GETTING PAST KUWAIT

Beating the Kuwait national football team is easier said than done. But it can be DONE. Of course, many would like the Philippine Azkals to win the first leg, but playing Kuwait to a scoreless draw in the latter’s home turf would be ideal going into the second leg match. The first leg is scheduled on July 23, while the second leg of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers tie will be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium anew on July 28. Once the Azkals set its foot on its home stadium before an expected overflowing hometown crowd, then anything can happen. The Filipino crowd showed what it could do during the 2nd leg of the Sri Lanka first round series. A crucial factor in the series is the tactical play that Azkals coach Michael Weiss will adopt against the powerful Kuwaiti eleven. I guess it will be more effective to employ the direct game than the possession game. The possession game is based on short passes and ball control, while the direct game is built on long passes into open space. To play the direct game, a tactic that often works wonders for underdog teams, it need speed, strength and desire. Fittingly, long balls are often called “hopeful” passes. And certainly last but the not the least, the Azkals needs all our prayers. Getting past Kuwait is a big task for the Azkals but hope springs eternal and it can be DONE.