Azkals ready to face Uzbeks

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals hope to pick up where they left off in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers when they face their toughest opponent yet – Uzbekistan – on Tuesday in their Group H match at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan.

The Azkals are drawing confidence from their 2-1 upset of higher-ranked Bahrain and 2-0 disposal of Yemen in the first two fixtures of the WCQ last June as they brace for the tough battle with the White Wolves, a side ranked 76th in the world.

“I think after the last two games, we have confidence. Knowing we can get good results like we did against Bahrain and Yemen with the way coach wants us to play and the formation he put us in, we’re confident it could work again against Uzbekistan,” Phl captain Phil Younghusband said. “Even though they’re the strong favorites (in this game), we still have the confidence that we can cause an upset.” 

Uzbekistan dropped its opening assignment to North Korea in Pyongyang, 4-2.

“We know North Korea were able to score four goals against them in the first half. I’m sure that won’t be the case this time but we believe we have the chance. Even though they’re 50 places ahead of us in world rankings, if we play well and everything goes according to plan, then we can get a good result,” said Younghusband.

The Pinoy booters played Maldives in an international friendly at Rizal Memorial Stadium last night as part of their preparations for the duel with Uzbekistan.

Three more overseas-based mainstays planed in – Stephan Schrock, Javier Patino, and Stephan Palla – putting the side to near full-strength prior to the friendly.

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Younghusband has embraced his new role as the team’s captain and leader.

“Even if he wasn’t wearing the captain’s armband before, he’s been leading the team all the time. He’s somebody others look up to – he’s an outstanding player, he’s working hard, he’s one of the best players we have, he’s well-spoken and he knows the players. He’s an excellent captain,” said coach Thomas Dooley.

Younghusband also took the shift in position from striker to midfielder in the national team with gusto.

“I understand my role and my job within the (national) team and I got good players around me to make it easier,” he said.