Azkals seek revenge

We still have two games to go, so we will use the opportunity to play more. We have to step up.

After suffering a devastating loss from Myanmar Wednesday night, the Philippine men’s football tries to bounce back in the men’s football competition of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with a win over Malaysia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium tonight.

Kickoff is set at 8 p.m. with the Azkals gunning for a crucial win in their Group A match to stay on track for the semifinal round.

The Philippine team absorbed a 1-2 loss to Myanmar for its first defeat in the biennial meet to stay out of the top two with one point.

Now, the Azkals need to sweep their last two assignments including this one to stay on course for a podium finish in the men’s football category.

“We still have two games to go, so we will use the opportunity to play more. We have to step up,” Azkals team captain Stephan Schrock said.

“In the last 15 minutes (of the second half against Myanmar), we felt a little bit apart, but we are not the type who will sit in the corner and cry over the Rizal (Stadium).”

Facing four consecutive draws against the Malaysian squad since 2012, the nationals have now the opportunity to break the longstanding deadlock in their home soil. And most importantly to register their first three points to strengthen their medal hopes in the tournament.

“We will do a good performance for the people here and especially for ourselves and get going,” Schrock said.

It was apparent how the Burmese successfully outran the home team in the second half, where some of the Under-22 players like Dennis Chung suffered from cramps and was forced for substitution. Then, the nationals eventually crumbled on defense and conceded a goal in the 79th minute.

Schrock admitted that this is one aspect of their game that they need to adjust.

“I spoke to the boys before we left the bus, I told them that if we get our legs right, we will get a big step on the third game and I hope for all of us to get the legs right for the Friday game,” said the Azkals mainstay, who played in Germany before taking shots in international duties.