"WE HAVE TO PLAY MORE FOOTBALL" | Dooley proud of Azkals before North Korea tussle

Kevin Estrada

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA--Thomas Dooley said he is proud of his side as they look forward to tomorrow's final World Cup-Asian Cup joint qualifier at home against North Korea.

That is as he spoke to the media Monday in a press conference held at the Century Park Hotel on Roxas Boulevard.

The former United States defender was proud of the Azkals despite being grouped into one of the toughest bracket and stressed the importance of the final match in the second round against the two-time World Cup participants to safely progress into the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifier.

"It's an important game for us. That means we have to get at least a point or even, maybe better, a win" Dooley quoted, taking note that a loss will be disastrous for their side which is ranked jointly at 135 by FIFA and lost to Uzbekistan by the slimmest of margins last Maundy Thursday.

Meanwhile, Dooley also said that newcomers Daniel Gadia, James Younghusband and Miguel Tanton were sharp during Sunday's training.

He admitted that he belatedly knew that the Kaya midfielder played as a local booter when he played for reigning UFL Cup holders in the AFC Cup.

The former Bundesliga veteran is planning to go on attack mode for the match in contrast to their primarily defensive tactic during their away fixture in Pyongyang, North Korea.

"We have to play more football," Dooley concluded, while giving respect to their East Asian opponents who now sat as runners-up to Group H leaders Uzbekistan..

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