Azkals’ realistic goal

The Philippine Azkals, which faced South Korea on Monday night, listen to last-minute instructions from coach Sven Goran Eriksson. —CEDELF P. TUPAS

DUBAI—Even before the rash of upsets hit the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the Philippines has already started plotting its way out of the group stage in its debut in the most prestigious football tournament in the continent.

On the eve of their Group C opener against South Korea at Al Maktoum Stadium, the Azkals learned that defending champion Australia got stunned by Group B fourth seed Jordan, 1-0, in Al-Ain.

Back at the posh Conrad Hotel along Sheikh Zayed Road, where the team is billeted, the Azkals saw India stun Group A second seed Thailand, 4-1, in Abu Dhabi.

The Azkals are the fourth seeds in Group C with China and Kyrgyzstan, which play in Al-Ain also on Monday night.

A win and a draw from the three group matches could be enough for the Azkals to sneak into the Round of 16 as one of the four best third seeds.

“We’ve been in football for very long and we’ve seen a lot of surprises,” said midfielder Stephan Schrock. “We’re willing to give everyone a headache in this group. We can make sure that, maybe, on Monday night we can have the biggest upset of the tournament already.”

At the forefront of Azkals’ campaigns since 2010, team manager Dan Palami has been one of the architects of some huge victories in the past, including against Vietnam in 2010, against Bahrain in 2015 and versus North Korea in 2016.

“You try to expect and you try to hope that you make something out of this,” said Palami. “If we are able to get out of the group stages, that for me is a realistic goal.”

Azkals coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said “physically standing up” against the other teams in the group will be the challenge for the Azkals, who face China on Friday in Abu Dhabi, before taking on Kyrgyzstan on Jan. 16 in Dubai.

“If we can physically stand up to the other teams, [South] Korea to start with, I think it [qualifying to Round of 16] is a possibility,” said the legendary Swedish coach.

“I think the most important thing is to go out and try to play our type of football. Of course, Korea we have to pay attention to that, but we have to play as well and not kick long balls because then we cannot win the game. What I want to say with that. Yes, respect South Korea, but do not be afraid. Go out and enjoy yourself and play. Because also this first game against South Korea, we really have nothing to lose.”

Eriksson, who has handled the likes of England legends David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, has spoken highly of the current squad he is handling in a checkered coaching career.

“The players are very good, focused and professional,” said Eriksson of the Azkals, who are one of the lowest ranked teams in the competition at No. 116 in the world.

“We had problems outside, but when it’s time to train and play, they are there. It’s a great balance of players and they’re very professional. I tell them to enjoy themselves because this is their first time to be in the Asian Cup.”

Thailand fires coach

Thailand fired coach Milovan Rajevac following the humiliating loss to India.

The 65-year-old Serb, who took charge of Thailand in 2017, paid the price after the War Elephants conceded three second-half goals to slump to a shock defeat in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Thai football chiefs took a dim view of their Group A flop and acted swiftly to remove Rajevac the morning after.

“The result is not what is expected of the Thai national team and that our supporters deserve,” Thailand’s FA president Somyot Poompanmoung said.

“Like all Thai football fans across the country, I am also disappointed with the result. But as president of the football association, I cannot stand still with this problem.”

Former assistant coach Sirisak Yodyardthai will assume control of the team when they face Bahrain on Thursday.

Rajevac, who has had spells in charge of Algeria and Qatar, famously steered Ghana to the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup where they were beaten on penalties by Uruguay.

But he was left shell-shocked by Thailand’s horror show against underdogs India, whose veteran striker Sunil Chhetri scored twice, overtaking Lionel Messi’s 65 international goals in the process. —WITH A REPORT FROM AFP