Dooley praises Azkals’ fighting spirit in draw vs N. Korea

Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO/Tristan Tamayo

PYONGYANG – Philippine Azkals coach Thomas Dooley lauded his team’s performance after holding North Korea to a goalless draw in their World Cup Qualifying match at Kim Il-Sung Stadium on Thursday here.

Dooley paid tribute to the Azkals’ fighting spirit after they hung tough in the face of repeated North Koreans attack in front of a 50,000 strong crowd.

READ: PH Azkals hold North Korea to scoreless draw in WC Qualifiers

“It was a very difficult game,” said Dooley. “North Korea had physical, tall and strong players. With all the long balls they sent, it was difficult.”
“But the team fought and never gave up. We definitely played better than Uzbekistan game.”

The Azkals were coming off a 1-5 loss to Uzbekistan but stayed resolute in an awe-inspiring defensive performance to put a blot on the North Koreans’ 100 percent record in the group.

“I’m very happy with the way we played,” Dooley said.

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