Showing posts with label kuwait. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kuwait. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Azkals fall short in gallant attempt to upset Kuwait
The Azkals stunned heavily favored Kuwait with a spectacular first-half goal, but again suffered second-half defensive breakdowns to allow the visitors to squeak by with a 2-1 victory at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With their win at home, Kuwait advanced to the third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers while eliminating the Philippines.
Yousef Sulaiman and Ahmed Jumah scored the goals for Kuwait in the 61st and 85th minute.
But those came after the Philippines gave them a scare by striking first, when midfielder Stephan Schrock slammed home the Azkals' first and only goal in two matches, just before the half, igniting the crowd.
The euphoria extended into halftime as a sold-out stadium began smelling a historic upset against an opponent ranked 67 places higher in the FIFA rankings.
But to move on to the next World Cup qualifying round, the Azkals not only had to win but beat Kuwait by four goals, after losing in the away leg, 3-0.
Up tempo match
With a three-goal deficit, the Azkals played a high defensive line to push forward and pressure the Kuwaitis from the start.
Both teams had numerous chances to score with Kuwait looking to counter-attack the Azkals pressing game in the high tempo match.
Both teams also played the ball quickly and effectively behind some crisp passing. The Philippines also abandoned their old long-ball tactics.
Kuwaiti Fahad Al-Ebrahim was ejected midway in the second half after a dangerous challenge against Chieffy Caligdong, giving the Azkals a golden opportunity to pad their lead.
However, the Azkals' playing so high up the pitch enabled Kuwait to counter with a fast break and score soon after the red card to momentarily silence the pro-Filipino crowd.
Down to 10 men, Kuwait played the ball well to the left, with Jumah finding the back of the net.
Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge was tenacious in goal, but the Kuwaitis' better coordination and even conditioning shone in the two late goals.
Despite the result, the crowd gave the home team a standing ovation after the match as they circled the pitch to chants of "Azkals, Azkals, Azkals," a shirtless and brawny young Etheridge reminding the crowd that this team can only get better. � With reports from Earl Victor Rosero and Roy Moore/JVP/MRT/HS, GMA News
With their win at home, Kuwait advanced to the third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers while eliminating the Philippines.
Yousef Sulaiman and Ahmed Jumah scored the goals for Kuwait in the 61st and 85th minute.
But those came after the Philippines gave them a scare by striking first, when midfielder Stephan Schrock slammed home the Azkals' first and only goal in two matches, just before the half, igniting the crowd.
The euphoria extended into halftime as a sold-out stadium began smelling a historic upset against an opponent ranked 67 places higher in the FIFA rankings.
But to move on to the next World Cup qualifying round, the Azkals not only had to win but beat Kuwait by four goals, after losing in the away leg, 3-0.
Up tempo match
With a three-goal deficit, the Azkals played a high defensive line to push forward and pressure the Kuwaitis from the start.
Both teams had numerous chances to score with Kuwait looking to counter-attack the Azkals pressing game in the high tempo match.
Both teams also played the ball quickly and effectively behind some crisp passing. The Philippines also abandoned their old long-ball tactics.
Kuwaiti Fahad Al-Ebrahim was ejected midway in the second half after a dangerous challenge against Chieffy Caligdong, giving the Azkals a golden opportunity to pad their lead.
However, the Azkals' playing so high up the pitch enabled Kuwait to counter with a fast break and score soon after the red card to momentarily silence the pro-Filipino crowd.
Down to 10 men, Kuwait played the ball well to the left, with Jumah finding the back of the net.
Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge was tenacious in goal, but the Kuwaitis' better coordination and even conditioning shone in the two late goals.
Despite the result, the crowd gave the home team a standing ovation after the match as they circled the pitch to chants of "Azkals, Azkals, Azkals," a shirtless and brawny young Etheridge reminding the crowd that this team can only get better. � With reports from Earl Victor Rosero and Roy Moore/JVP/MRT/HS, GMA News
Azkals 1-2 Kuwait FT
Philippines vs Kuwait
Rizal Memorial in Manila
Time : 7 pm (Manila)
Tv : Studio 23 from 5.30 pm
livescore : futbol24.com
Twitter : Cedelf Tupas and Roy Moore
Philippines: 1 Etheridge (GK), 2 Gier, 4 del Rosario, 7 J Younghusband, 8 Ott, 10 P Younghusband, 11 A Borromeo (C), 12 Aldeguer, 13 Caligdong, 16 Jonsson, 17 Schrock
News, line-ups , livestream , weather . Post in comments !
Good luck !!
Rizal Memorial in Manila
Time : 7 pm (Manila)
Tv : Studio 23 from 5.30 pm
livescore : futbol24.com
Twitter : Cedelf Tupas and Roy Moore
Philippines: 1 Etheridge (GK), 2 Gier, 4 del Rosario, 7 J Younghusband, 8 Ott, 10 P Younghusband, 11 A Borromeo (C), 12 Aldeguer, 13 Caligdong, 16 Jonsson, 17 Schrock
News, line-ups , livestream , weather . Post in comments !
Good luck !!
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Tickets for Kuwait match !
Ticketworld will be selling 3k, 2k and a few php200 tickets today starting at 1pm. Adriatico side of Rizal stadium.
Weiss snaps at critics
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ
"SO, are you also questioning my decisions now?" German coach Michael Weiss snapped at this surprised writer as we tried to greet him on a rainy Tuesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium pitch just before the Philippine Azkals started practice.
With his solid 6-foot-2 frame and sporting a black bull cap, black jacket and black shorts, the 45-year-old mentor struck an imposing and intimidating figure, indeed.
But once Weiss settled down, he explained his exasperation was not aimed at yours truly but at armchair critics and pundits who had tried to second-guess his moves in the nationals� 0-3 loss to Kuwait in the first leg of the second round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait City last Saturday.
"These people keep questioning my decisions but they were not aware of the realities that forced us to make these decisions in Kuwait," Weiss said. "All they need to do is talk to me and I could have told them why but all they do is just criticize."
Some of these so-called football experts, he said, had questioned why he had not made any substitutions late in the match when it was apparent that some of his key players like Angel Guirado, who was at the receiving end of several vicious tackles, Chieffy Caligdong and Phil Younghusband were either tired or hurting.
"And who would you have me replace them with," he asked, adding his four other players on the bench were all strikers while (defender) Roel Gener was also injured.
"Had I done so, the score might have been easily 8-0. We were up against a superior squad which had been together for years but I have only had my team for six months, so we did what had to be done," he said.
"I have coached all over the world and have given my best to the Azkals, who have made great progress given the time we have had with them, and yet it isn�t even enough," added Weiss, who has had coaching stints with China�s Under-20 and Rwanda�s Under-17 national teams and in the J-League on top of internship with Real Madrid and Arsenal.
