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| Azkals head coach Scott Cooper to continue Azkals quest to World Cup and Asian Cup berth | Photo Source: Rappler |
By: Gil Mar Moriones
MANILA, Philippines - The historical quest for Azkals still alive as the head coach Scott Cooper agreed for contract extension continuing to lead the national men's football team in their chase to 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup, today.
"I think the team has improved under him and we look forward to him taking the team to another level", said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta as he motivated to prolong Cooper's services to the national XI after two years.
With this matter, Cooper will continue to mentor the Azkals on it's way to the first ever appearance in World Cup finals in Qatar this 2022 and their major target for second straight cap in Asian Cup to occur in China on 2023.
The head tactician will also supervise for the team's campaign to first ever championship title in AFF Suzuki Cup which postponed to 2021 due to pandemic woes.
As the Asian Qualifiers halted until next year, Cooper claimed two wins, two loses and a draw which situated at third seat in Group A since he started his full time duties in the jointed FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers last September 5, 2019.
"When I first came here, I saw the massive potential of the Azkals," said Cooper. "During this pandemic, we've been setting goals and putting plans in the place to achieve those goals, I can honestly say that we can still get better and I am committed to lead this team as it continues to make its mark in Asian and world football."
Cooper started his services in the coaching staff in 2018 when former mentor Thomas Dooley led the Azkals in their first time cap in Asian Cup 2019.
The Irish tactician collaborated with short stinted head coach Sven Goran - Eriksson in the Azkals campaign in Asian Cup where the Azkals got winless in all of their fixtures.
Follow him on Twitter: @gilpuyatstation
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