FOOTBALL Thread [Archive] - SkyscraperCity

Maxxclip

February 23rd, 2011, 06:52 AM

Know your Azkals: The Araneta Affair

“Di nga ako nakatulog kagabi," Ian Araneta says and shakes his head.

It’s the day after the Azkals' bout against Mongolia. He missed all his goal attempts; one almost went in but bounced back on the crossbar.

“Nung Indonesia, poste din. Akala ko kahapon mapuputol na yung malas. Baka sa Mongolia maka-chamba. Malamang di na naman ako makatulog nito mamaya," he adds.

The 28-year-old has gone a long way from his humble beginnings in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. He’s one of the “local Azkals," as people put it. The eldest of four kids, Ian was born to a teacher and a retired soldier. His dad also used to play football.

“Siguro nasa dugo ko na talaga yung football. Tsaka kinukulit din ako ng daddy ko dati. Nung nasimulan ko na, masaya pala. Gusto mo na yung ginagawa mo, wala pang pressure," he says.

Ian got hooked on the sport when he was already in fourth grade, a bit late compared to his teammates. His natural skill compensates for lost time, though. He’s already been with Air Force Riders for ten years. He’s also played for the country’s U-16, U-19, and U-21 squads.

“Nananaginip ng gising"

“Di pa rin ako makapaniwala na nasa FIFA website kami, tapos tinalo namin yung Vietnam. Eh dati di naman kami pinapansin," he says.

When the Azkals played against Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup, they experienced what it was like to really be underdogs.

“Sa Indonesia, hinahampas yung bus namin. Yung mga fans nagdi-dirty finger sa amin. Yung iba nga binabato pa kami ng water bottles," he shares.

This is exactly the opposite of the warm welcome they received in Bacolod during the AFC Challenge Cup. Fans hounded them wherever they went; some went as far as stalking. Winning against Mongolia that day wasn’t the only achievement for Ian; meeting the President was, too.

“Sobrang saya talaga. Para akong nananaginip ng gising," he says.

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/IanAraneta.JPG

Foreigners stealing the scene?

Although he’s one of the full-blooded Filipinos, he doesn’t have anything against the half-foreigners – even if that means less exposure for him.

“Di kasi nila naiintindihan na kaya naman kumukuha ng foreigners para din sa ikabubuti ng team. Iba yung turo sa kanila abroad. Nung first time dumating nung recruits, sobrang mas aggressive sila, mas magaling. Pero balanced na ngayon yung team," he explains.

Ian is even roommates with Fil-British Phil Younghusband. The forwards have been partners since the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. Ian says they both like staying up late (and it’s become a habit to sleep with the TV turned on). If not watching TV, they talk about football and share their frustrations on why Filipinos never grew fond of the sport. Ian and Phil with his Brit-accent would make for an interesting show.

“Dati, dumudugo ilong ko, pero ngayon tina-Tagalog ko na lang yon. Marunong na siya!" he laughs.

Araneta family affair

While Ian took up football after his dad, it also trickles down to the rest of his family. In fact, his youngest sister Alina plays in the U-16 and U-19 teams.

Among the Azkals, Chieffy Caligdong is Ian’s third cousin, while Yanti Barsales is his uncle.

“Si Yanti tito ko. Bata pa ko pinapanood ko na yan," he jokes.

Even in Air Force, he has cousins Harold and Herbert Bayona to keep him company.

“Pag game, nagkakasigawan kami minsan, kasi frustrated o galit ka. Sa football, di pwedeng tahimik ka eh. Pero masaya kasi parang family reunion lang lagi," Ian says.

His wife Lacey, a fellow Ilonggo, doesn’t really play football, but she’s always at the stands to cheer him on. As Ian said, football runs in the Araneta blood. His four-year-old son Sam is already starting out in the sport.

“Sumisipa na din siya. Ilang taon pa, makakasama ko na din yan!" the proud dad ends.

To paraphrase the old adage: “The family that plays together, stays together." (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/213515/know-your-azkals-the-araneta-affair) Okay, besides that, maybe Ian’s family is quite special because they play and win games for all of us.

Maxxclip

February 23rd, 2011, 06:56 AM

Know your Azkals: 'Bad boy' De Jong

“To be honest, I think we are overrated," Fil-Dutch Jason De Jong says smugly.

