CEBU, Philippines - History beckons in Cebu sports when the Philippine Azkals take on the three-time Suzuki Cup champion Singapore Lions in their highly-anticipated "Face Off" scheduled at 7:00 tonight at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The first ever international friendly football match in the Queen City of the South will be covered live by ABS-CBN and aired on Studio 23.
More than strutting their wares before their army of fans in this side of the country, the Azkals of German coach hans Michael Weiss are out to show how ready they are for a much bigger challenge when they compete in the prestigious AFF Suzuki Cup against host Thailand on November 24 in Bangkok.
"We're looking forward to a nice game, I high performance level match," said Weiss in the event's final press conference yesterday at the Victoria Hall of the Cebu Parklane International Hotel. "This is our final tuneup for the Suzuki Cup and we're happy to have a strong opponent in Singapore here in Cebu."
Weiss said the match would be the yardstick on their readiness for the prestigious tournament that became the Azkals' launching pad to stardom after they made it to the semifinals two years ago.
"It's important to know how my players will perform. I want to see how mentally prepare they are and how they will stand on pressure," added Weiss.
Aside from playing at home, Weiss said one thing that could work to their advantage against the Lions is that the Azkals have transformed into a stronger and more cohesive team.
"We have a home advantage and a soldout stadium but apart from that, we know we're a strong team and I believe some of my players will shine tomorrow (today)," said Weiss.
To test the skills of his younger players, Weiss said he won't field in the Younghusband brothers Phil and James in the starting lineup.
The likes of Misagh Bahadoran and Carlos Alberto Martinez de Murga are here in Cebu training with the rest of the Azkals, but will not be playing tonight due to injuries.
The fans, however, have something to look forward to as three Azkals with Cebuano lineage - goal keeper Paolo Pascual, Ray Anthony Johnsson and Patrick Reichelt - are all set to flaunt their skills before the eyes of their townmates.
Pascual, a homegrown talent, as well as Johnsson and Reichelt will play here for the first time with the promise of performing well not only for their respective families and relatives, but for the rest of their fellow Cebuanos.
Singapore coach Avramovic Radojko, for his part, said he hopes that his wards will make an impression and put on a show before the Filipino fans.
"We're happy to take this game. We hope that at least we can give our part. We're hoping that when people go out of the stadium, they will be satisfied with what they see," said Radjoko.
Meanwhile, Cebu Football Association (CFA) Vice President Rico Navarro said tickets for the landmark event in Cebu football have already been sold out.
"We expect a sellout crowd tomorrow (today). I advice the public to come early and I am also requesting them not to bring any foreign object including mineral water bottles," said Navarro.
Gates will open at exactly 3 pm.
A substantial but undisclosed number of policemen and augmentation force will be deployed at the playing area and at the grandstand to ensure the welfare and safety of everyone.
The organizing CFA through its Board Member Nimrod NL Quiñones have designated some parking areas for those who will be watching the game including one lane in front of the Abellana National School and City Central School and the side of Cebu Normal University (CNU) along R. Landon and Pelaez Streets.
A pay parking area is also available at the University of San Carlos, at E-Mall and at the vicinity of the Cebu Coliseum.
The parking area at CCSC is reserved for the VIPs only, while no vehicle is allowed to park outside the area going to the CCSC main entrance. (FREEMAN)