Dooley believes Azkals can finish as high as second place in Group H

Coach Thomas Dooley is optimistic of the Philippines’ chances in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, saying that the Azkals could finish as high as second place in their group.

“Our goal is realistic and we can finish at second place. That’s our biggest goal,” he said. “I believe in my team and we shouldn’t be afraid with anybody in our group. I know that every game, we have a chance to win it.”

Slotted with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Yemen, and North Korea in Group H, the Azkals have a chance to advance to the third round of the qualifiers if they finish at the top spot. A second place finish, though, still gives the country a glimmer of hope if it can figure into the top four runner-ups from the eight groups in the second round.

The American coach, however, sees finishing at the top as a tall task, with Yemen and North Korea the biggest threats in the country’s bid of advancing to the next round.

“These are the best players in our country and the best players in the world which can play for Philippines right now,” said Dooley. “This is the strongest team ever, but we also have the most difficult group to play with.”

Still, the coach was booming with confidence on the squad’s fortunes come June 11, when the Azkals square off against Bahrain at the Philippine Sports Stadium.

“Anything can happen in football. I’m always confident with the team. We’re more confident and hopefully, we can step up in the bigger games in the future,” he said. CC