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| Azkals |
The Azkals will be joined by a major addition in Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena when they meet the Palestine Al-Fursans at 3:30 p.m. (5 p.m. Manila time), as they eye one of the two top spots in their bracket that will guarantee them a place in the quarterfinals.
“Heartbreaking result for us yesterday! So close to getting the massive 3 points against the host team! Palestine up next and need a W!!,” wrote team skipper Aly Borromeo in his twitter before they proceeded to practice yesterday afternoon.
The Al-Fursans, however, could prove to be a tough challenge, as they beat the Bengals, Bengals, 2-0, right after the Myanmar-Philippines match to grab the solo lead in Group A.
Lucena, an all-around player, arrived yesterday in Rangoon and joined the Azkals’ practice.
Lucena’s presence gives the nationals another offensive weapon after veterans Yanti Barsales and Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong sustained injuries in the second half against the White Angels.
The 5’10” midfielder Lucena, whose father Ruben hails from Iriga City in Camarines Sur, and whose mother Elise is from Copenhagen, played professional soccer in Denmark for the last 12 years.
The Azkals need to focus their defense on Palestine’s strikers, led by veteran midfielder Murad Alyan, who scored both goals for Al-Fursan’s in the 46th and 65th minutes against the Bengals. Other Palestinians players to watch are Fahed Attal, Ahmed Keshkesh and Fadi Lafi.
Fil-Spanish Angel Guirrado will again lead the Azkals’ offensive as he did last Monday. Guirrado almost scored a goal for the Azkals on a cross kick after running 30 yards from across the midfield in the 32nd minute.
Barsales, who was fouled hard in the penalty area in the 75th minute by Myanmar’s goalkeeper in the second half, is expected to be back in action, along with Caligdong, who hurt his hamstring.
The foul on Bersales, who was carried out of the pitch in a stretcher, paved the way for James Younghusband to score on a penalty kick that gave the Philippines a 1-0 edge in the 76th minute.
Sources: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com
