Misagh Bahadoran. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
SINGAPORE – Misagh Bahadoran’s stock rose incredibly after back-to-back superb performances for the Philippines in the World Cup Qualifiers. But the talented winger isn’t resting on his laurels as he’s determined to make his mark when the Azkals face Uzbekistan on Sept. 8 at Philippine Sports Stadium.
It took Bahadoran three years to finally open his goalscoring account for the Azkals. But the goals were worth the wait as they came at important games against Bahrain and Yemen, enabling the Azkals to get off to a strong start in qualifying.
Bahadoran has been an instant hit, getting feelers from a few clubs abroad. But he remains committed to Global FC, the club owned by Azkals manager Dan Palami. The Fil-Iranian is also focused on helping the Azkals reach the final round of qualifying.
“The expectation (on me) is high,” Bahadoran said. “The pressure is there. Its harder being in this position now.”
The two victories put the Azkals in a share of top spot with North Korea in Group H with Bahrain, Yemen and Uzbekistan all seeking their first wins in the tournament that also dangles spots to the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE in 2019.
Only the top team in the group will clinch an automatic spot to the third round, with the four best second-placers from the eight groups also advancing.
Bahadoran knows that his play will be under the microscope in the succeeding games after his exploits in the first two games.
But he is hardly ruffled by the pressure, saying it comes with playing for the country in what is considered as the most popular sporting event in the world.
And while coach Thomas Dooley has been able to maximize his skill, Bahadoran knows he still needs to do more to help the team overcome the challenge in Group H.
“I have to be prepared, physically and mentally, I have to be disciplined,” he stressed. “I’m free from distractions. I focus on my football.”
“I don’t want to talk about negativity, especially if there is a game. It’s important to be prepared mentally,” Bahadoran said.
Bahadoran has come a long way since the days when he struggled to break through the Azkals’ starting eleven.
“Anybody can be a football player but it’s how hard you work towards achieving it that will set you apart,” said Bahadoran.