Azkals blast Brave Reds, 4-0

By Sid Ventura | Sportsaholic

Photo: (Mike Alquinto/NPPA Images)


The Philippine Azkals made history today when they pounded the Sri Lanka Brave Reds, 4-0, in the second leg of their Round 1 World Cup qualifier at the packed Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

With the convincing victory, fashioned out before a crowd of 12,000 that didn't move an inch even when half of them were drenched by a heavy downpour that struck the pitch early in the first half, the Azkals clinched the tie on an aggregate of 5-1 and made history on several counts.

First off, it was the Philippines' first-ever victory in World Cup qualifying matches. It's also the first time the country scored more than one goal in a WC qualifying match. Finally and most importantly, it's the first time the Philippines will advance to the second round of the WC qualifiers.

Chieffy Caligdong of the Philippine Air Force broke the ice in the 19th minute by eluding two defenders in the box before striking home a shot that just clipped the inside of the goal post. Phil Younghusband made it 2-nil two minutes before halftime when he beat the Sri Lankan defense and found himself unmarked in the box for an easy goal.

There was some confusion after Younghusband's goal after the linesman initially signalled a foul on the Fil-British striker, thus nullifying the goal. But after consulting with the linesman, the lead referee overruled the nullification and let the goal stand to give the Azkals a comfortable lead heading into the halftime break.
There was no let-up in the second half as Angel Guirado just beat the offside trap and fielded a perfect pass from James Younghusband to rush unmarked towards the goal. With only the keeper to beat, Guirado deftly maneuvered away from the keeper to the right and found the back of the net to make it 3-0 in the 51st minute. Five minutes later, midfielder Stephan Shrock was taken down in the penalty box by Sri Lanka's Chathura Gunaratne to give the Philippines a penalty kick. Phil Younghusband stepped up to take the shot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 4-nil.

Sri Lanka had its chances in the first half but just couldn't get a clear shot. The Brave Reds' best chance came in the 33rd minute when they were rewarded a free kick just outside the left side of the penalty box. A chance was created when the Philippine defense failed to clear and Neil Etheridge was caught out of position, but a header sailed harmlessly above the crossbar.

Glad to be home and to be playing on a better pitch, the Azkals employed more short passing and created several chances by going behind the defense and beating the offside trap. This was a big turnaround from their 1-1 draw in Colombo, where the poorly maintained pitch, which coach Michael Weiss described as "used for planting tomatoes and potatoes", forced his side to resort to long passes.

"I almost called them irregular conditions," Weiss said of the Sir Lankan pitch. "Stony and with bumps and is very difficult to play. We had to change our tactics and play long ball."

Coming home after being away for several weeks training in Germany, Weiss added, was a welcome relief for the players, and provided them with an added boost.

"Today was a totally different environment. We were away from home for a long time, and it was physically and mentally different. The players had a different comfort level."

In contrast, the Brave Reds attacked almost exclusively on the right flank, and were met with good defending by left back Paul Mulders and center defenders Aly Borromeo and Rob Gier.

"The Philippines was the better team today," said Sri Lankan coach Jang Jung.
Next up for the Azkals is a training camp in Bahrain in preparation for their second-round two-leg tie against Kuwait, a country ranked 103 in the world and considered a very tough opponent for the national side. The first leg will be played in Kuwait on July 23 and the second in Manila on July 28. The Azkals might miss Borromeo and Shrock in the first leg after both players picked up their second yellow cards of the qualifiers. Weiss, though, is hopeful his team captain and top midfielder can play, noting that FIFA is more lenient about such infractions during World Cup qualifiers.

The coach, though, minced no words about the level of competition they will face, and cautioned the public against expecting a similar attacking style that they unleashed on Sri Lanka.

"We will have to enhance our level of play, especially considering who we will be up against. I don't think we will be able to compare both opponents (Sri Lanka and Kuwait) because it's like you play Crystal Palace and Manchester United. It's totally different football. We will not be able to be as offensive-minded as we were today against Kuwait. Otherwise we will get hammered like we have never seen before.

