FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifying Preliminary round:

Lanka-Philippines clash in first leg today

Bernard PERERA

The first leg of the World Cup 2014 Qualifying Preliminary match between Sri Lanka and Philippines is due kick off today at the Sugathadasa stadium at 4 pm. The teams are evenly poised according to form.

Aly Borromeo (Philippines skipper)	Rohana Ruwantilleka (Sri Lanka skipper)

The skipper of the Sri Lanka national team Rohan Ruwantilleke facing the media said the the team is in fine under the guidance of the coach. He also said that the team comprise of experienced and talented players. Though some of them are new to the team they are capable of coming up with their best. The inclusion of three senior players to the squad is a vis move taken by the management which strengthens the team.

He admitted that the team did not farewell during the AFC Cup games played in the past in UAE. We made lot of faults during that tour and now we have corrected those and are really in good morale to face the challenges from the Philippines. We are confident that we can produce good soccer to bring a victory in this game said the skipper Ruwantilleke.

Sri Lankan coach Jang Jung speaking said the present team is able to perform and is satisfied with their performances during their practice sessions. He too admitted that the inclusion of three senior players will definitely strengthen the team as they are with lot of experience. Sri Lanka have never faced Philippines in the past and they too will find things tougher. Our team sure to come well in this game said Jung. He further said that the youngsters have improved and they will further improve if they are given more international exposure.

Philippines captain Alexander Borromeo addressing the media that his team too is having an experienced team and hope to produce good soccer to gain a win which will be of vital importance. He said that with four players playing in Europe and their experience gained from there will help the team immensely. The other players are also happy to be with them as they too gained a lot from them.

The conditions are the same as Philippines and we are hopeful that everything will come right for us and look forward to a victory.

Michael Hans Weis the coach of the Philippines team is a happy man and said that the team was given a great reception on their arrival. Speaking of the team he said that it was under him only since January and the boys are improving heavily. Adding more he told that soccer in Philippines is not having the backing of the government.

Sri Lankan coach Jang jung (c) addressing media. also in picture are Michael Hans Weis Philippines coach and Rukmal perera FFSL Media Director

As such the standard in the country is not up to expectations but as players are interested they have the chance to improve further. Soccer in Philippines has to developed from the grass-root level. Grass-root level development was neglected in the past but at present school soccer is picking up well and in the future the game could reach great heights.

He too said that professional players addition to the team is highly appreciable and he expects them to deliver the goods for the team to go back with a morale boosting win. Though I have my confidence over my team I am sure that the Lankans too is a tough side and we have play clean soccer to achieve our success. Both teams come out to the field today expecting to do well for a win but all depends on the players performances. What ever said and done it is the team that display well and to gain a lead in the first session hold the upper hand to further. The team that wins this game today go out for the second leg with a high mentality which is most vital in a game of this nature.

The Lanka fans who have not seen an international game of soccer for sometime will get an opportunity of witnessing soccer at its best today. The Football Federation request all soccer fans to be present to cheer the local team in a bid to encourage them to go through to the second leg with a high morale. The entrance is free for the game.

Sri Lanka: Manjula Fernando, Sampath Buddhika Bandara, Sujan Perera, Bandara Warakagoda, Rohana Ruwantilleke, Dilki Kumara, Kolitha Lankesara, Danushka Wijesiri, Chameera Krishantha, Nadeeka Pushpakumara, Chathura Guneratne, Fazul Rahuman, Lahiru Tharaka, M. Izzadeen, M. Zamin, Nagoor Meera, Safraz Kais, Nimal Fernando

Philippines: Neil Etheridge, Edward Sacapano, Aly Borromeo, Ro Gier, Stephen Schrock, Roel Gener, Anton Del Rosario, Ray Johnson, Jason Sabio, Manuel Ott, James Younghusband, Jerry Lucena, Emelio Caligdong, Paul Mulders, Nestorio Margarse, Ian Araneta, Phil Young husband, Angel guirado, Misagh Bahadoran, Nate Burkey, Ricardo Becite, james Rochlitz, Dennis Cagara.