Guirado, Azkals all set for North Korea

ALMOST 37 years old, current national team skipper Juani Guirado knows there’s not much time left in his international career.

The veteran defender is relishing what he feels will be his last few matches with the Azkals as he shifts his focus on Ceres-La Salle, which is seeing action in the AFC Cup, and his growing family in Malaga, Spain.
The Azkals have been hit by a rash of retirements from veteran players like Rob Gier, Jerry Lucena and Paul Mulders, who all quit the team this year.
Guirado could be the next to go although he showed in the 0-1 defeat to Uzbekistan in Tashkent that he still has plenty left in his tank to help out the squad which faces North Korea in its last World Cup Qualifying game at Rizal Memorial Stadium tomorrow.
“Right now, I just want to make the most out of the experience, do everything I can to help the team,” said Guirado, whose kids and wife live in Spain.

Responding to coach Thomas Dooley’s challenge to fight for 90 minutes against a formidable home side, Guirado responded with a commanding performance at the backline, coming away with crucial blocks and tackles to limit the Uzbekistan to just a single goal.
With North Korea expected to go all out in a bid to supplant the Uzbeks in topping the group, Guirado is bracing for his toughest challenge yet.
“I’m sure he would want to retire with a really good game especially against a strong team like North Korea,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “I think he will use that as motivation. Maybe we will see him at his best on Tuesday.”