As Maldives prepares to play a home against Philippines in the 2022 World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday, coach Petar Segrt said that the expectation from the public is “much higher” since the 2018 SAFF Championship win.

He said this during a press conference held on Wednesday, where Segrt noted that he is satisfied with the preparations for the upcoming two games; Maldives is to play against Guam on November 18.

The coach further noted that all players in the team are equally important, and that starting line up is not important but rather the ends result is.

Segrt, along with team Akram Abul Ghanee, noted the training camp in Malaysia “with the best resources” had been very successful.

The captain highlighted that the feeling is shared by all the players.

Coach Segrt also noted that Philippines will be a strong opponent, adding that the team is very organized.

Further noting that Thursday’s match is important for qualification, the coach said that the decision will be made at the last game.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring a good result instead of a draw, adding that it is not his philosophy “to play for a draw.”

Officials from the Philippines team noted that the Maldivian team is strong, adding that this can been seen in the team’s performance last year.

Phillipines’ coach also noted that Maldives was unlucky in its home game against China, and that this had cost the team goals; the team lost to China with a 5-0 score.