Convert an early goal. As seen in the first leg, the Kuwaitis start off slow and build up steam through out the game. We have around 20-30minutes to get a jump on them. If we can score even just one goal, we'll be putting tremendous pressure on Al Azraq, who are fancied to win even here in our home field.
Defend the cross. Al Azraq's first two goals came from crosses. The Al Azraq like heading down the sidelines then crossing the ball to the speedy strikers. We've got to shut down the sidelines and pack the box to neutralize the Kuwaitis' love for crosses.
Control the midfield. We did this in the first half and barely in the second half. Controlling the midfield means you get to choose the pace of the game. The Al Azraq controlled the midfiled and moved the ball around till the Azkals moved out of their positions, then attacked quickly. If we can gain control of the ball in midfield, we can use the same tactics on them.
Be more physical. The Al Azraq played hard, not dirty. Like in the Sri Lanka game, the Azkals seemed bother by extreme physicality leading to some tentative play and some pa-cutesy stuff. If Jason de Jong, Ally Borromeo and Anton del Rosario can set the tone for hard play, the Al Azraq may be forced to be a little more deliberate in their play.
Create more offensive opportunities. Again, this was something the Azkals did in the first half. In the second, not so much. We've got to get the ball to Phil Younghusband, James Younghusband, Angel Guirado and Chieffy Caligdong early and often. They've shown that good things happen when they go 1 on1 or even 1 on 2. We've just got to give them a chance.
That being said, those who can't watch later can tune in to this blog as I will be blogging about the game later.
Good luck Azkals!
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