Underdog Azkals shoot to bring down Great Wall

BACOLOD City—In terms of investment and resources poured into the sport, the Philippines isn’t anywhere near China’s level in football.

But that doesn’t mean that the Azkals aren’t entertaining thoughts of pulling off a giant upset when they face the Chinese on Tuesday night in the joint Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at Panaad Stadium here.

Not since the Azkals stunned North Korea, 3-2, in Manila in their World Cup qualifying match more than three years ago has the Philippines created a shocking result in the competition.

For coach Scott Cooper, the Azkals would need to rise above their limitations to come up with a winning result against a team ranked 59 places higher at No. 68 in the world.

“We need to get to a place where we feel like we’re more positive and confident in getting results against the stronger nations,” said Cooper. “We’ve never had a problem against teams that we’re supposed to beat but the ones where we have to cause an upset, that hasn’t happened for us.”

The match will be the biggest yet in the qualifying phase for the Azkals, who are in third spot in Group A with three points from their first two matches.

“We don’t have to fear China at all, but we do have to respect their ability,” Cooper said.

China and Syria are on top with six points with the Chinese just ahead on goal difference after a 7-0 thrashing of Guam last Thursday in Guangzhou.

The Azkals will have Neil Etheridge back between the posts. Captain Stephan Schrock, Patrick Strauss, Patrick Reichelt, Daisuke Sato, Angel Guirado, Alvaro Silva, Martin Steuble are all expected to retain their places in the starting eleven.