Dooley lauds young Azkal’s tough stand

MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one bright spot in the generally gloomy outing of the Philippine Azkals in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, it’s the emergence of a teenager who could be one of the team’s stalwarts in future battles.

Only 17, Marco Casambre was thrown into the lions’ den in the all-important group game against powerhouse Thailand and made a good account of  himself playing centerback along with Amani Aguinaldo.

“I thought he did very well for a 17-year-old against the speed of the Thais. He can be proud of his performance. He has a bright future,” said Azkals skipper Phil Younghusband.

Coach Thomas Dooley liked the way the young defender from University of the Philippines and Global FC carried himself in training sessions, earning his trust enough to get a starting nod against the War Elephants.

“Marco showed in training that he’s awake, and he’s there. He has a good left foot, makes less mistakes passing out of the back and he’s good in the air. He fights against everybody and I thought I had to give him a chance to play against them (Thais),” said Dooley.

The Pinoy booters badly needed people to step up in the backline as regular defenders Simone Rota (ACL injury) and Daisuke Sato (club commitment) were unavailable for the Suzuki Cup.

The Azkals eventually yielded to the Thais, 0-1, to ultimately bow out of the semifinals for the first time since crashing the KO stages in 2010.

“We first rest then plan for the Asian Cup (qualifiers). We need to have good preparations, a four-week camp and maybe two friendlies before the Asian Cup qualifiers in March,” said Dooley.