MANILA, Philippines – Azkals team coach Hans Michael Weiss said defense will be an important aspect of their game when they face Kuwait in their away game on July 23.
“We will change the central defense and try not to concede a goal in the first match,” Weiss said in a FIFA.com report.
Weiss said they will have to shut down Kuwait's attacking game to come up at least with a goalless draw.
“If we can come away with a goalless draw, then things will be different when we play as hosts five days later,” he said, referring to the Azkals’ home game on July 28.
He admitted that Kuwait is the toughest opponent for the Azkals so far.
Kuwait made it to the 1982 FIFA World Cup finals and is currently placed 102nd in the FIFA world rankings. The Philippines is ranked 159th.
“They (Kuwait) are a very strong team in Asia,” said Weiss. “I wish I had a year to prepare for the match-ups, rather than a couple of weeks, then we should have a good chance against them.”
However, he assured that the Azkals will give their best to upset Kuwait.
“With solid preparation, good performance and perhaps an extra ounce of luck, it’s possible for us to turn the corner,” he said.
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