Azkals striker Phil Younghusband assured days ago that they will take their game seriously against the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, even if it’s a friendly.
While excited about the opportunity to play against his idol, global football superstar David Beckham, Younghusband said they have to show that they're rivals of the champion American club.
"I don’t think anybody of us will be awed. It’s important to be professionals before and during the game," he said in a pre-match conference last Thursday.
Kick-off is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila as thousands of fans had to pay expensive tickets, ranging from P2,060 to P15,965, just to see Beckham and company in flesh.
The 36-year-old Beckham, who plays midfield for his team in the Major League Soccer (MLS), is contractually obliged to see action for at least 45 minutes.
Prior to their Manila visit, the Galaxy survived the gritty Indonesian selection before 20,000 spectators at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, 1-0.
Beckham played for 84 minutes in that game even as he complained of fatigue, owing to jetlag, among others.
Calling the shots for the Azkals is German coach Michael Weiss, who has to endure the absence of Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Dennis Cagara, Paul Mulders and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge due to club commitments in Europe.
The Galaxy, meanwhile, will be guided by World Cup veteran mentor Bruce Arena, boasting of an 11-man roster composed of skipper Landon Donovan, ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Keane, goalie Donovan Ricketts, and Beckham.
The team will try to make it two in a row in their Asian tour, which will end in Australia next week.