"Now I am beginning to understand the crab mentality in this country," he said, referring to the Filipinos� nasty habit of bringing other people down whom they see rising in prominence or popularity.
"I am the coach and have to make the hard decisions. If you want to question my actions, approach me and I will explain why but just do not criticize until you know the reason why," the German coach said. "If you are not satisified, that�s fine but please don�t criticize just for the sake of criticizing.
"These people are not even part of the coaching circle where we discuss all our field decisions," he said. "If they were in my difficult shoes I wonder what they would have done."
Malaya
"SO, are you also questioning my decisions now?" German coach Michael Weiss snapped at this surprised writer as we tried to greet him on a rainy Tuesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium pitch just before the Philippine Azkals started practice.
With his solid 6-foot-2 frame and sporting a black bull cap, black jacket and black shorts, the 45-year-old mentor struck an imposing and intimidating figure, indeed.
But once Weiss settled down, he explained his exasperation was not aimed at yours truly but at armchair critics and pundits who had tried to second-guess his moves in the nationals� 0-3 loss to Kuwait in the first leg of the second round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait City last Saturday.
"These people keep questioning my decisions but they were not aware of the realities that forced us to make these decisions in Kuwait," Weiss said. "All they need to do is talk to me and I could have told them why but all they do is just criticize."
Some of these so-called football experts, he said, had questioned why he had not made any substitutions late in the match when it was apparent that some of his key players like Angel Guirado, who was at the receiving end of several vicious tackles, Chieffy Caligdong and Phil Younghusband were either tired or hurting.
"And who would you have me replace them with," he asked, adding his four other players on the bench were all strikers while (defender) Roel Gener was also injured.
"Had I done so, the score might have been easily 8-0. We were up against a superior squad which had been together for years but I have only had my team for six months, so we did what had to be done," he said.
"I have coached all over the world and have given my best to the Azkals, who have made great progress given the time we have had with them, and yet it isn�t even enough," added Weiss, who has had coaching stints with China�s Under-20 and Rwanda�s Under-17 national teams and in the J-League on top of internship with Real Madrid and Arsenal.
"Now I am beginning to understand the crab mentality in this country," he said, referring to the Filipinos� nasty habit of bringing other people down whom they see rising in prominence or popularity.
"I am the coach and have to make the hard decisions. If you want to question my actions, approach me and I will explain why but just do not criticize until you know the reason why," the German coach said. "If you are not satisified, that�s fine but please don�t criticize just for the sake of criticizing.
"These people are not even part of the coaching circle where we discuss all our field decisions," he said. "If they were in my difficult shoes I wonder what they would have done."
Malaya
Azkals pray for a miracle
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO
Game Thursday (Rizal Memorial Football Stadium)
7 p.m. � Kuwait vs Philippines
MANILA, Philippines � While everybody broke into laughter, Philippine football team manager Dan Palami responded seriously when a sportswriter asked if the natural disasters such as the earthquake and typhoon the country has experienced the past few days could be seen as a good omen for their looming match.
The question somehow has relevance. Earthquakes appear to follow the Azkals wherever they go, and on those occasions, the Azkals emerged victorious each time.
An instance was when a magnitude 9 quake rocked Japan, site of the Azkals training, last March 11. The Azkals went on to advance to the Asian Football Confederation finals weeks later.
There was also a heavy downpour when the Azkals completed a 4-0 rout of Sri Lanka in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers early this month.
A magnitude 6.2 quake rocked parts of Luzon Tuesday while tropical depression �Juaning� battered Luzon, leaving 10 people dead.
�I hope so,� Palami answered during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. �If the confluence of events like a typhoon and an earthquake is what it takes to bring us to the third round then we�ll be happy.�
Palami�s answer is understandable.
The Azkals will need all the help they could muster, even from Mother Nature, to keep their World Cup dream alive as they face Kuwait tonight in the second leg of their second round qualifying match at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
But many are convinced the Azkals need a miracle to overcome the odds.
Kick-off is at 7 p.m. with the Azkals needing to win by four goals or more to tame the Middle East power and reach the third round for the first time.
A win by three goals by the Azkals will force an extra time.
Unable to stick to their game plan in their first meeting, the Azkals yielded a 0-3 away defeat on Saturday in Kuwait.
�We need a miracle,� Palami said.
Faced with the urgency to score more goals, Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Monday that he intends to change his strategy from being too defensive to a little aggressive in the hope of creating more opportunities.
�We will loosen up a bit in defense, press early and look for an early goal just like against Sri Lanka,� the 46-year-old German coach said. �But it�s risky.�
The return of skipper Aly Borromeo and Fil-German Stephan Schrock from one-game suspensions augurs well for their planned forceful stance of the Azkals, Weiss said.
Palami believes the home crowd will spell the difference, and so is the expected heavy downpour.
A sell-out crowd of 13,000 is expected at the historic venue while PAGASA forecasts �Juaning� to bring more rains after making a landfall in Quezon province Wednesday morning.
�I think it (rain) will be a disadvantage to them because they�re not used to it,� Palami said of the team from the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, the Philippines dropped three notches down to 162nd in the latest FIFA rankings, while Kuwait jumped seven spots up to 95th.
Manila Bulletin
Game Thursday (Rizal Memorial Football Stadium)
7 p.m. � Kuwait vs Philippines
MANILA, Philippines � While everybody broke into laughter, Philippine football team manager Dan Palami responded seriously when a sportswriter asked if the natural disasters such as the earthquake and typhoon the country has experienced the past few days could be seen as a good omen for their looming match.
The question somehow has relevance. Earthquakes appear to follow the Azkals wherever they go, and on those occasions, the Azkals emerged victorious each time.
An instance was when a magnitude 9 quake rocked Japan, site of the Azkals training, last March 11. The Azkals went on to advance to the Asian Football Confederation finals weeks later.
There was also a heavy downpour when the Azkals completed a 4-0 rout of Sri Lanka in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers early this month.
A magnitude 6.2 quake rocked parts of Luzon Tuesday while tropical depression �Juaning� battered Luzon, leaving 10 people dead.
�I hope so,� Palami answered during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. �If the confluence of events like a typhoon and an earthquake is what it takes to bring us to the third round then we�ll be happy.�
Palami�s answer is understandable.
The Azkals will need all the help they could muster, even from Mother Nature, to keep their World Cup dream alive as they face Kuwait tonight in the second leg of their second round qualifying match at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
But many are convinced the Azkals need a miracle to overcome the odds.
Kick-off is at 7 p.m. with the Azkals needing to win by four goals or more to tame the Middle East power and reach the third round for the first time.
A win by three goals by the Azkals will force an extra time.
