Azkals fight for life vs Kyrgyzstan

Game Today (Rashid Stadium, Dubai) 9:30 p.m. – PH vs Kyrgyzstan

The odds are stacked against the Philippine Azkals tonight as they hope to slip a berth in the knockout stage against Kyrgyzstan in their final Group C match in the AFC Asian Cup at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Not only do the Azkals need a victory in the 5:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. Philippine time) match but they also have to get a convincing result against the squad dubbed the White Falcons in order to reach the last 16 of Asia’s premier football competition.

The four best third placers at the end of the group stage advance to the round of 16 which starts on Sunday.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side are hoping to show more determination to deliver the full three points after coming close to get a tie against South Korea and losing 3-0 to China in the first two matches.

But first, the Azkals need to produce goals this time after failing being shut out in both games despite good chances by striker Javier Patino.

Patino is expected to lead the Azkals attack with midfielders Stephan Schrock and Patrick Strauss also looking to deliver.

Phil Younghusband, who has been playing the role of a substitute since the tourney began, may play a crucial role im the match against the Kyrgyz side the Azkals have beaten twice in two friendly matches in 2016.

But those results are not an assurance that the Azkals can get an advantage as Kyrgyzstan almost pulled an upset over China before losing 2-1 while falling to South Korea 1-0.

Center back Alvaro Silva and goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard will be tasked to play big roles on the defensive side for the Azkals.