History-seeking Azkals to take on Lions tonight

In his opening remarks for yesterday's pre- match press conference for the Azkals-Lions AFF Suzuki Cup Semifinal Leg 1, Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic ribbed Phl manager Dan Palami about pricking the Pinoy booters' dream to advance to the finals and win the elusive hardware.

“Philippines should respect Singapore. We're two times champion of this tournament. You will have to wait another two years to dream,” said the veteran Serbian mentor, who steered the Lions to Asean crown in 2004 and 2007.

The surging Azkals, who are only in their second semifinal appearance in the region's showpiece, seek to continue their chase for history.

But they expect to have their hands full against the Lions, also the 1998 titlists, when they tangle tonight at the familiar grounds of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, hoping to get good results and a cushion going to the succeeding away match in Singapore.

“We know that Singapore is on familiar territory, they've been here ( semis) several times before. Certainly, Phl will not be complacent in that dream, which has been elusive so far," Palami countered.

“We're a young team. In historical perspective, Singapore has had a good run so Phl intends to write its own history and we hope, with full respect to Singapore and with both teams playing well, we could get the result we want,” he added.

That the Azkals are playing in front of over 10,000 supporters in their very first semis home game in the Suzuki Cup is an extra boost.

In their breakthrough trip to the Last-4 two years ago, the Azkals were “homeless” against Indonesia. Over 80,000 Indonesians constantly booed, jeered the “home team” the whole time - in their “home game.”

“It's always an advantage playing at home. When players are down to the last gas, the chants from fans fuel them on,” said Palami, relieved that this particular home game is played, well, at home.

“It's difficult when you play in a stadium where 80,000 fans are against you than a small stadium where 10,000 are cheering for you,” he added, expecting a full house at Rizal.

The Azkals and the Lions previously met in two friendlies in their buildup to the Cup and the Pinoy booters won both, 2- 0 in Singapore, and 1-0 in Cebu.

But the protagonists are one in saying this is a whole new ballgame.

“Singapore team was not fully complete in that period and Phl (does) not ( have the) same players they have now,” coach “Raddy” said.

To which Palami quickly added: "Actually, in the last game, we were lucky to escape with a 1-nil win. I think for the most part of that game, Singapore actually played better than we did. So we hope not to rely on luck too much and play really well to give our home fans a good game and Singapore a good fight.”

The Azkals will have a virtually full complement for the 8 p.m. showdown with the arrival of Angel Guirado and Dennis Cagara, who played key roles in their two-win, one-loss campaign in Group A .

On the other hand, the Lions will miss naturalized player from China Shi Jiayi, who left for his native Shanghai, and midfielder Hariss Harun, who suffered a fractured shin during their Group B stint.

“It's good if you have all he players you want. If not, you just have to deal with it. Players need to step in,” Avramovic said.--