Unable to stick to their game plan in their first meeting, the Azkals yielded a 0-3 away defeat on Saturday in Kuwait.
�We need a miracle,� Palami said.
Faced with the urgency to score more goals, Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Monday that he intends to change his strategy from being too defensive to a little aggressive in the hope of creating more opportunities.
�We will loosen up a bit in defense, press early and look for an early goal just like against Sri Lanka,� the 46-year-old German coach said. �But it�s risky.�
The return of skipper Aly Borromeo and Fil-German Stephan Schrock from one-game suspensions augurs well for their planned forceful stance of the Azkals, Weiss said.
Palami believes the home crowd will spell the difference, and so is the expected heavy downpour.
A sell-out crowd of 13,000 is expected at the historic venue while PAGASA forecasts �Juaning� to bring more rains after making a landfall in Quezon province Wednesday morning.
�I think it (rain) will be a disadvantage to them because they�re not used to it,� Palami said of the team from the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, the Philippines dropped three notches down to 162nd in the latest FIFA rankings, while Kuwait jumped seven spots up to 95th.
Manila Bulletin
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Dan Palami: We need a miracle
MANILA�The Philippine Azkals will not only be fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive but also protect their impressive home record against Kuwait in the second leg of their second round World Cup Qualifying showdown at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Thursday.
The Azkals will be looking to overhaul a 0-3 deficit against the , who looked every bit the powerhouse team they are in the first leg in Kuwait City last Saturday.
But if there�s one factor going for the Azkals, it�s the fact that they will be playing in the comforts of home.
The Azkals have not lost a home game since November 2006 when they bowed to Laos, 1-2, in the Asean Football Championships at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.
Long before they reached superstar status, the Azkals have been drawing big crowds during their home matches in Bacolod and Iloilo and team manager Dan Palami hopes it will become a factor again against their strongest opponent yet in Manila.
About 13,000 people watched the Azkals demolish Sri Lanka, 4-0, in the first round last July 3.
�We need a miracle,� Palami said during the PSA Forum at the Shakey�s UN Avenue in Manila.
�We haven�t actually lost at home yet, this is partly because of the crowd factor. We also haven�t conceded a goal for a long time.�
The unbeaten and shutout streak started in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Iloilo, where they logged two wins and a draw. The Azkals also beat Mongolia, 2-0, early this year in Panaad.
Palami hinted that the counterattacking approach against Kuwait may not change despite the return of creative midfielder Stephan Schrock and skipper Aly Borromeo.
�We�re playing to win and at the same time defend,� Palami also said at the forum sponsored by Shakey�s, Outlast Battery, Pagcor, Smart and Accel.
Palami said that the Azkals, win or lose, can take consolation at the fact that they have already faced one of the best teams in Asia.
inquirer.net
The Azkals will be looking to overhaul a 0-3 deficit against the , who looked every bit the powerhouse team they are in the first leg in Kuwait City last Saturday.
But if there�s one factor going for the Azkals, it�s the fact that they will be playing in the comforts of home.
The Azkals have not lost a home game since November 2006 when they bowed to Laos, 1-2, in the Asean Football Championships at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.
Long before they reached superstar status, the Azkals have been drawing big crowds during their home matches in Bacolod and Iloilo and team manager Dan Palami hopes it will become a factor again against their strongest opponent yet in Manila.
About 13,000 people watched the Azkals demolish Sri Lanka, 4-0, in the first round last July 3.
�We need a miracle,� Palami said during the PSA Forum at the Shakey�s UN Avenue in Manila.
�We haven�t actually lost at home yet, this is partly because of the crowd factor. We also haven�t conceded a goal for a long time.�
The unbeaten and shutout streak started in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Iloilo, where they logged two wins and a draw. The Azkals also beat Mongolia, 2-0, early this year in Panaad.
Palami hinted that the counterattacking approach against Kuwait may not change despite the return of creative midfielder Stephan Schrock and skipper Aly Borromeo.
�We�re playing to win and at the same time defend,� Palami also said at the forum sponsored by Shakey�s, Outlast Battery, Pagcor, Smart and Accel.
Palami said that the Azkals, win or lose, can take consolation at the fact that they have already faced one of the best teams in Asia.
inquirer.net
Azkals upbeat, won't stray from gameplan
MANILA, Philippines - A still upbeat Azkals have vowed to stick more to their gameplan in tomorrow�s second leg as they try to pull off a shocker against a Kuwaiti Al Azraq team out to finish them off after a 3-0 verdict the first time around.
�Right now, they�re ready to get back, bounce back from this particular defeat to Kuwait,� team manager Dan Palami said during yesterday�s PSA Forum.
Palami said the Azkals� strategy for the first leg in Hawally, Kuwait last Saturday proved helpful in opening up scoring opportunities especially in the first half that ended 1-0 for Al Azraq, although the Filipinos failed to convert on them.
The second half proved fatal as the Azkals deviated from the 4-5-1 formation by going 4-3-3, a mistake that Kuwait exploited with two more goals.
�Even following the strategy we had in the first game, we have very good (scoring) chances. In the first half, we had more chances than they had, only they converted it, we didn�t. It�s actually more shooting exercises rather than a really different strategy to implement,� he said.
�Especially during the first half, we�re able to control them with our defense; their best player had to be substituted because he couldn�t penetrate our defense. But we became too adventurous, the distances between our back four and mid four became too much and we started moving forward.
�We had to sacrifice our defense then and with a team like Kuwait, you know you can�t deviate somewhat from your gameplan because they will really pounce on you,� he added.
The return of central defender Aly Borromeo and midfielder Stephan Schrock from suspensions gives the Azkals more confidence.
�The biggest factor would be the presence of Aly and Schrock. It gives us more experience and quality which was lacking in the first leg. With Aly back and with Schrock at the center as well, we�ll have stability in the midfield. We don�t really have to do much changes, we just have to stick with the plan and when given a chance to score, we have to convert it,� he said.
Having a 12th man on the familiar pitch of Rizal will also do the Azkals well.
�The crowd will help intimidate the Kuwaitis, for one, and secondly it will help lift the spirits of the players. We actually haven�t lost at home or conceded a goal at home for a long time, and this is partly because of the support of the home crowd,� Palami said.
The Azkals need to beat Al Azraq, 4-0, or even 5-1 to steal the matchup on aggregate and reach the third round.
Philstar
�Right now, they�re ready to get back, bounce back from this particular defeat to Kuwait,� team manager Dan Palami said during yesterday�s PSA Forum.
Palami said the Azkals� strategy for the first leg in Hawally, Kuwait last Saturday proved helpful in opening up scoring opportunities especially in the first half that ended 1-0 for Al Azraq, although the Filipinos failed to convert on them.