"So we have to change our tactics, but nevertheless, if we stand compact we will have a chance. The first match will be played under incredible hot weather and we have to play smart and not waste our energy against an opponent who moves the ball very fast and technically superior.

"We have to analyze them carefully. I have all their tapes and I am looking forward to the challenge."

Philippine Azkals 4, Sri Lanka 0

By Celest Flores - PDI

MANILA, Philippines — Star strikers Angel Guirado and Phil Younghusband raised the score of the Philippine Azkals to 4-0 against Sri Lanka in the second leg of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers round one at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Sunday.

Younghusband scored on the free kick in the 57th minute after Guirado’s goal in the 50th.

Chieffy Caligdong struck a goal to open up the scoring in the 19th minute while Phil Younghusband also doubled the score in the 43rd minute for the Azkals.

The Fil-British Younghusband have been on the attack since the get go, despite a muddy and slippery pitch, with his shots either sailing wide or being gathered by the Sri Lankan keeper.

The Philippines’ second goal was first called off side, but was officially counted after a huddle by the referees.

Midfielder Fil-German Stephan Schrock lost his cool in a scuffle and was booked for his second yellow card of the entire leg.

Schrock may be suspended in the next game of the Azkals.

Heavy rain met the kickoff of the second leg between the Azkals and the Red Braves at the 77-year-old Rizal Stadium in Manila.

The Azkals are up four goals and an away goal on aggregate as the Philippines hope to advance to the second round of the qualifiers for the first time in its football history.

Philippine Azkals crush Sri Lanka

By Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines -- The Azkals made history by becoming the first Philippine team to advance in the second round of FIFA World Cup.

The Filipinos defeated Sri Lanka, 4-0, (5-1 on aggregate) much to the delight of thousands of local football fans who endured the rain just to witness the match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Azkals winger Chieffy Caligdong scored the first goal in the 18th minute to put the Philippine ahead.

He found the back of the net with a strike that caromed off the left post.

Another goal by Azkals striker Phil Younghusband in the 42nd minute made it 2-0 in favor of the Philippines.

The Filipino-British footballer evaded 2 defenders and the Sri Lankan goalkeeper to increase the Azkals' lead.

An assistant match official initially ruled out Younghusband's goal because an alleged foul.

However, the senior referee overruled the sideline official, saying that the Azkal's contact with a Sri Lankan defender was only minimal.

It was Angel Guirado’s turn to score in the second half.

The Filipino-Spaniard scored the country’s third goal in the 50th minute after receiving a through ball from James Younghusband.

Guirado beat the Sri Lankans' offside trap and rounded the goalkeeper to tap the ball in.

Phil scored the fourth goal through a penalty kick in the 56th minute after Stephan Schrock was brought down by a Sri Lankan defender inside the box.

Attacking intent

The Philippines launched attacks right at the kick off as the Sri Lankans struggled under the pouring rain.

Guirado and Phil fired long-range shots that troubled the opposing goalkeeper before Caligdong scored the opening goal.

Schrock was physical against the Brave Reds and was slapped a yellow card in the match.

He was also given a yellow card in the first leg, which means that he will be barred from playing in the Azkals' next game.

Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo was also called for his 2nd yellow card in the qualifier. He is also barred from playing in the next match.

The Filipinos will take on Kuwait in the second round of the qualifiers.

Kuwait have scouted the Philippines for 2 consecutive matches, according to the Azkals media officer Rick Olivares.

Azkals vs Sri Lanka Leg 2 begins

by Dennis Gasgonia and Ira Pedrasa, abs-cbnNEWS.com



MANILA, Philippines – The second leg of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the Philippine Azkals and the Sri Lankan Brave Reds at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila has started.

The Azkals, who were held by the Brave Reds to a 1-1 draw last Wednesday, can advance to the second round if they either beat their opponents or hold them to goalless draw in their home turf.

The Azkals' starting 11 are Neil Etheridge, Aly Borromeo, Rob Gier, Stephan Schrock, Anton del Rosario, Manuel Ott, James Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, Paul Mulders, Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado.

