Weiss faces difficult decision

Written by BONG PEDRALVEZ

AFFORDED a deep pool of players to choose from, Philippine Azkals coach Michael Weiss has set four major criteria before making his final choices for the national team that will see action in the AFF Suzuki Cup later this month.

“Among the main criteria is the current shape and performance (of the player), achievement for the team in the past, character and readiness for social interaction and (looking forward), perspective for the 2013/14 Challenge Cup,” Weiss said.

Weiss added also a key factor in the selection process is the availability of the European-based players, most of them competing in their respective professional leagues, for the duration of the Suzuki Cup.

The fact he has 35 talented players to pick for the side that will compete in the Southeast Asian men’s football championship is both good and difficult, according to Weiss.

“We have an overall pool of 35 players, of which I have to cut off 13, which is positive on one hand, because the ones (who will be) selected will have won their duel against and will be strong, most even very strong…

“On the other hand, I have to leave out equally good players that deserve to be in the team,” he said.

The pragmatic Weiss cited the tough opposition in Group A where they have been bracketed with Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. The Thais (No. 139) and Vietnamese (No. 140) are both ranked higher than the Filipinos (No. 147) in the current FIFA standings while the Burmese battled the Azkals to a scoreless draw in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

Should the Filipinos managed to cop one of the two semis slots at stake in the event “then we will have good chances to reach the final and even win the tournament,” added the German coach.

“But it is also possible we play very well and only manage three draws and have to go home,” he said. “Then life will continue and we have to prepare for the next steps and the further development of Filipino football.”

The Filipinos reached the semifinals of the regional soccer showcase in 2010 and national team manager Dan Palami has said they will try to reach the finals this time.

Weiss is expected to trim the roster to the final list of 22 after the Azkals’ last tune-up match against Singapore on Nov. 15 in Cebu City. The team is scheduled to leave on Nov. 19 for Bangkok.

The Filipino booters will have five days to prepare in the Thai capital before opening their campaign against the hosts on Nov. 24 at the 65,000 capacity Rajamangala Stadium.

Then take on the Vietnamese on Nov. 27 before ending the tournament against the Burmese on Nov. 30.

Malaya