DUBAI: Cheered by fellow Filipinos upon arrival for a luncheon meet-and-greet, Jan. 5, the Philippine football team, Azkals, led by Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and Team Capt. Phil Younghusband expressed confidence they can put up a good fight against opponents South Korea, China and Kyrgyzstan – but stressed they would need support from the Pinoy community to help them run the extra mile.
“I believe that we can (pull through) for good and go the next stage. I am confident. The players, they have confidence. I believe we can go to the next stage,” Eriksson told The Filipino Times during the press conference held at Max’s Restaurant next to Burjuman in Karama.
For his part, Younghusband urged the community to come out in full support of the team saying, “As players and as a team, we know (that) having great attendance of Filipinos in the games (will) add confidence and (push us) to do our best.”
Interviewed by TFT, Younghusband said: “This is our first Asian competition. We are excited to play (against) the best teams in Asia. We are glad to finally be here.”
He added: “We are looking forward to the game with South Korea. They are one of the competition favorites. It will be a tough game. South Korea, sila ang pinakamalakas. China din…(inaudible) it was a big score… we lost heavily (in a previous match with China).
“This is the Asian Cup. Hopefully, we can get good results in the China game and hopefully make competitive (results) with South Korea.” The Azkals will face South Korea on Monday, Jan.7, 5:30pm at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
Noting there are approximately half a million Filipinos in Dubai, Younghusband also said: “Sana lahat sila nandun sa game. Hopefully, all of them can be at the game and support us because we need all the support we can get. Coming against these strong teams, the fans will give us confidence.”
