Phl XI: 20K fans to win the game

MANILA, Philippines – As host country, do the Philippine Azkals actually enjoy home advantage in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup?

Strictly speaking, not so much, if you ask coach Thomas Dooley.

“It will be when we have 20,000 Philippine fanatics in the stadium and they’re pushing us so hard and so loud that the other team is getting nervous,” he said.

Over 4,000 came over to cheer for the Azkals in their Group A opening game against Singapore at the 20,000-seater Philippine Sports Stadium – a small turnout by Suzuki Cup standard, which is used to sellout home crowds.

“When you have sellout crowd, it makes it difficult if you’re the away team,” said Azkals captain Phil Younghusband. “Still, we’re thankful for the people who came and we’re hoping more will come to the next game because fans can make a difference.”

Dooley also said Phl XI enjoys little advantage in the natural grass field of the PSS, too.

“You have the advantage if you have your own stadium where you play 20 games a year and train there maybe a thousand times. In this stadium (PSS) we have two games (prior to the Suzuki Cup) and it’s not that we can train there every week and find out everything about the grass,” he said.

The Azkals continue to ask supporters to troop to the Bocaue venue for the succeeding games.

“The team really wants more people to watch the games but with or without them, we have to do what we have to do as well,” said team manager Dan Palami.

“But of course we hope more people will watch and support, it’s a must-win game for us on Tuesday,” he added.