Azkals open title defense vs Taiwan

Match tonight (Panaad Stadium, Bacolod)

7 p.m. – Philippines vs Chinese Taipei

MANILA, Philippines - The full-strength Philippine Azkals aim to give their local fans a good show as they kick off their title defense in the second Philippine Football Peace Cup tonight against Chinese-Taipei at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Bannered by their Europe-based pros like Stephan Schrock, Neil Etheridge and Jerry Lucena and Philippine-based veterans Chieffy Caligdong and Phil and James Younghusband, the Azkals expect to emerge on top in this short, three-nation meet with the Taiwanese and Pakistan.

They play Chinese Taipei at 7 p.m. Friday and the Pakistanis on Tuesday night, seeking to top the table and rule the tourney for the second straight time.