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Santi Rublico (No. 18), a U19 player for Atletico Madrid, nearly delivered a goal for the Azkals. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Philippine men’s football team faces Iraq once more on Tuesday at the friendly confines of Rizal Memorial Stadium with key player Santi Rublico hoping to help produce a positive result this time.
“When I was watching [the game] in Iraq, I was thinking that I’m going to do all I can to get that win [at home],” Rublico said ahead of the World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers match slated at 7 p.m.
Rublico served a one-match ban last Thursday when the team formerly known as the Azkals came so close to steal a point after Iraq escaped with 1-0 home win in Basra.
The Spain-based defender, who plays for Atletico Madrid’s U19 squad, was banned after accumulating two yellow cards in the first window of the Asian Qualifiers in November.
It’s a must-win match for coach Tom Saintfiet’s side, as another loss or tie would end any chances of progressing to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers and securing a direct spot in the Asian Cup.
“We need it,” said Rublico, who was impressive in the team’s two matches against Vietnam and Indonesia with his defensive role, along with his capability to possibly score a goal.
The Philippines sits at the bottom of Group F with one point while Iraq is on top after winning all three matches.
But Saintfiet immediately said after the loss of his hopes to see a “surprise” on home soil.
And Rublico, veteran goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and Major League Soccer’s Michael Baldisimo, who made his senior team as a starter the last time, are among the crucial figures in that quest to sneak points from the fancied Iraqis. INQ
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