Azkals unbowed despite loss – Sato

MANILA, Philippines - Azkals defender Daisuke Sato, whom coach Thomas Dooley tagged as the best player in the field against the rampaging Uzbekistan, said the humbling 1-5 setback won’t break the Filipino spirit.

“It’s not the result we wanted but we will bounce back and keep fighting for our country. We will show what Pinoy pride is,” said the Fil-Japanese.

“We lost but nothing negative. We got few more games to go, we got a game against North Korea next month so we need to keep on going,” he said.

The 20-year-old Sato played solid and composed in the backline against the White Wolves, making timely tackles and breaking up the Uzbek attack on his side while making smart passes to start Phl assaults.

“(Sato was) outstanding, maybe the best player in the field. He’s such an advanced player physically, mentally, and reads the game very well,” Dooley said of Sato.

Sato, who just recovered from a hand injury, carries a winning attitude that makes him undaunted by taller, stronger strikers.

“I don’t want to lose, even to a team that’s 50 rankings ahead of us. I want to win, that’s why I always give my best and try to play well,” he said.

Stephan Schrock, the lone goal scorer in the Uzbekistan game, apologized for the stinging loss.

“Sorry we failed but we’re not going to quit until we see the fruit of what God has placed for us!” Schrock posted on his Twitter account.