The preliminary round of qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil ™ has attracted unprecedented attention from Asian media with passion, football rekindled among all sixteen participating countries. Not surprisingly, the eight teams in their respective Nations triumphant sent into raptures after advancing to the second qualifying round.
In Philippines, celebrations took place across the country after their team prevailed over Sri Lanka 5-1 on aggregate to progress to the second round for the first time. Also Philippines President Benigno s. Aquino III took time to recognize the historic achievement of the team.
"The entire nation was thrilled by the victory of our own Philippine Azkals," the 51-year-old was quoted as saying by the news agency Philippines State. "Really, there's no place like home, as those who gathered at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and came together before their TVs today [Sunday] experienced," noted the team following the victory by 4-0 in the second leg.
There were feasts similar Nepalin, where the national team's victory 7-1 overall against Timor-Leste was warmly received by the local press. In an editorial entitled "history", the Himalayan times paid tribute to the team, who have progressed beyond the stage of initiation in World Cup qualifying for the first time.
"For lovers of the country, the Nepali booters provided a fitting start to their qualifying campaign for World Cup by defeating East Timor convincingly," the article begins. "This is the first time the Nepal who has moved to the second round in six attempts since participated in the World Cup qualification in 1985".
Palestine are another team of jubilant mood after their second-leg 1-1 against Afghanistan sent them through as winners 3-1 aggregate. Just as important as the outcome was the fact that this was their first qualifier for the FIFA World Cup on home soil.
"Hear the Palestinian national anthem on our territory is so good," Jibril Rajoub regime, President of the Palestinian Football Federation and national Olympic Committee, was quoted as saying by the sportsfeature.com. "It makes me feel so proud."
Alarm Clock
Some local media was encouraged enough to speak positively of qualifying second round, where their respective teams will have to fight against higher-ranked opponents, including some of the big boys of continent-over two legs on July 23 and 28.
In a report entitled "Azkals itching to take Kuwait" since Manila Philippines coach, Michael Weiss was confident about his team's chances against Kuwait, which are 44 places above his team. He said: "the real test came for us. It will assess where we are really in football. Personally I recognise Kuwait is very strong and we must intensify, but the Azkals will do everything to qualify for the third round. "
The optimistic atmosphere is not so obvious Malaysiain, with losses of defensive against Chinese Taipei team still causing concern for coach Krishnasamy Rajagobal. After losing their second leg 3-2 Sunday Malaysia qualified, only away.
"I'm not happy with how we played," Rajagobal said New Straits Times. "We need to fix our mistakes and come back our trust. We have time to work on things until we play Singapore ".
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