Sri Lanka's starting line-up, meanwhile, is composed of Manjula Fernando, Bandara Warakagoda, Rohana Ruwanthilake, Dilki Kumara, Sanka Dhanushka, Fazul Rahuman, Chathura Gunarathna, Kolitha Lankesara, Nimal Antoni, M. Izzadeen, Shafraz Kaiz

The Nationals are wearing their blue uniforms while the Sri Lankans are in white.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami is confident that his boys will pull off a better performance on their home pitch, which is in better condition compared to Sri Lanka's Sugathadasa Stadium.

Palami said the well-conditioned pitch will help the Azkals in their offense-to-defense switch, which they could not do in Sri Lanka's uneven field.

“We were unable to do that in Sri Lanka because of their uneven field but here we have better chances of pulling that off,” he said.

He added all of the Azkals can suit up for the match, even the those slightly injured in the away game like Filipino-British Phil Younghusband.

“Lalaro sila… They’re fit and ready,” said Palami.

The Filipino will have to keep the Brave Reds from scoring to make sure that they advance to the next round of the qualifiers against higher-ranked Kuwait.

Azkals all set to score that goal against Sri Lanka

Karen A. Pagsolingan - Philippine Entertainment Portal

"We're not feeling any pressure at all," said the Azkals head coach Hans Michael Weiss about the game tomorrow, July 3, against Sri Lanka.
He added that the guys have been working so hard, and "they already know what to do once they're out there."
At the launch of Cortal SQR, the team's new endorsement, yesterday—July 1—the country's football players seemed more excited than nervous.

Team captain Aly Borromeo told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "We know how the [opponents] are on the field. We're stronger as a team, I mean, team work is gonna be very much evident, so we're gonna score that goal."
The game is crucial to Sri Lanka, "One goal for them is pretty important," explained Aly.
Even if the other team will score that one goal, "we'll still be going through, we'll be qualified."
But such fact doesn't mean they have the reason to feel complacent.
Aly assured the Pinoy fans, "We're not gonna settle back and be confident all the time. We're gonna score some goal."
BIG-TIME AZKALS? The growing support for the team has been inspiring the players to "keep winning games," said Ali.
And how things have changed for the better. "One of the reasons why we are called Azkals is we look for scraps for food," related Ali.
But now, team manager Dan Palami revealed, "The team is in a better position."
However, the kind of support they're mostly getting only helps in alleviating the expenses.
In a matter-of-factly tone, Dan said, "We're spending less. We get discounts sa flight, discounted hotel bookings, which does not really mean that money is getting into the team.
"It's difficult. It costs a lot of money to maintain a football team. With like 25 players and seven staff. That's 32.
"When you travel, when you stay in a hotel, especially when you prepare for strong tournaments, then, you spend a lot more, I mean, going to Germany for training camp, or even just going to the place where you'll compete, just like Sri Lanka."
Are the Azkals getting support from the government?
He replied, "They helped in preparing the venue and the logistics," but overall, the team's financial resources remain, "kulang pa rin."
Dan put much credit on each player, who plays not primarily for money but for the love of the sport.
"When we get to play the game that we love, they are able to get the chance to represent the country, then that brings them happiness and fulfillment," he stated.
THE YOUNGHUSBANDS. The game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium is expected to generate a huge crowd.

Fatigue, uneven pitch derail Azkals

FRANCIS SANTIAGO - TEMPO

MANILA, Philippines – The German coach of the Philippine football team admits he’s not happy, but is not about to cry over spilled milk.

“I’m not the happiest man in the world but I’m not too disappointed. We take the result as it is and prepare for the match on Sunday,” Hans Michael Weiss told interaction. com, a television website.

The Azkals barely escaped with a 1-all draw with Sri Lanka Wednesday in the first leg of their opening World Cup qualifying match in Colombo.

Weiss said the Azkals could have won the match had they got off to a bright start.

“I think we were better and superior. And if we scored the first or the second goal, the game would have been over,” the German coach said.

