Cops secure Rizal Memorial Stadium for Azkals game

Manila police on early Thursday secured the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila for the Philippine Azkals’ football match against Kuwait. A report on radio dwIZ said the Manila Police District have prepared security measures for both the spectators and the players. The report said the police are also on the lookout for possible troublemakers and criminals who may try to take advantage of the big crowd expected to watch the game. A separate report by radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo said the stadium’s gates will be opened to the public at 3:00 p.m. On Wednesday, radio dzBB reported some roads in front of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila were closed for the Thursday match. The Philippines will again face Kuwait in the second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers hoping to overhaul a three-goal deficit. The Azkals suffered a 3-0 loss to Kuwait in the first leg last weekend. For Thursday’s game, the Azkals will welcome back team captain Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock, who both missed the first leg after serving their one-game suspension. The Philippines needs to win by four goals to beat Kuwait to advance into the third round. A 3-0 score will force extra time and a penalty shootout. This time, the Azkals are expected to enjoy a huge homecourt advantage in Thursday’s match. - VVP, GMA News