Azkals train at Sosan Stadium in Pyongyang two days before the clash with North Korea. Photo by Cedelf Tupas/Philippine Daily Inquirer
Raring to bounce back from their 5-1 defeat to Uzbekistan but facing an intriguing match against North Korea in Pyongyang, the Philippine Azkals are admittedly excited despite the tall task that awaits them.
The North Koreans are leaders in group H and the Filipinos are hell bent on bouncing back from the drubbing they got from the Uzbeks on their home turf.
READ: Azkals make their long journey to North Korea
Midfielder Iain Ramsay knows the importance of this match as a win would out them at a tie for the top spot of Group H.
“It will be a great experience and it will definitely be a crucial game for us. It’s one we’re looking forward to,” the Fil-Australian midfielder said in a video taken by Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Cedelf Tupas, who’s traveling with the team.
Ramsay said that the team has already scouted the North Korean side based on clips from its previous matches, and the Azkals know what they are facing against.
READ: Azkals set out to lick Pyongyang mystery
“We’ve seen some highlights from them and we know that every opponent we come across in the World Cup qualifiers will be a tough opponent,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge and we’re looking forward for a very tough game, but it’s one that we can’t wait to get started.”
Misagh Bahadoran echoed Ramsay anticipation of the upcoming match on Friday.
READ: Azkals upbeat despite North Korea run
“It will be a very tough game because North Korea is at the top of our group and we’re playing in their home. It’s going to be very tough for sure.”
The Philippines is currently in third place with six points, chasing North Korea and Uzbekistan for the ticket to advance to the third round of the Asian qualifiers.
READ: Azkals face tall odds in Fifa World Cup Qualifying
Though thrilled with the experience, Bahadoran knows the importance of the game in getting to the next stage.
“It’s very important to get points now because we lost against Uzbekistan in our home,” he said. “We really need to get the three points, especially playing North Korea in their home. We have to fight and give everything we can, give our best to win this game.”
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