Etheridge: We need to show that we’re real contenders

Philippine Azkals win their third straight ahead of Uzbekistan match on Tuesday. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

After going unbeaten in three games, there should be no letting up for the Philippines especially with a big game up ahead.

Following the Azkals’ 2-0 win over Maldives Thursday night in a friendly, Neil Etheridge knows that they need to carry over the momentum to the 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualifying match against Uzbekistan next week.

READ: Azkals blank Maldives in friendly ahead of Uzbekistan clash

“Three games unbeaten and we only conceded only one goal, so the confidence is high, but we need to take that on the field next week and we need to show that we’re real contenders in this group,” the goalkeeper said.

The Filipinos are facing a formidable Uzbeks side, who are the highest ranked in their group.

For Etheridge, the results from the international friendly is already a good gauge of where the team is with four days left before the qualifiers at Philippine Sports Stadium.

“We’re very ready. The team looks fit. Coach [Thomas Dooley] explained he wanted to rotate the team as much as he could and we look forward to the game next week. I think we have a good chance and we’ll put up three points at the end of the week,” he said.

READ: Phil Younghusband embraces role as Azkals leader

But Etheridge is wary of the team’s complacency and said that every match is a chance for the players to prove themselves worthy of their spot.

“For us as a unit, we know we have to perform every game. We take it step-by-step and we know what we have to do next week,” he said.

The Azkals will be gunning for their third victory and a share of the leadership in Group H on Tuesday.