Azkals eye friendly vs Vietnamese

UNABLE to work out a deal to play against Thailand, the Philippine Azkals have turned their attention to Vietnam for a friendly match that will prepare them for the duel with Uzbekistan in World Cup Qualifying in September.

The Philippine Football Federation is arranging a friendly against the Vietnamese, the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinalist, on Sept. 3 at Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Azkals initially wanted to play against the Thais, who beat them in the Suzuki Cup semifinals last December. But Thailand is adamant in playing on home grounds in preparation for the WCQ matches.

Sharing top spot with North Korea with six points from two matches, the Azkals seek to sustain their fine form against the Uzbeks on Sept. 8.

“It’s important for us to utilize the Fifa dates for us to play friendly matches and develop cohesion in the team,” said Azkals team manager Dan Palami. Cedelf P. Tupas