Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
WITH team skipper Aly Borromeo barred to play in the Philippine Azkals’ first game against the Kuwaitis, co-captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong has been tasked to assume the leadership role for the national football team.
National coach Hans Michael Weiss said Caligdong will take over Borromeo’s place after the Azkals’ skipper and Fil-German Stephan Schrock were meted a one-game suspension each after incurring two yellow cards in the nationals’ two-game series against Sri Lanka’s Brave Reds.
“I wish I could bring more local guys. But, when you go to a higher level (of competition), it is Chieffy who can rise to the occasion,” said Weiss
The Azkals clash with the Kuwaitis on July 23 at the Mohammad Al Hamad Stadium in Kuwait City, before going back to Manila to host the second match.
Caligdong scored the first of four goals in the Azkals’ impressive 4-0 wipeout of the Sri Lankans at the Rizal Memorial football grounds last Sunday to advance to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Kuwaitis.
The 156th-ranked Azkals are slated to leave for Bahrain on July 14 to play two tune-up games in preparation for their crucial match in Kuwait.
Borromeo and Schrock’s second yellow cards on Sunday automatically resulted to a one-game suspension for both, which means that they will not be allowed to play in the first game against the Kuwaitis.
The Kuwaitis, who are ranked 102nd in the world, will be coached by Goran Tufegdži?, a Serbian. Under Tufegdzic’s watch, the Kuwaitis played a total of 31 matches over the last two years, winning 13, losing four and drawing 14 games.
Tufegdži?’s wards also have a record of 53 goals scored and 29 goals against.
The winner after the two matches will advance to the third round. The official draw for the third round will be held in Brazil on July 30.
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