Azkals brace for tough Icheon Citizen match

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines – Icheon Citizen may be playing in the third tier of Korean football, but it doesn’t mean that they would be easy picking for the Philippine Azkals.
The Azkals are bracing for a tough test against the Koreans at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the Kia Rio Cup at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
And while the Citizen squad is a relatively unknown entity in the football world, the Azkals are welcoming the challenge of facing a club from an elite footballing country like Korea.
“It’s imperative that we continue playing against clubs from abroad to keep the team competitive,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.
Palami said the game against the Koreans, which will also benefit
the victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong,” is an integral part of the preparation for the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March.
Coach Michael Weiss has stressed the need to bolster the squad in case some Europe-based players won’t be available in important tournaments.
A brand new 2012 Kia Rio will be raffled off after the game.

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