The second half proved fatal as the Azkals deviated from the 4-5-1 formation by going 4-3-3, a mistake that Kuwait exploited with two more goals.
�Even following the strategy we had in the first game, we have very good (scoring) chances. In the first half, we had more chances than they had, only they converted it, we didn�t. It�s actually more shooting exercises rather than a really different strategy to implement,� he said.
�Especially during the first half, we�re able to control them with our defense; their best player had to be substituted because he couldn�t penetrate our defense. But we became too adventurous, the distances between our back four and mid four became too much and we started moving forward.
�We had to sacrifice our defense then and with a team like Kuwait, you know you can�t deviate somewhat from your gameplan because they will really pounce on you,� he added.
The return of central defender Aly Borromeo and midfielder Stephan Schrock from suspensions gives the Azkals more confidence.
�The biggest factor would be the presence of Aly and Schrock. It gives us more experience and quality which was lacking in the first leg. With Aly back and with Schrock at the center as well, we�ll have stability in the midfield. We don�t really have to do much changes, we just have to stick with the plan and when given a chance to score, we have to convert it,� he said.
Having a 12th man on the familiar pitch of Rizal will also do the Azkals well.
�The crowd will help intimidate the Kuwaitis, for one, and secondly it will help lift the spirits of the players. We actually haven�t lost at home or conceded a goal at home for a long time, and this is partly because of the support of the home crowd,� Palami said.
The Azkals need to beat Al Azraq, 4-0, or even 5-1 to steal the matchup on aggregate and reach the third round.
Philstar
Azkals need 100% game to win 2nd Leg
IN SPITE of the 3-nil loss against tougher and stronger Kuwait-Al Azraq squad last Sunday morning at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium in Kuwait City, the Philippine Men�s Football National Team-Azkals is not unfazed.
However, the squad needs 100% performance to win the 2nd Leg match on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
This was the analysis of PFF-Suzuki U23 National Cup champion Negros-Ceres Team assistant coach Ramon Janeo saying that in the 2nd leg in Manila, Azkals need to strengthen their midfield, defense and the act of finishing.
He also stressed that the team would play better if skipper Aly Borromeo and Fil-German midfielder Schrock will be able to play in this Leg.
�The team needs to control and stop the attack of Kuwait�s left and right wings. We know that it is very hard for the Azkals to beat Kuwait in the 2nd Leg as the Filipino booters have to score 4-0. But if they play 100% game, be more aggressive and won�t lose their hope to win, I think they could win the game. We always know na bilog naman ang bola, so in football anything can happen, Janeo explained.
Menawhile, Janeo described last Sunday�s match to be Kuwait�s game.
�If we watched that game, we will know that Kuwait is stronger and is playing better than the Azkals. And, if we compare both teams using statistics, maybe it�s 60-40 percentage. The problem with the Azkals is they did not convert all their chances to score a goal. They have attempts, like that from Phil Younghusband when he had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper yet he didn�t finish it. So that�s their problem,� Janeo said.
�With regards to the transition, the Azkals� midfielder can�t stop and control Kuwait�s midfielder, that�s why the opponent has the ease to penetrate and able to make so many attempts where they converted 3 goals. Also, the Azkals� defense didn�t play well with the absence of their central defender, Borromeo,� Janeo added.
On the other hand, Azkals� media officer Rick Olivares described that disappointment was clearly visible on every one�s face inside the Azkals� dugout. The team knew that the squad faced a difficult task against Kuwait, the highest FIFA-ranked team they have faced since this current squad was put together, Olivares said.
He also reiterated that team manager Dan Palami said that third goal made things harder for the Azkals going into the 2nd Leg. But the team official stressed that there�s a chance for the team, as long as they keep their heads together and play perfect team ball.
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on July 26, 2011.
However, the squad needs 100% performance to win the 2nd Leg match on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
This was the analysis of PFF-Suzuki U23 National Cup champion Negros-Ceres Team assistant coach Ramon Janeo saying that in the 2nd leg in Manila, Azkals need to strengthen their midfield, defense and the act of finishing.
He also stressed that the team would play better if skipper Aly Borromeo and Fil-German midfielder Schrock will be able to play in this Leg.
�The team needs to control and stop the attack of Kuwait�s left and right wings. We know that it is very hard for the Azkals to beat Kuwait in the 2nd Leg as the Filipino booters have to score 4-0. But if they play 100% game, be more aggressive and won�t lose their hope to win, I think they could win the game. We always know na bilog naman ang bola, so in football anything can happen, Janeo explained.
Menawhile, Janeo described last Sunday�s match to be Kuwait�s game.
�If we watched that game, we will know that Kuwait is stronger and is playing better than the Azkals. And, if we compare both teams using statistics, maybe it�s 60-40 percentage. The problem with the Azkals is they did not convert all their chances to score a goal. They have attempts, like that from Phil Younghusband when he had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper yet he didn�t finish it. So that�s their problem,� Janeo said.
�With regards to the transition, the Azkals� midfielder can�t stop and control Kuwait�s midfielder, that�s why the opponent has the ease to penetrate and able to make so many attempts where they converted 3 goals. Also, the Azkals� defense didn�t play well with the absence of their central defender, Borromeo,� Janeo added.
On the other hand, Azkals� media officer Rick Olivares described that disappointment was clearly visible on every one�s face inside the Azkals� dugout. The team knew that the squad faced a difficult task against Kuwait, the highest FIFA-ranked team they have faced since this current squad was put together, Olivares said.
He also reiterated that team manager Dan Palami said that third goal made things harder for the Azkals going into the 2nd Leg. But the team official stressed that there�s a chance for the team, as long as they keep their heads together and play perfect team ball.
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on July 26, 2011.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Azkals need miracle to overcome Kuwaitis
THE road to the World Cup is getting narrower and bumpier for the Philippine Azkals and they now need a miracle to reach the planet's biggest soccer stage.
After going down 0-3 in the second round's first leg of their Asian World Cup qualifier against Kuwait Sunday, the Azkals will have to come up with something special in the second leg of their qualifying match at the Rizal Football Stadium in Manila on July 28.
A team that waltzed past Sri Lanka in the first round is now facing elimination against a far more superior team in Kuwait, which hammered in three goals in the opening match to underscore its dominance on the turf.
By yielding three goals, the Azkals must at least score four goals and prevent the Kuwaitis from scoring in their home stand on July 28 if they hope to advance into the third round of the Asian qualifier.
This is easier said than done as the Kuwaitis clearly are the more skillfull booters. And what compounded the Azkals' woes was their failure to give Filipino-British strike Phil Younghusband support during counter-attacks.
Because they switched to defensive mode against the Kuwaitis, the Azkals often find Younghusband alone on top that minimized their scoring chances.
