches.

Phil Younghusband will be upfront anew for the Azkals even as midfielders Stephan Schrock and Patrick Reichelt are tasked to deliver.

Veteran defender Carli de Murga leads the Azkals at the back and goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard is going to man the sticks.