The Filipinos are set to return Thursday night, giving them two days to prepare for the second leg to be held at the Rizal Memorial stadium on Sunday.

Sri Lanka, a world power in cricket but a minnow in football, scored the first goal in the 43rd minute when Chathura Guranarathna’s free kick thundered past the Azkals’ wall, partially hit the head of Rob Gier and beat goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

The Azkals, however, did not lose hope and turned to Fil-American rookie Nate Burkey to score the equalizer seven minutes later.

Burkey, inserted into the game in place of injured striker Phil Younghusband, was at the right place and at the right time to head home the all-important goal. He completed a follow up header off a missed header by James Younghusband, a play set up by a gorgeous free kick by Caligdong.

Despite the less-than-stellar result, Weiss remained confident they can overcome Sri Lanka at home.

The Azkals need only to hold Sri Lanka scoreless to get into the next round against Kuwait by virtue of away goal. If it ends at 1-1, an extra time will be needed, but if it closes out on a 2-2, the Philippines will be eliminated.

Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano Araneta said “the Azkals were more skillful, but were sluggish in the first half” probably because of two factors: the uneven pitch and fatigue.

“In the first half, we were forced to play long balls. But come the second half, after adjusting, they were on fire,” Araneta said. “Fatigue may also have set in considering the training in Germany and the long travel time (15 hours, from Frankfurt) going to Sri Colombo. They had limited time to recover.”

The Azkals had more chances to score with Fil-German Stephan Schrock, Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado and Chieffy Caligdong showing off their attacking skills, but their inability to finish the plays compounded their woes.

Phil Younghusband, however, is a doubtful starter – a fact downplayed by Araneta.

“We scored without him (Phil) on the pitch. So I’m confident anyone in the line up can fill in the shoes of Phil if ever he’s out,” said the PFF chief.

Philippines' Azkals seek football glory

By EARL VICTOR ROSERO GMA News

The men's national football team makes history Wednesday as they forge ahead into the country’s first attempt since 2002 to qualify for the most coveted honor in the world’s most popular sport, the FIFA World Cup.

“In trying to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, the Philippines was placed in a group which included Oman, Syria and Laos. In the double round robin group competition, the Philippines did not win a single game – losing 5 and drawing 1 (a 1-1 draw with Laos in the only game played in Manila)," recalled Bonnie Ladrido, chairman of the July 3 World Cup Qualifer match organizing committee, in his blog at ladrido.net

“To say that the campaign was an embarrassment is to understate things. In the 5 games that we lost, the scores were – 12-0, 5-1, 7-0, 2-0 and 2-0. Including the drawn game, the Philippines scored 2 goals," Ladrido further recounted.

A long journey

Seeking Wednesday’s date with football glory has taken at least about a century to make. In 1913, the Philippines won the gold in the Far Eastern Games, precursor of the Asian Games. A year before that, in 1912, Paulino Alcantara of Iloilo started playing for Barcelona as a striker. Alcantara would go on to football immortality. By 1927, when he left the team, Alcantara had scored 357 goals for Barcelona.

Filipinos’ passion for football goes back centuries, counting from the last years of Spanish colonial rule (1875-1895) when, according to the account of www.fifa.com “football was the most popular sport in the country."

Since the mid-1980s, the Philippines has been building momentum by training for and competing in regional football competitions. It is a strategy that paid off with the Azkals’ recent successes in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.

Mirroring Filipino society

On Wednesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka, every move each team member will make will be for national pride and honor. The contingent’s composition somewhat mirrors the current face of Philippine society.

All the current Azkals are natural-born Filipinos. Some born, raised and lived in the homeland all their lives. The rest, sons of Filipinos who migrated to the United States and Europe. All answered the call to prove that the country has what it takes to rise in the highly-competitive world of football.

“Philippine football is alive and kicking but there is definitely more work that needs to be done," Ladrido also said in his blog.

A significant chunk of that work will take place at the grassroots level, where local football champions of the next generation are coming from. One aspiring Azkal is Stephen Permanes from Butuan City in the northeastern Mindanao region of Caraga.

