North Koreans expose Azkals’ fragile defenseThe poor defensive strategy of the Philippine Azkals was again exposed after absorbing a 3-1 loss to the North Koreans in an international match at the rain-soaked Rizal Memorial Stadium. By ending the international window with consecutive losses, concerns over the Azkals form grew with over a month remaining before the country hosts the AFF Suzuki Cup at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan. The Azkals are bracketed alongside defending champion Thailand, 2012 winner Singapore and Indonesia. Coach Thomas Dooley admitted their form would give them plenty of problems ahead of the competition but is confident that it can immediately be remedied. “If the Suzuki Cup is tomorrow, that would be a concern for me,” said Dooley.

Source: Manila Bulletin October 11, 2016 14:02 UTC