GAME TODAY
(NCC Stadium, Capas, Tarlac)
7 p.m. – Philippines vs. Maldives
SPANISH coach Albert Capellas might pull off some offensive surprises as the Philippines takes the next step in its bid to return to the AFC Asian Cup when it battles Maldives today at the start of the Group A qualifiers at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
“We might see a different attacking style from coach Albert Capellas because of the different national players we now have,” noted national team manager Freddy Gonzalez as the Filipino booters, playing at home on a grass field for the first time in years, take on the Maldivians at 7 p.m.
Worth watching is the national team debut of talented Fil-Swiss midfielder Randy Schneider, who now suits up for Swiss Super League Club Winterthur and played for the Under-16 and Under-20 Swiss squads.
Schneider is part of a loaded and versatile midfield that also includes Sandro Reyes, Zico Bailey, Scott Woods and Manny Ott, according to Gonzalez.
“Given this talented midfield, I wouldn’t be surprised if coach Albert comes up with an offensive formation,” he said.
The two squads have clashed five times in the past, with the Filipinos having won three, lost once, and drew with the Maldivians 1-1 the last time they met in the Asian Cup qualifiers in 2021.
On paper, the hosts, who are ranked No. 150 in the FIFA men’s world rankings, should have the upper hand over their No. 160 ranked rivals, but trust the Spanish tactician to urge his charges to go all out in their bid to return to the continentalfootball showcase where they made their debut in 2019 in the United Arab Emirates.
Every match in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Group A, which also includes Tajikistan and Timor Leste, is virtually a must-win since only the group topnotcher in the double-round home-and-away series will clinch a spot in the Asian Cup set Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
