Phil says Azkals must play better than they did vs Yemen, Bahrain

Azkals captain Phil Younghusband said the Pinoy booters need to top their performances in the first two outings in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers in order to beat their next opponent in Group H, top seed Uzbekistan.

“We have to play better than we did against Bahrain and Yemen,” said Younghusband during yesterday’s Trial Run for the new adidas ACE15 and X15 shoes at Sparta Philippines in Mandaluyong.

The Azkals are on a high after getting six points from victories over Bahrain, 2-1, and Yemen, 2-0, but Younghusband said they have to be really at their best against the Uzbeks on Sept. 8 in Bulacan.

“When Uzbekistan comes, we know it’s gonna be a high level. We know we have to play better. But I think we have players in the team who will step up to match the level of the team that’s in front of us,” he said.

Younghusband and his brother James joined fellow UFL mainstays, college and high school players and consumers in testing the adidas ACE15 and X15, which according to adidas product manager Patrick Giron, are replacing the old F50, Predator, 11pro and Nitrocharge.

ACE15, he said, is built to control. It has a revolutionary control web which gives ultimate ball control and a three-layer compound combined with grippy EVA make for an unbeatable touch and a unique NSG (non-strop grip) skin which uses 3D dots for perfect control in all conditions.

James has a liking for the ACE15, designed for players like Mesut Ozil and James Rodriguez.

“I find the ACE very good especially when I’m passing the ball, whether inside the foot or making the ball curl,” said the veteran winger. “I’m able to get more grip all around the ball. The studs are a little bit smaller, allow me to get a better grip of the turf, be quick when I’m turning.”

X15 is built for the game’s most dangerous players. It features a techfit collar that offers compression fit around the ankle, an X-claw for complete traction with lightweight fit, an X-cage for ultimate support during most agile moments and an X-skin for comfort, protection and performance.

Phil has actually used the X15 – a boot preferred by the likes of Thomas Muller, Gareth Bale, and Luis Suarez –in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

“Most important thing for me are comfort and the way they look. They feel very comfortable, especially now they got the higher cut which gives more compression around the ankles, gives more stability. And I love the color (solar yellow) and the way they look, the shape of the boot,” said Phil.

The adidas ACE15 and X15 were used for the first time at the UEFA Champions League finals in Berlin last June 6. They became available in the Philippines this week.