Azkals expect 'good test' against Malaysians

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals expect to be tested when they play against the Malaysian national football team in a friendly Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Malaysia won the 2010 Suzuki Cup and are ranked 150th by FIFA, while the Azkals are ranked 156th. The Azkals were eliminated in the semi-finals of that tournament.

The Azkals are now seeking to measure themselves against the Malaysians.

“We were gutted two years ago to get knocked out. This would be a good test for us,” said Azkals first-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

“They are the reigning Suzuki Cup champion, so obviously they are a quality team. Whenever you play a quality team, it’s a good test to see where you are and also an opportunity to get better,” added Jason Sabio.

Etheridge believes that the match will be a friendly in name only.

“We’ve got people watching, and in that respect, we have something to lose,” he said. “This is just a friendly game, but I think I speak on behalf of all the players when I say that a friendly game is just a name.”

“Obviously, we want to win tomorrow night and I think we’re quite capable of doing so,” he added.

Preparation

Azkals head coach Michael Weiss is hoping that playing in the Rizal Memorial Stadium will give the Azkals an edge against the visiting Malaysians.

“We are very strong when we play at home,” Weiss said. “Like most of the teams when they go out, they don’t have the same confidence, so I hope we can take advantage of that.”

The friendly will also serve as preparation for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup next month in Nepal, Weiss said.

“We will have to see after that where we still have to adapt or get better. Apart from excitement, it will give us clear view on defense shape,” he said.

Weiss is expecting the Azkals to give a good effort in the game, especially with Etheridge playing.

“I expect the team to be defensively organized and balanced and hopefully not allow a goal,” Weiss said. “We have Phil and James (Younghusband) coming back, so we have a decent group even without the players based abroad.”

Datuk K. Rajagopal, head coach of the Malaysian national team, has said that he is expecting a good challenge from the Azkals.

“I think you have a very good, real strong team... I’m definitely expecting a tough match to be honest,” he said.

Moving forward

The Azkals are hoping for a positive result in tomorrow’s friendly in order to continue the progress of football in the Philippines.

“I take massive pride in the progress we’ve taken,” Etheridge said. “You’re not always gonna win every game, but to think that two years ago, this was a team that was unnoticed in this country.”

“We’ve taken massive steps forward,” he added.

“We’re really looking forward to the game and if we can get a good result, then that would be good steps for Philippine football again,” Phil Younghusband said.

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