Though the Philippine side has some several good shots at the goal in the first half -- two right-footed blasts from Younghusband and Angel Guirado's header that hit the crossbar off a Chiffey Caligdong corner kick -- the Kuwaitis were in total control of the match. (CRAM)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on July 25, 2011.
After going down 0-3 in the second round's first leg of their Asian World Cup qualifier against Kuwait Sunday, the Azkals will have to come up with something special in the second leg of their qualifying match at the Rizal Football Stadium in Manila on July 28.
A team that waltzed past Sri Lanka in the first round is now facing elimination against a far more superior team in Kuwait, which hammered in three goals in the opening match to underscore its dominance on the turf.
By yielding three goals, the Azkals must at least score four goals and prevent the Kuwaitis from scoring in their home stand on July 28 if they hope to advance into the third round of the Asian qualifier.
This is easier said than done as the Kuwaitis clearly are the more skillfull booters. And what compounded the Azkals' woes was their failure to give Filipino-British strike Phil Younghusband support during counter-attacks.
Because they switched to defensive mode against the Kuwaitis, the Azkals often find Younghusband alone on top that minimized their scoring chances.
Though the Philippine side has some several good shots at the goal in the first half -- two right-footed blasts from Younghusband and Angel Guirado's header that hit the crossbar off a Chiffey Caligdong corner kick -- the Kuwaitis were in total control of the match. (CRAM)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on July 25, 2011.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Philippine Azkals bow to Kuwait
By Cedelf Tupas
HAWALLI�Unable to build on a stellar yet unlucky first half performance, the Philippine Azkals fell in a 0-3 defeat to Middle East powerhouse Kuwait in the opening leg of their second round World Cup Qualifying duel here.
The Al-Azraq backed up their pedigree with a solid attacking display to thump the hard-fighting Filipinos, who had two shots that hit the crossbar in the first 30 minutes.
The second leg is slated Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila with the Azkals needing to win by four goals or more to make the third round for the first time.
�Anything is still possible in the second leg,� said Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss.
�This time it�s not over. We still have 90 minutes in Manila,� said Kuwait coach Goran Tufegdzic.
There was no doubting the Kuwaitis� dominance on this night, though.
Yousef Naser opened the scoring, before goals from Mesad Nasa and Fahed El-Ibrahim sealed the victory for the Kuwaitis, who are now well-positioned to reach the third round following the comprehensive win.
The Azkals, who missed skipper Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock due to suspension, put up a solid, resolute stand in the first half to stifle a Kuwaiti attack, but were unlucky to concede and also not get on the scoresheet, with Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado both getting golden chances to score in the opening 30 minutes.
Looking to finish off a quick counter-attacking move, Younghusband drew a diving save from Nawaf Al Khaldi on a one-on-one, setting up the corner that nearly gave Guirado the first goal.
But the Fil-Spanish striker headed Chieffy Caligdong�s corner to the crossbar and Jason Sabio�s header was cleared off the line by Hussain Fadhel.
The chances only woke up the Kuwaitis, who within seconds, finally grabbed the lead thanks to young striker Yousef Naser.
Fahad Al-Enezi, the right winger, who had proven to be a menace on attack, beat Manny Ott and Chieffy Caligdong to cross for Yousef, who banged the header into the bottom corner past the flailing arms of Neil Etheridge.
The Al-Azraq�s possession play was still negated by some resolute defending by the Azkals and on the counter, the visitors came close again in the 30th minute.
Anton del Rosario launched a long throw from the backline to Guirado, whose lofted ball found a rushing Younghusband on the run.
Finding space to shoot, Younghusband rifled a thunderous shot from just outside the area, forcing another reflex save from Al-Khaldi and the slightest of touches allowed the ball to ricochet off the crossbar again.
The tide began to change in the second half when the Al-Azraq put more pressure on the defensive line from the left flank, leading to several corner kicks and half-chances.
The pressure paid off in the 66th minute when defender Mesad Nada poked the ball home during a scramble in the box after his header off a corner was blocked.
The Al-Azraq�s pattern of dominance continued and with five minutes remaining with the Azkals growing weary, Fahed El-Ibrahim fired a shot from 20 yards to beat Etheridge.
The score would have been a little more lopsided if not for a couple of close range stops from Etheridge, who flew in from England on the eve of the match.
inquirer.net
HAWALLI�Unable to build on a stellar yet unlucky first half performance, the Philippine Azkals fell in a 0-3 defeat to Middle East powerhouse Kuwait in the opening leg of their second round World Cup Qualifying duel here.
The Al-Azraq backed up their pedigree with a solid attacking display to thump the hard-fighting Filipinos, who had two shots that hit the crossbar in the first 30 minutes.
The second leg is slated Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila with the Azkals needing to win by four goals or more to make the third round for the first time.
�Anything is still possible in the second leg,� said Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss.
�This time it�s not over. We still have 90 minutes in Manila,� said Kuwait coach Goran Tufegdzic.
There was no doubting the Kuwaitis� dominance on this night, though.
Yousef Naser opened the scoring, before goals from Mesad Nasa and Fahed El-Ibrahim sealed the victory for the Kuwaitis, who are now well-positioned to reach the third round following the comprehensive win.
The Azkals, who missed skipper Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock due to suspension, put up a solid, resolute stand in the first half to stifle a Kuwaiti attack, but were unlucky to concede and also not get on the scoresheet, with Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado both getting golden chances to score in the opening 30 minutes.
Looking to finish off a quick counter-attacking move, Younghusband drew a diving save from Nawaf Al Khaldi on a one-on-one, setting up the corner that nearly gave Guirado the first goal.
But the Fil-Spanish striker headed Chieffy Caligdong�s corner to the crossbar and Jason Sabio�s header was cleared off the line by Hussain Fadhel.
The chances only woke up the Kuwaitis, who within seconds, finally grabbed the lead thanks to young striker Yousef Naser.
Fahad Al-Enezi, the right winger, who had proven to be a menace on attack, beat Manny Ott and Chieffy Caligdong to cross for Yousef, who banged the header into the bottom corner past the flailing arms of Neil Etheridge.
The Al-Azraq�s possession play was still negated by some resolute defending by the Azkals and on the counter, the visitors came close again in the 30th minute.
Anton del Rosario launched a long throw from the backline to Guirado, whose lofted ball found a rushing Younghusband on the run.
Finding space to shoot, Younghusband rifled a thunderous shot from just outside the area, forcing another reflex save from Al-Khaldi and the slightest of touches allowed the ball to ricochet off the crossbar again.
The tide began to change in the second half when the Al-Azraq put more pressure on the defensive line from the left flank, leading to several corner kicks and half-chances.
The pressure paid off in the 66th minute when defender Mesad Nada poked the ball home during a scramble in the box after his header off a corner was blocked.
