Pumped-up Global FC seeks big win vs Pakistan

CEBU CITY , Philippines   â€“ A fired-up Global FC of the Philippines seeks to close in on a spot in the AFC President’s Cup’s final round stage as it targets the full three points tonight against dangerous Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) of Pakistan in Day 2 of the Group B qualifiers here.

Global, the first Filipino to compete in the tourney for clubs from “emerging” Asian nations, hits the pitch of the Cebu City Sports Center at 7:30 p.m., determined to make a fitting followup to its 5-0 blanking of Yeedzin FC of Bhutan two nights before.

“That game against KRL will be very tough. It will be critical to our campaign. If we get the three points, that would actually give us a berth in final group stage,” said Global owner Dan Palami.

A second straight win will give Global six points with a guaranteed position in Top 2 of the group qualifiers and a corresponding ticket to the main tournament, regardless of the outcome of its last match against Dordoi on Sunday.

Energized by 2,500-strong supporters, Global started its maiden game like a well-oiled machine, creating numerous scoring opportunities and connecting on four of them inside the first 20 minutes. Although the relentless pressure and attack somehow slowed down in the final 45, Global’s “Boys in Yellow” had already made enough of a cushion to secure the triumph.

“We are very delighted to start the tournament in the right manner. To score five goals and keep a clean sheet is (something) I can’t imagine. (But) It’s only the first step and I hope we can recover for the next game,” said Global coach Brian Reid, who described his wards’ performance in the first 20-30 minutes as “probably the best I have seen.”

“We only won one game and there are tough matches to come. Both KRL and Dordoi will be a tough test. Hopefully we get a good performance against KRL (tonight),” he added.

Palami said there were lessons to learn from their win over Yeedzin, which could actually have seen a more lopsided scoreline.

“It’s important we focus on the next game and that we play consistent. We have a very good first 30 minutes and then we somehow forgot it was a 90-minute game and that some of players relaxed. But overall, it was a good first match for us. We didn’t have the learning curve to contend with so we look forward to the next games against two strong teams,” Palami said.

KRL forced fancied Dordoi of Kyrgyzstan to a 1-1 draw in the opener, sending a warning to Global and the rest that it’s not to be stifled with.

“From the game earlier between KRL and Dordoi, they are two strong teams. KRL was the finalist of the latest President’s Cup competition. We should never underestimate them and from what I saw they were the better team in the second half against Dordoi,” Palami said.