Azkals seek dream finals vs Turkmen

KATHMANDU – The over-achieving Philippine Azkals hope to cement their place in history as they go for the finals against a formidable Turkmenistan side in the Final Four of the AFC Challenge Cup here today.

The absence of two key players in the victories over India and Tajikistan – Angel Guirado and James Younghusband – due to suspension and the doubtful status of defender Jason Sabio (knee injury) failed to dampen the spirit of the Azkals. (Related story on A-36)

Recharged by the two-day break and encouraged by the game video of their semis rivals, the Azkals looked every inch confident they can sustain their improbable run in the event.

“I think it will be a close game. I expect to play pretty much like Tajikistan...a little bit difference here and there and they’re going to be a physical team. But we can get results. I don’t see reason why we can’t win,” said veteran defender and team scout Rob Gier, expressing confidence on the team’s defense. 

Still, the Azkals will feel the impact of losing two of the team’s offensive clouts in Guirado and James Younghusband.

“Historically, we’ve always been pretty good defensively, it’s our strength whenever we come up against even better team North Korea and to a certain degree, Kuwait in the last World Cup qualifiers. Teams realize we’re tough to break down when we get a good defensive unit,” he added.

That will be tested at 2:30 p.m. at the Dashrath Stadium by a Turkmenistan side determined to win it all after losing to North Korea in the 2010 final.

“We respect the Philippines and are ready to play any team,” Turkmenistan coach Yazguly Hojageldiyev said. “Winning this tournament will also get us a ticket for the Asian Cup and we are playing to win.”

Azkals coach Michael Weiss said his wards have been toughened by the three matches in  “Group of Death” Group B, where they fought gallantly in a 0-2 loss to North Korea and upstaged former champions India (2-0) and Tajikistan (2-1) to gatecrash the semis.

“Turkmenistan is similar to the ‘Russian style’ like Tajikistan and the match against Tajikistan was ideal preparation for game,” said Weiss, adding “We have had some intense group stage matches while Turkmenistan’s has been relatively easier against the likes of the Maldives and Nepal.”

Turkmenistan beat Maldives (3-1) and Nepal (3-0) and played Palestine to a scoreless draw to top Group A with seven points.

Turkmenistan blanked the Philippines, 5-nil, the first time they met in 2008.

Reserve forward Ian Araneta, who was part of the crew manhandled by Turkmenistan last time out, said the today’s encounter will be a different story.

“There’s nothing special about them,” he said in Filipino. “Perhaps we were just unprepared the last time as we only had two weeks of preparations then.”

Overall, the team is raring to go, said team manager Dan Palami.

“We’ve done our homework, it’s just unfortunate we have two main players out on suspension but I think and I have strong belief that the players who will be asked to step in, will perform beyond  their potential because they know what’s at stake here,” Palami said.