Azkals move on, set sights on Asian qualifiers for 2022

MANILA, Philippines — With a coveted AFC Asian Cup stint tucked under their belt, the Philippine Azkals look to continue the journey as they set their sights on the next big international battle ahead, the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

Despite conceding their matches to big guns Korea (0-1) and China (0-3) and history-making fellow debutant Kyrgyz Republic (1-3), the Pinoy booters felt they somehow acquitted themselves well in the Continental meet and gained some positives heading to the qualifiers later this year.

“We’ve got the World Cup qualifiers to look forward to. Let’s see what we can do in that,” Azkals defender Luke Woodland said in an interview on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website.

The Filipinos have an extra incentive to perform well and go deeper in the World Cup qualifiers as it also allots tickets to the next Asian Cup in 2023.

“I think the main aim is to try to push to get back into the tournament (Asian Cup) again. It’s a big stage but we have shown our quality. I think we’ve shown a lot of people what we are about, shocked a few people (in Phl’s Asian Cup debut),” said Woodland.

The Azkals were at their best in the opener against Korea, holding the Taeguk Warriors to a 0-0 standoff before yielding a one-goal setback.

“All the players out there, they fought even if they’re losing, up to the last second and that’s very, very professional and that’s a good start for the future. More games like these and they will learn and do less mistakes and hopefully Phl will be in the next Asian Cup or even World Cup,” said coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

The Swedish veteran, who called the shots for Phl in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup and the Asian Cup, will relinquish the post at the end of his short contract with football director Scott Cooper taking the reins.