By Jonas Terrado
Game Tuesday
(Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai)
10 p.m. — Syria vs Philippines
The Philippine Azkals aim to get a favorable result against Group A leader Syria in their FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup second round qualifiers match at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
The Philippine Azkals pose for a group photo before their match against Maldives last Thursday in Male. (Photo from Philippine Football Federation)
Kickoff is set at 10 p.m. Philippine time with the Azkals facing a tall order against a Syrian side that has won all four matches since the qualifying phase began in early-September.
One of those wins came at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City when Syria recovered from conceding an early goal to win 5-2.
But the Azkals have never lost since, posting two wins and a stunning draw against second-running China.
Last Thursday, the Azkals downed Maldives 2-1 to draw level with China at seven points apiece.
Iain Ramsay and Patrick Strauss accounted for the two goals to secure the win for the Philippine side.
Ramsay, Strauss, Stephan Schrock and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will look to prevent Syria from getting another win at their expense.
Omar Al Somah is expected to continue his hot for Syria, scoring seven goals in the second round. He produced a brace in their first meeting with the Azkals.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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