We want to play in Asian Cup says Dooley

May 28, 2014 - 11:44:38 | Shimaaz Ali
Greatvich celebrating the winning goal against Maldives in the semi final. (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Male’, MALDIVES – Philippines coach Thomas Dooley has said that they want to play in the next level of football and which is the Asian Cup and want to play against those big teams.

Dooley’s Azkals is one step behind the Asian Cup and they need to win the final of AFC Challenge cup against Palestine next Friday to confirm a place in their maiden Asian Cup.

“We want to play at the next level that is not a secret. We came over here to win the Challenge Cup. We want to play at the next level which is the Asian Cup so we want to play against those big guys, not to win something, but to play with them and that is our biggest goal,”

Dooley also said that the next game in the competition is very important for the Azkals and it will write a new history.

“When you play and believe in it you will be successful so that’s why we are going step-by-step. And right now the biggest thing we can do is write a new history in the next game so we want to prepare the team to write history.

“It was a great match, but not for us on the bench. But overall we were hungry for this victory. In the end I am very pleased with how the team played against their great players who are always dangerous. Overall, I think that we deserved to win. We had great chances in the first half but we did not put them away.

He also added that his team is doing better and better.

“We have had eight games and lost only one so far and the team is getting better and better. As the tournament goes on you are getting more tired and making more mistakes, but in terms of unity, the team has grown in the 10 days here. It is something we work on every day and the team is ready to fight against anything and to make the people proud.”

Maldives coach Drago Mamic said that he is very proud for what the players showed against Philippines.

“I told the players after the game that they are my heroes and I am proud of them and the whole country must be proud for what these boys showed today,”

“Both teams should have won today if this can exist in the rules. But unfortunately the rules are very clear that who scores more goals will be the winner and that is why this time the Philippines scored three and we scored two and my congratulations to the Philippines as they scored more goals.”

Maldives will play against Afghanistan in the 3rd place play off tomorrow.

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Abo on May 28
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Hats off to our great heroes for fighting like lions till the last second and making us proud irrespective of the outcome! Dhagey, we knew the condition u were in. We saw hw much u wanted to run that extra mile when u were in unbearable pain. Such were the spirit of our players against a side consisting mostly of europeans, playing in european leagues. They came after finishing their leagues, at their peak fitness leve; while ours havent event begun! Think FAM, think! Coach Popov was right regarding the preparation n friendlies. We cant beat teams of euro-philippines calibr by playing against 2nd tier or 3rd tier teams. Grow up FAM. There is nothing more the players do. To be honest, they did everything possible n have even exceeded my expectations.
riku on May 29
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how about focusing now on the match against afghanistan where 90% of their players play overseas and in europe. prove them that maldives is not a bad host like what they criticized. kicking their behinds will shut them up.
12580 on May 29
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Palestine will win the final.
anony on May 29
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No need to be defensive and no reason to offer excuses. It is what it is. In sports, as it is in life, you win some you lose some. But you have to drill it in your head that the Philippine team is not a European team. It is an all-Filipino squad representing, what else, the Philippines. Everyone who's part of the Azkals are all Filipinos by blood. Take that and deal with the fact. And FYI, seven of the starting XI that played you in the semis are all playing in our local league, the UFL. When Lucena and Mulders were both subbed out in the second half it was virtually an all locally-based Azkals you were playing except for the GK. Heck, Schrock was just even a late substitute so stop whining like a kid. You all can go on justifying the loss and bringing it against our team but it doesn't take away the fact that the one who fought you and won in the semis are Filipinos. End of story.
blackheaven23 on May 29
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I agree with your reasoning sir/maam...I'm from Philippines and believe it or not Philippines used to be a losing team in our region until 2010. I think its about time Maldives search for a foreign breed Maldivian just like the Philippines. Its not a shame to add them to your team because technically, they have the rights to be a citizen and play for your country. Its not only Philippines that have them, even USA has half American in their lineup. If you don't want to add half breed Maldivian, then play lots of international friendly especially higher rank teams. Sometimes you need to lose to learn valuable lessons just like us.
al on May 28
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Maldives will be with Palestine in the finals.
Boris on May 29
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Maldives would definitely have gone to final if those at higher echelon of FAM saw running a sports association was a serious business, not a idyllic place to enjoy and fool around, that there are fans they are accountable indirectly to and serious preparation is not just going to Thailand to play against kids. If this was another country, directer if national teams Ali Suzain would have lots of explaining to do. 1. Why you did not appoint a coach till it was a month for the afc challenge cup 2. Why was Dhivehi league postponed without giving players another option to stay them fit?
Didi on May 29
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Abo, please get it right. The Philippine team players are Filipino by blood and qualified at birth. Thank you.

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