Palami: Azkals can win vs Kuwait in 2nd leg of World Cup qualifiers

Philippine football team manager Dan Palami is confident that the Azkals can pull off a victory against Kuwait Thursday night in the second leg of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC). "I have a good feeling that we can win," Palami said. "As to whether we can overtake a 3-0 advantage of Kuwait is another matter." The Azkals will be going up against Al-Azraq where they will try to overhaul a three-goal advantage behind an expected animated crowd at the RMSC. Aside from the big crowd, Palami believes that the Azkals play well under tremendous odds. "Our team has always played well with their backs against the wall. This time, I think the added pressure of this being a do-or-die thing plus the crowd factor will do good for the team," Palami said. Palami assured the Azkals will go the extra mile against Kuwait in their attempt to overhaul Al-Azraq's big 3-0 advantage. "We will certainly play a good game on Thursday. Lalabas 'yung talent ng mga players natin knowing na this is it," Palami said. "They will be playing 90 minutes fighting for the ball and try to make sure na hindi makapasok ang goal sa defense. This will be an added adrenaline for them. I'm sure the players will deliver," Palami said. The Philippines slipped from 159 to 162 in the latest FIFA World Rankings released Wednesday but an upset victory of the Azkals over Al Azraq Thursday night will definitely raise their stock. Kuwait, on the other hand, climbed from 102nd to 95th after its first leg victory last Saturday in its home turf. "It will be a big upset in football world. It will increase our rankings by a mile," Palami said. - Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News