THE Azkals brace for one of their toughest tests yet when they tangle with a strong North Korea side on Thursday night in the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) World Cup Qualifiers at the King II Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
With their 2019 World Cup hopes at stake, the Azkals are eyeing a modest one goal or a draw to keep them on track for the qualifiers.
“The team must really concentrate on achieving at least one goal, that’s the important thing right now. And to deliver one goal or draw in the game will really push us again in our bid in the World Cup qualifiers,” Aris Caslib, technical director of Philippine Football Federation (PFF), said.
The Philippines dropped to No. 3 in Group H with a 2-1-0 won-lost-drawn record for six points, their only loss dealt by Uzbekistan, 1-5, at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan last month. The Azkals have beaten Bahrain, 2-1, in June and Yemen, 2-0, in July.
Caslib said the Thomas Dooley-coached booters should learn from last game’s setback.
“The direct balls must be addressed by our back line. It’s not only having five defenders but it’s how they work together,” Caslib said.
The national team, however, will play minus injured Javier Patino and Simone Rota. Juani Guirado is also in Spain to attend to his pregnant wife.
Carrying the load are team captain Phil Younghusband, Stephan Shrock, Misagh Bahadoran, Rob Gier, Manny Ott and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
North Korea, which has World Cup experience, is undefeated in three games in Group H. They clobbered Uzbekistan (4-2) at home, Bahrain (1-0) in Manama and got an easy win in a forfeited match against Yemen (0-3), which fielded an ineligible player.