Target ng Philippine national football Azkals squad na makabawi mula sa nalasap na kabiguan sa Bahrain sa pagsagupa sa bumisitang Democratic People’s Republic of Korea sa isasagawang friendly games ngayong gabi bilang paghahanda sa 2016 AFC Suzuki Cup sa Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Kapwa umaasa ang Azkals at North Korea na magiging salamin sa kanilang paghahangad na progreso ang naturang duwelo.

“As I’ve said before, we got our wish of playing against a strong team,” sabi ni Azkals coach Thomas Dooley.

“DPR coach is a good friend of mine and he immediately approved the match upon knowing that we need both friendlies for our preparation. We’re looking forward to an exciting game,” aniya.

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Ikinatuwa din ni Azkals team captain Phil Younghusband ang pagdating ng North Korea sa bansa na matatandaang tinalo ng pambansang koponan, 3-2, upang mapatalsik sa kanilang kampanya sa huling laban para sa FIFA World Cup Qualifying noong Marso 28 sa Rizal Memorial football pitch.

“It wiil be a good test for us, we expect a tough match and excited on the game tomorrow (tonight),” pahayag ni Younghusband.

Umaasa naman ang bagong coach ng North Korea na si Bjorn Andersen na maisasagawa ng kanyang koponan ang mga pagbabago at bagong istilo na isinaimplementa nito sapul na hawakan ang koponan limang buwan pa lamang ang nakalilipas.

“The DPR is looking forward to play here again after that 2-3 lost for a local qualification. We have built up a new team, get tried to input and manage something new, start a new way and we still had a lot to learn,” sambit ni Andersen.

“I will be happy to beat Thomas Dooley here,” aniya.

Napanood rin ng NoKors ang nakalipas na laban ng Azkals kung saan nabigo ito sa Bahrain, 1-3. (Angie Oredo)