Defense key for Azkals vs physical N. Koreans

PYONGYANG—Fighting and scrapping to get a result in enemy territory could boil down to a compact, well-drilled defense.

And with the Azkals having a couple of defenders barely in their 20s, much of the responsibility of organizing the backline has fallen to the battle-tested Jerry Lucena, who has welcomed the challenge of sharing his knowledge to the younger players in the side.

Defense has been the strength of Philippine sides in recent years, but the backline has looked shaky, particularly in the heavy 1-5 defeat to Uzbekistan last month.

Lucena knows the only way to make up for the mishap would be a solid performance when the Azkals face North Korea in a World Cup Qualifying match at Kim Il-sung Stadium on Thursday.

“It’s in their homefield and they will be pushing with everything they’ve got,” said Lucena, referring to the North Koreans, who are top of Group H with three wins from three matches.

“We have to stand still and believe in ourselves and every player must step up.”

Leftback Daisuke Sato is hoping to build on his impressive performance against the Uzbeks and team up anew with Amani Aguinaldo against the North Koreans.

Azkals coach Thomas Dooley was forced to take out Luke Woodland in favor of Aguinaldo at halftime of the Uzbekistan game to steady the backline.

Lucena said the Azkals have no room for error tomorrow with the qualifying tournament getting into its halfway point.

“It’s important for us not to lose again, but I think we have a chance (against North Korea),” said Lucena.

Aguinaldo, who has bulked up the past year, is bracing for a rough and physical battle especially against Swiss League veteran Pak Kwang-ryong, who plays striker for the North Koreans.

“We have to prepare physically and mentally to compete for every ball,” said Aguinaldo.