Match Today(Rizal Memorial Stadium)7 p.m. — Philippines vs Chinese Taipei
PHILIPPINE coach Michael Weiss expects a stronger performance from the Azkals as they face a tougher opponent in Chinese Taipei tonight in an international friendly at the Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS).
The Pinoy booters started the second era of Mr. Weiss with a 1-0 victory over Nepal last Thursday, overcoming issues on short preparation, injuries and match fitness from coming off competition breaks to pull through behind Jarvey Gayoso’s second-half strike and Patrick Deyto’s solid goalkeeping.
“I’m positive we’ll be in better shape because we have recovered from the last match, coming from the holidays. We’ll have fresher legs and we can play faster,” Mr. Weiss said in yesterday’s pre-match presscon.
The Taiwanese go into the 7 p.m. match confident they can go toe-to-toe with the hosts after holding Asean power Thailand to a fighting 2-2 draw in Bangkok last Friday.
“This will be an even tougher match than the first (against Nepal) because Chinese Taipei has showcased in a very good manner their game against Thailand. They held a strong Thailand team to 2-2 which is a very respectable result,” Mr. Weiss noted.
“And the way they played, is typical Taiwan — very compact, quick on transition and they’re physically strong.”
A win against the visiting Taiwanese will complete a two-game sweep in the June Fifa match days for the Azkals, who are ultimately building up for the joint qualifiers of the Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup in November. — Olmin Leyba