Azkals.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Azkals are hoping to have more breaks than the last time when they seek to get an all-important result against Indonesia in their World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers match on Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Coach Michael Weiss expressed confidence that the Azkals can carry their valiant effort from their 2-0 loss to Vietnam into the contest which the national team mentor described as a match that could determine either team’s fate in progress past the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.
“For both teams, it’s do-or-die,” Weiss said during the pre-match press conference at nearby Ninoy Aquino Stadium. “Maybe if we don’t win, or maybe if Indonesia doesn’t win, it could be very difficult for either of us to advance in the next round.”
The top two teams in Group F will advance to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers while securing a direct spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
The bottom two nations are going to be relegated in the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Indonesia absorbed a 5-1 loss to Iraq in the other match of the group last Thursday in Basra.
Weiss and the Azkals are banking on how they almost salvaged at least a tie against Vietnam can translate into something positive in the 7 p.m. game.
“Hopefully we can have a bit of luck that we didn’t have against Vietnam,” said Weiss.