The Boxing Diary

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Azkals vs. Al Azraq: Azkals returns in Kuwait to face World Cup Qualifier tormentor




The Philippine Azkals is in Kuwait for a friendly match against Kuwait National Team Al Azraq tomorrow, October 16, 2012 at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium in Kaifan. According to a report of Michelle Fe Santiago from Arab Times, the friendly match will kick-off at 6:50 pm. Tickets are available at the stadium box office and priced at KD 1, KD 2 and KD 3.

On July 2011, Philippine Azkals was denied by Kuwait National Team on their hope for the 2014 FIFA world Cup in a home and away series. The mighty Kuwaitis crushed Azkals, 3-0 on that night in the eyes of 15,000 strong Filipino supporters in Kuwait. While in the Philippines, Kuwait scored 2 goals against 1 earning a 5-1 aggregate to advance in the third round. Kuwait was then defeated by South Koreans in the third round.

In a tweet from Neil Etheridge at 3:27 pm today, it seems that they are headed for training and is happy for the weather in Kuwait which is 30 degrees at that time. Azkals was enduring around 40 degrees heat last year that might have a dramatic effect on their performance.

In this match Azkals wanted revenge on their tormentor and will give a competitive game. Azkals have new players like Matthew Uy, Demet Omphroy, and striker Denis Wolf who scored a hat trick—three goals in one game, during the Peace Cup.

Goal keeper Neil Etheridge and the Younghusband brothers—Phil and James will also rejoin Team Azkals after missing the Peace Cup which the team was the champion.

According to their Coach Michael Weiss they wanted keep their defense up and to at least secure a scoreless draw. But they train to win.

Azkals held a much higher ranked Bahrain on a scoreless draw on Friday. Azkal vs. Kuwait friendly match is the final leg of Middle East matches for Azkals preparation for the Suzuki Cup in November.

In feel that this game was not as hyped as last time but I still expect a lot of support from the Filipinos in Kuwait and count me in too because I will be there. See you all in Kaifan Pinoys in Kuwait.

Guys what is your take on this game? Do you believe the Azkals will win this time? Feel free to leave your comment below.

Update16 October 2012 at 10PM: The Kuwaiti National Team 'Al Azraq' wins against Team Azkals 2-1 moments ago at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium in Kaifan. The mighty Kuwaitis showed once again their superior ball handling skills and a whole lot faster than the Azkals.

(I will be posting my piece along with some photos of the action soon, stay tuned.)

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