“I want football to be instilled in the Filipino culture. We Filipinos are very gifted in sports and I hope that the growing popularity of football will continue so we could develop more football superstars. I believe that the best way for this to happen is to do a grassroots approach to encourage more kids to play," Permanes said in a Facebook interview with GMA News Online.

Coach: Azkals capable of beating Brave Reds

Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today


ACTING under-23 football coach Yanti Barsales expressed confidence yesterday that the Philippine Azkals national football team has what it takes to beat the Sri Lanka Brave Reds when they clash in their first home-and-away encounter at the Sri Lankan national squad’s own home grounds at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Wednesday.

“Kayang-kaya nila iyan. Makakalusot tayo. Ito na ang pinakamalakas nating national team,” said the former member of the Azkals, who retired last month at age 38.

Barsales said the Azkals had enough time to prepare against the Brave Reds, who had also undergone a revamp and will be playing with a new lineup.

Since his retirement last month, Barsales has accepted the job of forming the national under-23 squad to the Southeast Asian Games, and will be in charge of the team, while coach Hans Michael Weiss is busy handling the Azkals’ World Cup qualifying encounter with the Brave Reds.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka tinkered with the lineup of the Brave Reds with only two weeks left before the Sri Lanka nationals face the Philippine Azkals for the World Cup qualifying matches in Colombo tomorrow and on Sunday in Manila.

Sri Lankall football officials placed veteran forward Kasun Jayasuriya under suspension and two other teammates were sanctioned over allegations of match-fixing within their Premier League.

Saunders SC defender Rohana Ruwanthilake, a mainstay of Sri Lanka’s national team in the last four international tournaments, will again lead the Brave Reds’ campaign against the Azkals.

Other veteran players in Sri Lanka’s lineup include midfielders Chathura Gunaratne, Nadeeka Pushpakumara, Fazul Rahuman and Mohammed Izzadeen.

Sri Lanka’s Korean coach Jang Jung said in an online article which appeared in the Daily Mirror that “they (Philippine Azkals) have grown very fast and are going to be a difficult opposition for us.”

In their previous international outings, Sri Lanka lost to DPR Korea 4-0, Afghanistan, 1-0, and drew 0-all with Nepal in the AFC Challenge Cup.

Philippine Azkals to attack from get-go

By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer

COLOMBO—The Philippine football team will be on attack mode right from the start when it faces Sri Lanka in the first leg of its opening round World Cup Qualifying clash here tomorrow.
Unlike other teams playing away from home that tend to play defensively, the Azkals will look to score early in its first World Cup Qualifying match in 10 years.
“We will put pressure on them (Sri Lankans) early,” team manager Dan Palami told the Inquirer upon arriving in the populous Sri Lankan capital Monday.
“Winning by two goals will be most ideal for us.”
Palami said a comfortable win here would mean less pressure on the Azkals in the second leg this Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“If we could finish the series here by winning the game in their homecourt, there will be less pressure on us when we play in Manila,” he said.
Azkals’ strong offensive game
Palami’s confidence stems from the strong offensive game shown by the Azkals in their recent camp in Germany.
The attacking flair was spurred by the inclusion of Stephan Schrock in the lineup and the solid forward combination of Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado.
But there are still chinks on the Azkals’ defensive armor as shown in their lopsided losses to German sides Ingolstadt and Darmstadt.
“The training camp experience will count most on this away game,” said Palami, who has bankrolled the Azkals’ campaign the past two years.
In temperatures similar to Manila’s, the Azkals had a light training session for the first time here, a day after arriving in a country which is known more for its prowess in the sport of cricket rather than football.
Jonsson playing first leg
The team was also boosted by the news of leftback Ray Jonsson’s availability for the first leg that will be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
The Philippines actually has a score to settle against the Sri Lankans, who defeated the national squad, 3-0, in a World Cup Qualifying match in 1995 in Qatar.
A victory by the Azkals will not only avenge that loss, but will also fulfill the team’s goal of making history by advancing past the first round of qualifying for the first time.
The Azkals are hoping to sustain a streak that started in last year’s Suzuki Cup, which they followed up by advancing to the main tournament of the AFC Challenge Cup.
“I’m glad that in all the tournaments we have joined so far, we have actually achieved the results we wanted and even exceeded them,” said Palami.
“I hope this is one more tournament where our expectations are at least realized. And if we exceeded it by going past the second round, then there’s not much more that I could ask for.”

