Despite reports that popular striker Phil Younghusband is distracted by his ongoing romance with actress Angel Locsin, the Philippine Azkals are focused on hurdling past Sri Lanka in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers.
The Azkals, in a report at 24 Oras, entered Day 4 of their two-hour endurance and stamina training at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. They are less than six weeks away from their daring bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Philippine team, currently 156th in the FIFA world rankings, will face Sri Lanka (ranked 169) in a two-game, home-and-away series on June 29 and July 3, with the winner taking on Kuwait (ranked 101).
Younghusband said that they don't let their fans and their new-found fame sidetrack them from their goal of beating Sri Lanka and advancing to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.
"There will be distractions but when we play football, we play football. Our priority is our match against Sri Lanka," said Younghusband, who admitted that he and Locsin are in the getting-to-know-you stage.
He added that he doesn't consider Locsin a distraction. "Other players they have girlfriends. People see it differently since Angel is a high profile person."
Concerned that his star striker may be losing his focus, Azkals coach Michael Weiss talked with Younghusband.
Weiss said Younghusband should emulate his brother James. "James is a very good example. He is the first to run the drills, he is fit. He knows what he is doing. If Phil only takes 60 or 70 percent of his brother’s attitude, we will all be happy."
But Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo said the younger Younghusband knows his priorities.
"He's always been a football player. He wants to be out there, he wants to show what he's got. He has the talent and skill to play and whatever he does outside the field is none of our business."
Endurance training
The Azkals' coaching staff will make the players go through strength and endurance drills to make sure that they can match the level of play in international matches.
Younghusband said they will undergo a 10-day running and strength regimen. "We will do fitness work, no balls. The coaching staff wants us to undergo fitness training, which is good for the team."
Azkals team manager Dan Palami is confident of their chances against Sri Lanka. "I'm sure with the preparation that we have, we stand a very good chance of getting the results that we want. And perhaps qualify in the second round."
If the Azkals earn the right to face Kuwait and then beat them in the second round, they will still have to get past four more qualifiers to earn a berth in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. – JVP, GMA News
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