The Al-Azraq�s pattern of dominance continued and with five minutes remaining with the Azkals growing weary, Fahed El-Ibrahim fired a shot from 20 yards to beat Etheridge.
The score would have been a little more lopsided if not for a couple of close range stops from Etheridge, who flew in from England on the eve of the match.
inquirer.net
Kuwait hammers Philippine Azkals
MANILA, Philippines - Kuwait defeated the Philippine Azkals, 3-0, in the first leg of their FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the 25,000-seater Mohammad Al-Hammad (Qadsia Club) stadium in Hawally.
Yousef Nasser opened the scoring with a header in the 16th minute that evaded goalkeeper Neil Etheridge's outstretched hands.
Musaed Neda made it 2-0 in a goalmouth scramble in the 65th minute. Replays of the goal showed that it may have been an own goal by an Azkals defender.
Fahed Al-Ibrahim preyed on the tiring Philippine side with a long-range thunderbolt in the 85th minute.
The Philippines nearly scored a few minutes into the first half when Phil Younghusband, who played a lone striker role, went one-on-one with the Kuwaiti goalkeeper, who parried off his shot.
A resulting corner saw an Angel Guirado header rattle the crossbar.
Younghusband also hit the crossbar in a long-range volley in the 30th minute.
Kuwait, the defending Gulf Cup of Nations champion, dominated possession in the match, with the Azkals deciding to sit back in a counterattacking 4-5-1 formation.
The Kuwaiti players launched their attacks through long balls to the sides of the box, while the Azkals resorted to long balls to Younghusband, who often found himself isolated and looking for a teammate.
After end-to-end action in the first half, the Azkals lost steam in the second half.
Their coach, Michael Weiss did not bring in fresh legs into the match even after the 80th minute, when cramps and the heat were taking their toll on his players.
The win was Kuwait's 8th-straight victory.
The Azkals started the game with Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier, Jason Sabio, Anton del Rosario, James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband, Manuel Ott, Jason de Jong, Ray Anthony J�nsson, Chieffy Caligdong, and Angel Guirado.
Meanwhile, Kuwait's starting XI were Nawaf Al Khaldi, Dfamer Matoug, Fahad Awad, Hussain Fadhel, Mesad Nada, Fahad Al Enezi, Fahed el Ibrahim, Talal el Amer, Waleid Ali, Bader al Mutwa, and Yousef Naser.
The Philippines missed the services of skipper Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schroeck, who were suspended for the first leg of the tie against Kuwait after they incurred 2 yellow cards in the opening round of the World Cup qualifiers.
Weiss used a defense-oriented, counterattacking 4-5-1 formation in lieu of his favored 4-4-2 system.
The formation looked to have worked well in the first half, with Kuwait failing to penetrate the Azkals' defense.
However, with fatigue setting in, the Philippines' defenders sat deep in the second half, allowing Kuwait attack with impunity.
Veteran winger Chieffy Caligdong, who scored twice in the Azkals' recent friendly matches with the Bahrain Under-23 XI, was captain of the Philippine side.
Kuwait coach's Serbian coach, Goran Tufegdzic, told the Arab Times before the match that he wanted his team to beat the Azkals, 3-0, in the opening leg.
However, Tufegdzic reiterated that they respect the Philippine team. "We are not treating them as first-timers although, Kuwait is more experienced," he said.
Azkals team manager Dan Palami said he is proud of the Azkals for reaching this far into the competition. "Whatever we do, we always have to remember the time when talent and resources were scarce and all we had was heart," he said.
The second leg of the World Cup qualifying tie will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on July 28.
ABS CBN News
Yousef Nasser opened the scoring with a header in the 16th minute that evaded goalkeeper Neil Etheridge's outstretched hands.
Musaed Neda made it 2-0 in a goalmouth scramble in the 65th minute. Replays of the goal showed that it may have been an own goal by an Azkals defender.
Fahed Al-Ibrahim preyed on the tiring Philippine side with a long-range thunderbolt in the 85th minute.
The Philippines nearly scored a few minutes into the first half when Phil Younghusband, who played a lone striker role, went one-on-one with the Kuwaiti goalkeeper, who parried off his shot.
A resulting corner saw an Angel Guirado header rattle the crossbar.
Younghusband also hit the crossbar in a long-range volley in the 30th minute.
Kuwait, the defending Gulf Cup of Nations champion, dominated possession in the match, with the Azkals deciding to sit back in a counterattacking 4-5-1 formation.
The Kuwaiti players launched their attacks through long balls to the sides of the box, while the Azkals resorted to long balls to Younghusband, who often found himself isolated and looking for a teammate.
After end-to-end action in the first half, the Azkals lost steam in the second half.
Their coach, Michael Weiss did not bring in fresh legs into the match even after the 80th minute, when cramps and the heat were taking their toll on his players.
The win was Kuwait's 8th-straight victory.
The Azkals started the game with Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier, Jason Sabio, Anton del Rosario, James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband, Manuel Ott, Jason de Jong, Ray Anthony J�nsson, Chieffy Caligdong, and Angel Guirado.
Meanwhile, Kuwait's starting XI were Nawaf Al Khaldi, Dfamer Matoug, Fahad Awad, Hussain Fadhel, Mesad Nada, Fahad Al Enezi, Fahed el Ibrahim, Talal el Amer, Waleid Ali, Bader al Mutwa, and Yousef Naser.
The Philippines missed the services of skipper Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schroeck, who were suspended for the first leg of the tie against Kuwait after they incurred 2 yellow cards in the opening round of the World Cup qualifiers.
Weiss used a defense-oriented, counterattacking 4-5-1 formation in lieu of his favored 4-4-2 system.
The formation looked to have worked well in the first half, with Kuwait failing to penetrate the Azkals' defense.
However, with fatigue setting in, the Philippines' defenders sat deep in the second half, allowing Kuwait attack with impunity.
Veteran winger Chieffy Caligdong, who scored twice in the Azkals' recent friendly matches with the Bahrain Under-23 XI, was captain of the Philippine side.
Kuwait coach's Serbian coach, Goran Tufegdzic, told the Arab Times before the match that he wanted his team to beat the Azkals, 3-0, in the opening leg.
However, Tufegdzic reiterated that they respect the Philippine team. "We are not treating them as first-timers although, Kuwait is more experienced," he said.
Azkals team manager Dan Palami said he is proud of the Azkals for reaching this far into the competition. "Whatever we do, we always have to remember the time when talent and resources were scarce and all we had was heart," he said.
The second leg of the World Cup qualifying tie will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on July 28.
