(CNN Philippines) — The Philippines men’s national team were drawn into Group H in the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against the likes of Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Yemen, and North Korea.
Some lament the strength and the quality of the teams the Philippines were grouped with, but Azkal standout Mark Hartmann isn’t fazed by it.
“[They are] tough teams, but then you look at the other groups. Every group has two or three hard teams out there,” said Hartmann.
In the last edition of the World Cup qualifiers, the Philippines defeated Sri Lanka before falling to Kuwait in the second round in 2011.
If selected for the final squad by the Azkals coach Thomas Dooley, this will be the first time Hartmann will compete in the World Cup Qualifiers.
“It’s going to be a first for me. If I get my chance, I’m going to take it,” said Hartmann.
Related: Azkals grouped with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, Yemen
Since their last attempt to get to the World Cup, the Azkals have appeared in the semi finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup twice and have finished third and reached the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup.
Despite not winning those two major competitions, the Azkals have veered away from their former reputation as Asia’s whipping boys a mere six or seven years ago.
“Every year the Azkals get better and better, hopefully this time around we can proceed to the next round,” said Hartmann.
The Philippines kick off their bid for the World Cup on June 11 at home against Bahrain, a side that they have become familiar with as of late after playing friendlies with them and holding a recent camp in their country.
“No more training camps in Bahrain now [are they?]” joked Hartmann.
