Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After being thrashed 5-1 at home, the Azkals will continue their quest to earn a ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Thursday (October 8) against a tough North Korea side in Pyongyang.
With the game being played in one of the most secretive countries in the world, Azkals coach Thomas Dooley admitted that the opposition possesses a whole new level of home court advantage.
“Short and hard turf field and 50,000 fans who are pushing and supporting their team for 90 minuntes,” said Dooley in a message to CNN Philippines.
“It will be loud and the players, more than ever, they need to look around and see what the issue is on the field.”
For most of the Azkals, the trip to the North Korean capital was long and arduous, taking them as long as 18 hours to reach their destination.
When asked whether or not fatigue from traveling is an issue for the team, Dooley just pointed out their loaded itinerary on the way to North Korea.
The Philippine-based players first had to make a stop in Bangkok and then go on to Beijing to meet with their Europe-based teammates before finally making their way to Pyongyang.
The former American national team captain also mentioned that the Azkals’ level of fitness is not at where he would ideally want it to be.
But even so, Dooley is feeling good about the Azkals chances ahead of the crucial tie.
“The players are in a good mood and they are having fun in training that keeps me thinking positive,” said Dooley. “I know they will try to do the best they can to get a great surprising result.”
The Philippines will go up against group H leader North Korea on Thursday at the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. The Azkals will then move on to play an away tie against Bahrain on October 13.