ABS CBN News
Today : Kuwait 3-0 Philippines FT
FIFA World Cup qualifier Kuwait vs Philippines
Time : 19.30 (Kuwait) , 18.30 (CET) 12.30 am (Philippines)
Tv : ABS CBN from 11.30
Replay on July 24: Channel 2 (7am); Balls Sky Cable Ch 43 (3pm); Studio 23 (10pm)
Livescore : futbol24.com
Twitter : Cedelf Tupas , GMA news
Temp : 45 degrees...
News, predictions , line-up, comments before , during and after match. Post in comments.
Good luck Azkals !!
Post good livestreams that work !
Time : 19.30 (Kuwait) , 18.30 (CET) 12.30 am (Philippines)
Tv : ABS CBN from 11.30
Replay on July 24: Channel 2 (7am); Balls Sky Cable Ch 43 (3pm); Studio 23 (10pm)
Livescore : futbol24.com
Twitter : Cedelf Tupas , GMA news
Temp : 45 degrees...
News, predictions , line-up, comments before , during and after match. Post in comments.
Good luck Azkals !!
Post good livestreams that work !
Friday, 22 July 2011
PH loses appeal to let 2 Azkals play
MANILA, Philippines � FIFA, football's world governing body, has denied the Philippine Football Federation's (PFF) appeal to lift the 1-game suspension on 2 key Azkals, Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock.
The decision is seen to hurt the Philippine Azkals' away game on Saturday in Kuwait.
�We will be playing the 1st leg without Schrocky and Aly,� Azkals team manager Dan Palami said via his Twitter account.
The team was hoping that FIFA would heed PFF's appeal, especially after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) endorsed the petition to rescind the suspensions on Borromeo and Schrock.
Borromeo and Schrock were suspended for 1 game after each of them incurred 2 yellow cards during the 1st round qualifier between the Philippine Azkals and the Sri Lankan Brave Reds.
The two Azkals played major roles in the Azkals� 5-1 aggregate victory against Sri Lanka in Manila.
Borromeo was a big part in the Azkals� defensive scheme while Schrock was instrumental in providing scoring opportunities for his team mates.
Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss, however, remains hopeful of their chances against the higher-ranked Kuwait on Saturday.
"We are underdogs in many aspects, but the team [members] are on their top form, and we will strive to defy the odds," he said in FIFA.com.
ABS CBN news
The decision is seen to hurt the Philippine Azkals' away game on Saturday in Kuwait.
�We will be playing the 1st leg without Schrocky and Aly,� Azkals team manager Dan Palami said via his Twitter account.
The team was hoping that FIFA would heed PFF's appeal, especially after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) endorsed the petition to rescind the suspensions on Borromeo and Schrock.
Borromeo and Schrock were suspended for 1 game after each of them incurred 2 yellow cards during the 1st round qualifier between the Philippine Azkals and the Sri Lankan Brave Reds.
The two Azkals played major roles in the Azkals� 5-1 aggregate victory against Sri Lanka in Manila.
Borromeo was a big part in the Azkals� defensive scheme while Schrock was instrumental in providing scoring opportunities for his team mates.
Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss, however, remains hopeful of their chances against the higher-ranked Kuwait on Saturday.
"We are underdogs in many aspects, but the team [members] are on their top form, and we will strive to defy the odds," he said in FIFA.com.
ABS CBN news
Azkals - Team update
James Hall : Left Kuwait , going back to England
OJ Porteria : No Philippine passport , cant play tomorrow
Neil Etheridge : Still in England .... should have been on a plane now for Kuwait
Alex Borromeo /Stephan Schr�ck , latest from Palami is that they CANT play tomorrow. FIFA final decision.
OJ Porteria : No Philippine passport , cant play tomorrow
Neil Etheridge : Still in England .... should have been on a plane now for Kuwait
Alex Borromeo /Stephan Schr�ck , latest from Palami is that they CANT play tomorrow. FIFA final decision.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Neil Etheridge , on bench for Fulham tonight !
Neil Etheridge was on bench for Fulham FC tonight in European League qualifier against Crusaders from Northern Ireland.
Fulham won 4-0 and advanced to next round.
BBC Sport
Wonder if he really will be travelling to Kuwait tomorrow and play Kuwait next day ?
Update :
Fulham face RNK Split from Croatia on 28. July in next round. Neil may not be playing in Manila ?
Fulham won 4-0 and advanced to next round.
BBC Sport
Wonder if he really will be travelling to Kuwait tomorrow and play Kuwait next day ?
Update :
Fulham face RNK Split from Croatia on 28. July in next round. Neil may not be playing in Manila ?
Fighting draw will be huge for Azkals against Kuwa
By Cedelf Tupas
KUWAIT�A victory will be �massive� but a fighting draw against Kuwait will also be enough for the Philippine Azkals to leave this oil-rich country with a big measure of satisfaction.
As heavy underdogs in their second-round World Cup Qualifying clash, the Azkals are opting for a more conservative approach that could turn Saturday night�s match into a cagey encounter at the Mohammed El-Hammad Stadium in Hawalli.
�A 1-1 or 0-0 result will be huge for us,� skipper Aly Borromeo said. �If we let them whip us here, then the series is over. We are more worried about the first leg (on Saturday). It will set the tone for our home leg.�
The Azkals will have their turn hosting the Kuwaitis on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Tickets for the match are reportedly sold out.
For now, though, the focus is on neutralizing a vaunted Kuwaiti attack, which is enjoying a high level of confidence following impressive victories over Iraq and Saudi Arabia in a four-nation tournament in Jordan last week.
Borromeo said the pressure is on Kuwait to deliver a comprehensive win before its home fans.
�We�re always underdogs, so we�re not under pressure,� said the skipper, who is still awaiting the final decision on his one-game suspension for getting two yellow cards in the first-round win over Sri Lanka.
Though deprived of a complete lineup, Azkals coach Michael Weiss said he�s pleased with the buildup of his squad.
Leftback Ray Jonsson, who missed the Sri Lanka tie, was expected to arrive here yesterday, while goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will fly in on Friday.
�I�m quite content,� said Weiss. �I think that the boys are now counting the hours toward the match. As they say in England, it�s a massive match. It will give us an idea where we stand and I�m quite positive we can do well if we play the way we want to play.�
Weiss� confidence stems from the fact that they have scouted the Kuwaitis well. �We have studied the opponent very carefully,� Weiss said. �The players know exactly what they are dealing with.�
The German mentor also shrugged off earlier fears that the warm weather here would pose a problem for his team, after supervising their first training Wednesday night where temperatures hovered from 32 to 38 degrees.
�It�s even more pleasant that the heat is not an issue,� said Weiss. �If (Wednesday night�s weather) is the same on Saturday, we would be fine.�
Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Saturday (12 midnight Sunday in Manila).
Weiss acknowledged that a perfect execution of the game plan will be needed to stymie Kuwait.
