Karl Decena, InterAKTV
BANGKOK, Thailand — After its ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup opening match against Thailand, members of the Philippine national men’s football team were left bloodied on its way to a 2-1 loss.
And the hits keep coming for the Azkals, who lost coach Hans Michael Weiss to suspension for the Philippine side’s second match against Vietnam on Tuesday.
But Azkals star striker Phil Younghusband said the coach’s absence can be overcome by the team.
“With the players we have on the field, we can do a lot of coaching,” said Younghusband, who was a non-factor against Thailand after sustaining a nasty boxer’s cut over his left eye early in the match before being subbed out at halftime.
“But of course, I like our coach to be there to motivate us.”
Against Vietnam, the Azkals will face a familiar foe. During the team’s Cinderella run to the semifinals of the tournament in 2010, the Philippines upset a hometown Vietnamese side, 2-0, a victory credited with sparking football fever in the basketball-crazy country.
Vietnam has a new coach in Phan Thanh Hung, and the 2008 Suzuki Cup champions are hoping for a different result against the Philippines this time around.
In its first assignment, Vietnam was held to a 1-1 draw by Myanmar, making the showdown against the Azkals more crucial.
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