China drubbed Guam, 7-0, on Thursday night to stay unbeaten in Fifa World Cup Qualifying, but Philippines coach Scott Cooper said the Azkals have no reason to fear the Chinese side especially since they will be playing at home at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
Cooper was pleased to see his team beat Thai Premier League side Chainat Hornbill, 3-1, in an exhibition match where Angel Guirado, Joven Bedic and Mark Hartmann all found the back of the net.
But the Irish coach also had one eye on the China-Guam clash in Guangzhou as the powerhouse side of Italian World Cup winner Marcello Lippi is due to arrive in Bacolod over the weekend for the duel with the Azkals on Tuesday.
“I don’t think there’s anything to be fearful of,” Cooper said of the Chinese. “We know that they have a very good coach, a well-organized team, a strong powerful team and a competent well-financed team with a good front three.”
“They also have to travel here [to Bacolod],” Cooper added.