AFC Asian Cup: MANILA- Azkals face all odds vs Koreans

Although Tottenham Spur star Son Heung-min won’t be due to suit up until their last game in Group C, the Taeguk Warriors of coach Paulo Bento still parade a high-powered crew led by Gamba Osaka striker Hwang Ui-jo, Newcastle United midfielder Ki Sung-ueng, and Holstein’s Lee Jae Sung against the debuting Filipinos.

The Koreans, the highest-ranked team in the group at 53rd in the FIFA world ranking, enter the competition hot, riding on a seven-match unbeaten streak and still high from their triumph at the 2018 Asian Games and the massive upset of holder Germany in the last FIFA World Cup.

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After Korea, coach Sven Goran Eriksson and the Azkals will take on world No. 76 China on Jan. 11 in Abu Dhabi, and fellow first-timer Kyrgyz Republic on Jan. 16 in Dubai.

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They hope to keep in step with the big boys in Asia and pile enough points to make it to the Top 2 of the group and make further history by advancing to the knockout stages.

“It’s a tough group,” said Eriksson, whose squad arrived in the UAE Thursday and had their first training session at Humaid Al Tayer Stadium.

With the Taeguk Warriors heavily favored to rule the group, Eriksson sees the second fixture against the Chinese, a side mentored by his old rival at the Italian league, Marcello Lippi, as very crucial in their ambitious quest.

“The second game against China will be like a final,” said the Swede.

Minnows for the longest time, Phl XI relishes the opportunity to play with Asia’s elite.

“Our journey to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup is a dream realized,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta.

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“The team’s participation in this tournament is a testament to the massive strides the Philippine football community has done in recent years.”
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Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) –

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