Pressure on Azkals
BACOLOD CITY—Newly appointed Philippines coach Sven Goran-Eriksson gets his baptism of fire and captain Phil Younghusband marks a rare milestone as the Philippines begins its AFF (Asean Football Federation) Suzuki Cup campaign on Tuesday.
A three-time semifinalist in the competition, the Azkals clash with a familiar foe in Singapore at 8 p.m. for their Group B opener at Panaad Stadium in this city, which has hosted some of the biggest matches in Philippine football in recent memory.
The 70-year-old Eriksson, the highly touted Swedish coach, who took England to the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup, will make his debut on the touchline as the Azkals try to finally win the competition after years of heartbreaking results.
“Personally, it’s a new experience for me,” said the 70-year-old Eriksson, who has also coached Mexico and Ivory Coast. “I was impressed by Singapore. It will be a tough game. I’m not worried, but I think we have to show them a lot of respect because they won against Indonesia.”
Younghusband will play his 100th game for the country in the match against a Singapore side that beat Indonesia, 1-0, in its home match on Friday at National Stadium.
“This is a fitting game to mark my 100th cap,” said Younghusband, who has 51 goals for the country.
“This tournament means a lot to Philippine football because this really brought the Azkals to the attention of the Filipinos,” Younghusband said.
The Azkals suffered a blow with striker Javier Patiño out of the tournament due to a calf injury, while left back Stephan Palla is still working his way back from injury.
The arrival of Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and Daisuke Sato of Romanian side Sepsi in this central Philippine city on Monday has also given the Azkals a boost as they try to make the knockout round again after missing out two years ago.
“The pressure is on the whole team to try to do better than before,” said Eriksson. “That means at least reaching the final.”
Singapore coach Fandi Ahmad insists his team remain underdogs against the hosts.
“We’re happy to be the underdogs,” said Ahmad. “We have to prepare with any onslaught. Playing here will not be easy. But we have committed players and a disciplined team ready to fight for the country.”
