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| AFC Challenge Cup |
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| Asian Cup in Falopa’s thinking |
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| Myanmar coach Marcos Falopa is hoping that the ASEAN side will be at the next Asian Cup by emerging victorious in India. |
HYDERABAD – Myanmar coach Marcos Falopa admits that the AFC Asian Cup is in his sights as the ASEAN side looks to qualify for Qatar 2011 through winning the AFC Challenge Cup.
"If we can qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup through this tournament it would be very good for us,’ he said on Sunday.
"By and large, this tournament is only preparation for the Asian Cup which is our main objective."
Myanmar edged a step closer to the next edition of Asia’s premier continental tournament by reaching the AFC Challenge Cup semi-finals with 3-0 and 3-1 wins over Nepal and Sri Lanka respectively but Falopa insists that he is looking no further than the match against the North Koreans for now.
"Our first objective is to play our last group game, which we will try to win, and only after we get through this will we think about the semi-finals.”
Falopa feels that Myanmar’s progression in the competition has exceeded initial expectations but the Brazilian also believes that the best from his team is still to come.
"We did not expect to come this far so, yes, the team has achieved its expectations. But personally, I think this team is capable of delivering a lot more.
"I'd say we have performed to 60% of our potential."
Falopa added that Myanmar, who are taking part in the Challenge Cup for the first time, have been working hard to prepare for the final Group B game against the North Koreans but acknowledges his side face a tough test against the team considered to be genuine title contenders.
"We are doing well and working hard on the technical and tactical aspects. That's the area we have been concentrating on for the match against North Korea.
"It's an important game because you have to be careful when you play against a team which is acknowledged as the favourites.
"They are a good team and look very strong physically. I'm sure they are going to try their best and we surely are going to give our best."
Meanwhile, DPR Korea coach Jo Tong-sop hopes to see his side maintain their momentum after also recording two straight wins.
"We don't want to lose this match against Myanmar. We want to keep this winning momentum going," he said.
"We have got to make sure that we don't concede any goals first. Then we will look to attack.
"Myanmar are not a weak team and cannot be taken lightly, but we will not change our style of play.
"We have watched Myanmar and studied their weaknesses. We have a plan in place for them.”
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