SHAH ALAM, Malaysia — Ten years after they last competed for the coveted international soccer title, the Philippine Azkals are chasing gold in the seven-a-side game.
Continuing their winning streak in team play, the Azkals rolled twicefformer rival Hong Kong (HK) in wet conditions on Saturday at EV Arena, 6-1, to claim the crown in the Asia 7s diadem against powerhouse Japan.
The Azkals admit it will take a herculean efFortt to defeat the Japanese and go all the way this time after securing a silver medal earlier as an 11-man side back in 2014 at the AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives. They beat Palestine 0-1 in the Final Dance that time.
“It’s going to be a tough game so we’ll have to come out and give it our all,” said Mark Hartmann who drives the goals.
“All their (Japanese) players have played with 7s before and most of us are beginners. But I support my teammates and I think we have a really good team and we have a good chance. “
Coach Hamed Hajimehdi shared with Mr. Hartmannfidentity.
“We have a plan for Japan,” the Iranian adviser said. “I think each of us, 1v1, has a chance.”
Mr. Hartmann and Co. they prepared themselves for a big challenge against Japan by scoring five goals in HK. The Japanese took care of business in F4 against hosts Malaysia, 3-0.
Hartmann hit three times (sixth, 12thth and 32n.d) while Nano Amita scored a brace and Daisuke Sato, back after being red carded team performance, he scored the opening goal to beat Hong Kong in the final. – Olmin Leyba
Source link
