Azkals Aim For History

SINGAPORE — After breaking the stranglehold of the traditional powers two years ago, the Philippine Azkals are seeking a breakthrough finals appearance when they collide with the Singapore Lions today in their AFF Suzuki Cup semis series here.

After a scoreless draw in Manila last Saturday, the Azkals and the Lions square off anew at 8 p.m. with the former determined to surpass their semis showing two years back which touched off Azkals-mania.

The Azkals are enjoying extra attention now but a victory here will surely heighten their popularity – perhaps to the level of some PBA stars.

Coach Michael Weiss expressed confidence that a “fresher” Azkals squad can shake off an on-and-off performance during the first leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as they seek a historic trip to the finals.

“The freshness of the team is coming back, they are very focused and we have to see that for this big match,” Weiss said during yesterday’s pre-match press conference at the playing venue. “It’s a big match, everybody is excited but we have to show some action on the field.” cash INcENTIVE

The group of companies affiliated with businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), led by wireless provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) pledged up to P3 million worth of performance incentive to the Azkals.

Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando B. Vea announced yesterday that the Azkals are guaranteed the P1 million if they win today.

Should the Azklas win against Malaysia or Thailand in the finals, Vea said they will earn P2 million more.

Manny Pacquiao's stunning defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez has obviously put an added pressure on the Azkals to win.

“I’ll be lying if I would say we aren’t aware of the added pressure,” said Rob Gier, one of the stars of the Azkals' backline that has played superb defense since the group stage in Bangkok.

His Lions counterpart, the Serbian Radojko Avramovic, who joined Weiss in the same press conference, is looking for the same approach that saw his side attack more often in the 90-minute affair.

“I’ll be happy if (Singapore) shows the same spirit like in the Philippines and we hope to show the same game face against a strong opponent,” said Avramovic, who coached the Lions to two of three Suzuki Cup titles in 2004 and 2007.

The Lions did not have the so-called “punch” they showed during their friendly match in Cebu last month but Avramovic expects the Singapore crowd will give them the extra boost in their crucial match.

source: mb.com.ph