Sacapaño excited to sub for Etheridge

KATHMANDU – Like a good soldier always ready for action, Azkals reserve keeper Eduard Sacapaño is all too willing to jump in and respond to the call of duty.

“Sobrang excited kasi mabibigyan uli ako ng time na makalaro at hindi lang basta-basta, third place match pa. (I’m very excited for this opportunity to play in a very important game such as this third place match),” said Sacapaño, tapped to tend the goal for the Philippine Azkals vice suspended first custodian Neil Etheridge against Palestine today.

Fil-British Etheridge is ineligible for the 2:30 p.m. match after getting sent off for clipping a Turkmenistan player in their 1-2 setback to the Green Men in the semifinals last Friday.

The Philippine Army goalkeer will have big shoes to fill in as Etheridge had been solid and steady throughout the Azkals’ Cinderella run in the tourney.

“Kung anuman ang nawala sa amin kay Neil, kailangang tatakpan ko. Kumpyansa naman ako na makakapaglaro ako nang maayos (I had to plug in huge hole left by Etheridge but I’m confident, with support of my teammates, that I can play well),” said Sacapaño.

The Armyman will man the goal for Phl XI in a major international competition for the first time since their 1-2 loss to Mongolia in freezing Ulan Bator in the Challenge Cup qualifying playoff last year.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss expressed confidence that backed up by good defenders and midfielders, Sacapaño can do the job.

“I’m 100 percent he will be very positive about it (starting in place of Etheridge). The boys will back him up. We have strong defense, we also have midfield that’s very tight with (Paul) Mulders and Juani (Guirado) and then Rob (Gier) and (Jason) Sabio in the back. Should be no problem,” Weiss said.

And from the sidelines, Etheridge will be there to throw in a few helpful tips along the way.