Philippines, Kyrgyzstan dream of making last 16
dubai — Debutants Philippines and Kyrgyzstan dare to dream of jumping the hoop and making it to the next round when they square off in their final Group C fixture of the AFC Asian Cup on Wednesday.
Making their first ever appearance in the Asia’s biggest competition, both teams have a sliver of a chance of qualifying to the round of 16, but it also depends on other results going in their favour.
Both teams are yet to open their account after losing to South Korea and China.
Nonetheless, Philippines’ highlyacclaimed coach Sven Goran Eriksson said that they will give it a fight.
“We are going to try to win, of course,” Eriksson said at his prematch press briefing.
“We all know that there is still a possibility to go to the next stage. And we have to fight for it. I’m sure that my team and my players will go out tomorrow (Wednesday) and fight and try to win the game,” he added.
Eriksson said that his side did much better against China than what the score line suggests and urged his men to show their fighting spirit again.
“We know that we have zero points and nobody is happy with that. We were a bit unlucky against China. We played better than 0-3 but that’s history now. We have to come back tomorrow with the right spirit,” said the former England manager.
A victory still won’t guarantee either of them a berth as other permutations and combinations come into play.
Eriksson said that they were aware of it and would look to accomplish what is in their hands.
“We both have the chance to go to the last 16. But it isn’t just down to who will win this game. It doesn’t depend only on this game as we need other results as well to go our way. I think it will be a very tight game and hopefully we will win,” said the 70-year-old.
The Azkals had earlier lost to South Korea 1-0.
Meanwhile, striker Patrick Reichelt said the team would be looking to force a result and see how things pan out.
“We players have been very well informed about the situation and how we have the chance to go through. We have had some respectful performances in the last two games and we are confident enough in what we can do tomorrow’s game is a big chance for us. All we can do is go out there tomorrow and try not to just chase the game and try and get a result. And hopefully that will be enough to go through,” said the 30-year-old.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan coach Alexsandr Krestinin felt that a chat with their President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Tuesday, has helped lift the team’s spirits.
“The team and I spoke to the President a few hours earlier and it is important when he shows so much interest. It shows that the whole country is united and involved. And we will go out there and give our very best,” said Krestinin.