Azkals arrive in Sri Lanka

With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals have arrived in Sri Lanka for the first leg of their World Cup qualifier.

The Philippine National Football team will face Sri Lanka on June 29, Wednesday.

The Azkals finished a two-week training program in Germany to prepare for their match.

The team played in four practice games against German teams. They won the first two games and lost the last two.

While in Germany, the team was joined by Filipino-European players Angel Guirado, Rob Gier, Stephen Shrock and Manuel Ott.

Team captain Aly Borromeo said that the Azkals are stronger as a team now and that they are ready to play against Sri Lanka.

Rain or shine, Azkals-Sri Lanka match in Manila to push through

Reuben Terrado/JVP/HS, GMA News

The second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3 will be played as scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila regardless of weather conditions.

This as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials expressed optimism that the heavy downpour brought by tropical storm "Falcon" the past few days won't affect the field conditions at RMSC.

PFF officials and the media inspected the RMSC Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains brought about by Falcon.

"There is no water and no flood in the field. Rain or shine, the match will be played," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. “But of course, let us pray for good weather on July 3."

Cathy Rivilla, general coordinator for the home match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, agreed.

"Only the referees can stop the match but based on my experience, there is no indication that the match will be postponed because there is no puddle of water in the field. But we are constantly monitoring the field," said Rivilla, an experienced football official in international competitions.

Rivilla added the match will only be postponed once the field is unplayable after a one-hour waiting period. The game will then be rescheduled the following day.

Rivilla also said that the lights at RMSC will be ready if the game reaches extra time and a penalty shootout.

"We have tested the lights. We thought that we would replace them but after minor repairs, we have determined that the lights are ready," Rivilla said.

The PFF said that the streets of M. Adriatico and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) will be closed and will be used as a parking lot on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Manila Zoo and Harrison Plaza parking lots will also be used.

The PFF said that they will open the RMSC gates at 11 a.m.

Rains can’t stop Azkals’ game

by Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today

RAIN or shine, the second stage of the World Cup Qualifying match between the Philippine Azkals national football team and the Sri Lanka Brave Reds will go on as scheduled.

WCQ Philippines general coordinator Cathy Rivilla said this yesterday after conferring with Philippine football officials on the conditions of the pitch at the Rizal Memorial Track Football in Vito Cruz.

“The field is playable. Only the referee can stop the game,” remarked Rivilla after she and Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta watched as heavy rains drenched the grass-covered playing area from the comforts of the stadium’s observation deck.

Rainwater, which flooded the surrounding streets of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, did not flood the pitch though and simply trickled down to the hidden drainage ditches around the area.

Rivilla, who was also accompanied by organizing committee chairman Bonnie Ladrido, expressed satisfaction over the way the pitch is taking on the rains.

“See the field? There is no pool of water,” added Araneta during a briefing with scribes, crediting the La Salle community for helping in the renovation of the pitch.

Constant monitoring of the field since the rainy season began, according to Rivilla, has allowed organizers to adjust to every contingency which would crop up.

Because of this, the pitch will also be recommended for use when the Philippine Azkals clash with Kuwait in their next home-and-away match this July.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Azkals suffered a 0-4 setback to FC Ingolstadt, a second division squad in Germany. It was their first loss in three tuneup games.

Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was unable to deflect the German team’s last goal and accidentally scored an own-goal during a defensive play.

The Azkals will have one last game in Germany against third Division squad Darmstadt 98 on Friday.

They will fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday for the first leg of their FIFA World Cup group qualifier.

Meanwhile, a revamped Sri Lanka Brave Reds team promised to give the Azkals a difficult time when they face the nationals in their first encounter in Colombo on June 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.