Philippines Azkals have ‘nothing to lose’

MANILA, Philippines — Midfield dynamo Stephan Schrock said the Philippine Azkals will take a “nothing-to-lose” approach in their milestone debut in the AFC Asian Cup, which will make them a dangerous opponent to heavyweights in their group led by South Korea.

“Technically and tactically they’re on an extremely high level not only in Asia but world football. But they should be concerned about us as we have nothing to lose,” Schrock said in an interview on the AFC website.

The Pinoy booters are set to make their first ever appearance in Asia’s showpiece against the Koreans on Monday in Dubai with the Chinese next on Jan. 11 in Abu Dhabi and fellow debutant Kyrgyz Republic on Jan. 16 in Dubai.

“We will be the underdog, for sure and not many people are betting on us. But we’re not going to make up the numbers, we are fully embracing this unrealistic statement we’re giving to Asia,” said the Phl XI star, who had represented Germany at youth levels and played for Bundesliga outfits like Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and Greuther Furth.