Azkals expecting tougher match against Chinese Taipei

The Philippine national men's football team is expecting a tougher match when the Azkals take on Chinese Taipei tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium for their FIFA International Friendly match.

The Azkals, riding high after a win against Nepal, 1-0, in a recent friendly, the nationals will face the world no. 156 Chinese Taipei squad which held Thailand, world no. 114, to a 2-2 draw in a friendly last June 16.

"This will be an even tougher match than the first match because Chinese Taipei showcased in a very good manner against Thailand," said Azkals head coach Michael Weiss in a virtual press conference on Sunday.

"Taiwan could hold them (Thailand) to 2-2 which is a very respectable result. Also the way they played is as Taiwan usually is, compact and quick on the transition and physically strong. Maybe not yet on the technical level you may expect but it's about getting results, being compact, aggressive, and this is what they will show in Manila."

Kevin Ingreso also hopes they will get another win following their last match against Nepal.

"Taiwan got a very respectable result against Thailand. We've also seen it so we know what we can expect against them. We will prepare for what's coming," said the midfielder.

This will be the Azkals' second match since Weiss returned at the helm of the national team early this month.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News