�We have to be aggressive and tight and not let them start their game. That�s a thing that takes 90 minutes and we�ve seen before, small mistakes get punished immediately. They will not allow us to switch off our computer, as I always say, for one second.�
inquirer.net
KUWAIT�A victory will be �massive� but a fighting draw against Kuwait will also be enough for the Philippine Azkals to leave this oil-rich country with a big measure of satisfaction.
As heavy underdogs in their second-round World Cup Qualifying clash, the Azkals are opting for a more conservative approach that could turn Saturday night�s match into a cagey encounter at the Mohammed El-Hammad Stadium in Hawalli.
�A 1-1 or 0-0 result will be huge for us,� skipper Aly Borromeo said. �If we let them whip us here, then the series is over. We are more worried about the first leg (on Saturday). It will set the tone for our home leg.�
The Azkals will have their turn hosting the Kuwaitis on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Tickets for the match are reportedly sold out.
For now, though, the focus is on neutralizing a vaunted Kuwaiti attack, which is enjoying a high level of confidence following impressive victories over Iraq and Saudi Arabia in a four-nation tournament in Jordan last week.
Borromeo said the pressure is on Kuwait to deliver a comprehensive win before its home fans.
�We�re always underdogs, so we�re not under pressure,� said the skipper, who is still awaiting the final decision on his one-game suspension for getting two yellow cards in the first-round win over Sri Lanka.
Though deprived of a complete lineup, Azkals coach Michael Weiss said he�s pleased with the buildup of his squad.
Leftback Ray Jonsson, who missed the Sri Lanka tie, was expected to arrive here yesterday, while goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will fly in on Friday.
�I�m quite content,� said Weiss. �I think that the boys are now counting the hours toward the match. As they say in England, it�s a massive match. It will give us an idea where we stand and I�m quite positive we can do well if we play the way we want to play.�
Weiss� confidence stems from the fact that they have scouted the Kuwaitis well. �We have studied the opponent very carefully,� Weiss said. �The players know exactly what they are dealing with.�
The German mentor also shrugged off earlier fears that the warm weather here would pose a problem for his team, after supervising their first training Wednesday night where temperatures hovered from 32 to 38 degrees.
�It�s even more pleasant that the heat is not an issue,� said Weiss. �If (Wednesday night�s weather) is the same on Saturday, we would be fine.�
Kickoff is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Saturday (12 midnight Sunday in Manila).
Weiss acknowledged that a perfect execution of the game plan will be needed to stymie Kuwait.
�We have to be aggressive and tight and not let them start their game. That�s a thing that takes 90 minutes and we�ve seen before, small mistakes get punished immediately. They will not allow us to switch off our computer, as I always say, for one second.�
inquirer.net
Aly keeping the faith, vows to clamp down on Kuwaitis
By Olmin Leyba (philstar.com)
KUWAIT � For Azkals captain Aly Borromeo, a palatable scoreless draw or a 1-1 standoff with higher-ranked Kuwait is not a remote possibility, especially if the Filipinos can overcome Al-Azraq in the middle.
"If we hold them here, we can come through (scoring) in Manila," said central defender Borromeo, on pins and needles while the International Football Federation is yet to give its final say on Phl's appeal on his suspension for Saturday's first match.
"We have to contain them here; a 1-1, 0-0 (full time count) will be a huge result for us. If we let them take advantage of us here, if we so much as give them a little momentum or space and they score 3-4 goals, with a gap like that, then definitely the series is over; we'll have tough time getting back in Manila," he added.
Borromeo and Fil-German Stephan Schrock have been suspended for the first leg of the Azkals' second-round duel with Kuwait in the 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers as a result of their cumulative yellow cards in the opening stage against Sri Lanka. The Filipinos have asked for the cancellation of the cautions and got endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation.
"Mentally, physically, I'm still psyching myself to be on that pitch come Saturday," said the Azkals� skipper.
So much so that to him, there seems to be "weak" spot in the Kuwaitis' midfield.
"From videos we've seen of Kuwait, I think in midfield we'll win because they (Kuwait) are not very dynamic in the midfield," he said, hoping that young guys like Manny Ott and Jason de Jong can step up.
"If whoever will start in our midfield, like Manny or Jason or whoever is there, can overcome their midfield, then I think we have a chance. I won't say we'll dominate the game (with this), but it will put them on their backs, put pressure on them because all they do is play the flanks a lot then they drop their ball to their forwards," he noted.
For him, the pressure to notch a "W" lies more on the shoulders of Kuwait here.
"We're always underdogs, anyway, so we're not under pressure or anything. Pressure's definitely on them, this is still their homecourt but it does help to have thousands of Filipinos backing us up, also gives the motivation we need so that's a huge bonus," he said.
At least 5,000 OFWs have promised to rally behind the Azkals for this match.
philstar
KUWAIT � For Azkals captain Aly Borromeo, a palatable scoreless draw or a 1-1 standoff with higher-ranked Kuwait is not a remote possibility, especially if the Filipinos can overcome Al-Azraq in the middle.
"If we hold them here, we can come through (scoring) in Manila," said central defender Borromeo, on pins and needles while the International Football Federation is yet to give its final say on Phl's appeal on his suspension for Saturday's first match.
"We have to contain them here; a 1-1, 0-0 (full time count) will be a huge result for us. If we let them take advantage of us here, if we so much as give them a little momentum or space and they score 3-4 goals, with a gap like that, then definitely the series is over; we'll have tough time getting back in Manila," he added.
Borromeo and Fil-German Stephan Schrock have been suspended for the first leg of the Azkals' second-round duel with Kuwait in the 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers as a result of their cumulative yellow cards in the opening stage against Sri Lanka. The Filipinos have asked for the cancellation of the cautions and got endorsement from the Asian Football Confederation.
"Mentally, physically, I'm still psyching myself to be on that pitch come Saturday," said the Azkals� skipper.
So much so that to him, there seems to be "weak" spot in the Kuwaitis' midfield.
"From videos we've seen of Kuwait, I think in midfield we'll win because they (Kuwait) are not very dynamic in the midfield," he said, hoping that young guys like Manny Ott and Jason de Jong can step up.
"If whoever will start in our midfield, like Manny or Jason or whoever is there, can overcome their midfield, then I think we have a chance. I won't say we'll dominate the game (with this), but it will put them on their backs, put pressure on them because all they do is play the flanks a lot then they drop their ball to their forwards," he noted.
For him, the pressure to notch a "W" lies more on the shoulders of Kuwait here.
"We're always underdogs, anyway, so we're not under pressure or anything. Pressure's definitely on them, this is still their homecourt but it does help to have thousands of Filipinos backing us up, also gives the motivation we need so that's a huge bonus," he said.
At least 5,000 OFWs have promised to rally behind the Azkals for this match.
philstar
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