While the entire Philippine archipelago was celebrating the Azkals’ win against Mongolia last week, Jason now says he fully expected it.

“Mongolia has a lower standing. I’m happy we won, but it’s really nothing. We should celebrate if we beat countries ranked higher than us," he adds.

This assertive attitude coupled with intimidating looks has earned Jason the rep of "Bad Boy" among the Azkals. And it’s not just a reputation — he lives up to it when he does the dirt on defense.

“I am very physical. I play defense, and I like to tackle and go hard," he says.

It’s pretty hard to imagine six-year-old Jason playing that intensely when he started out with a local football club in the Netherlands. Since then, he’s played in different teams such as Belgium Turnhout and NAC Breda, a premier league club in Holland. Thank God for the Internet, the Philippine Football Federation discovered his Filipino lineage and put him in the Azkals team.

Like his teammates, the peak of his international career was beating Vietnam 2-0 in their hometown. He was in such high spirits that he even kissed Phil Younghusband.

“You saw that?!" he asks. Apparently, he hasn’t seen the animated photos (GIFs) of him kissing Phil posted all over the Internet.

“Yeah, I asked Phil for a kiss," he laughs. “I was so happy. After his goal, I knew we’d win. I knew we’d qualify for the semis."

Mind you, Jason has been well-behaved during his entire stint as an Azkal. He’s never been handed a red card. He’s only been suspended once, and that was due to two yellow cards in Laos. But he has gotten into fights with other players because of how he plays.

“As I said, I like playing physical, and I sometimes get into fights if the other player can’t take it. But if you can’t handle a tackle, then I say you’re in the wrong sport," he says as a matter of fact.

Yup. There goes the bluntness again.

Inked

Football is Jason’s first love; his second would probably be tattoos. He has tattoos on his back and on both arms. His left arm has images of everything important to him — religious symbols, the Philippine map, and his younger brother’s name. On his right forearm, there’s a text that reads “Habang Buhay Sama Tayo."

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/rsz_1jason__de_jong(1).jpg

“I know the grammar’s wrong, but I like how the words look together. It’s for my bunso, my dad and me. My mom left us, so it’s just the three of us now. It’s our bond forever," he says while looking at his newly inked left arm. “It’s like they’re always with me when I play, to take care of me and protect me." (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/213226/know-your-azkals-bad-boy-de-jong)
He got these tattoos to show another side of himself, as people often see just the snobbish Jason. He even calls his younger brother “bunso." Aww.

Almost legal

Jason is celebrating his 21st birthday on February 28. It’s kind of bittersweet because he’s spending it away from family for the first time.

“It’s a special birthday because 21 means I’m fully grown up. I’m already legal in Holland, but this time I’m gonna be legal everywhere. I’m gonna go to Vegas and actually do things," he kids.

Vegas, you have been warned.

“I guess I don’t do anything not related to football"

Jason can’t help but be noticed whenever he goes out now — the foreign looks are already a giveaway. But he’d pick a private life any day. Last Valentine's Day, he was home alone, playing FIFA 11 and watching football.

“I guess I don’t do anything not related to football," he realizes. But then he thinks again and remembers the one non-football-related thing he loves — the TV show “The Inbetweeners."

“Coach Simon used to live with us here. One night he said, ‘Come here, De Jong! I have something to show you from my hometown.’ It was so funny. We stayed up all night watching it together," he recalls.

See? Jason actually has a “fluffy" side, so don’t be intimidated by him.

“I’m only serious when we have a game. I hope the fans understand that we have to focus. But if it’s not game day, I can smile. Look, I’m smiling now!" he says, and flashes a big smile. De Jong with a smile and De Jong with his game face on could honestly pass for two different people.

In any case, the tough-guy image is here to stay. We’re going to want that anyway, especially when they beat the hell out of Mongolia next month.

Maxxclip

February 23rd, 2011, 07:00 AM

Know your Azkals: Neil Etheridge is in love

A lot of people love Neil Etheridge. The built, the face, the brawn, the athleticism – what’s not to like? Since it’s Valentine’s Day, let’s flip the coin and find out what Neil loves.

Neil loves football

Obviously. Neil has been playing football since he started walking. Born in Anfield, he has played for England’s U-16 team. He started out in Chelsea Academy before getting scouted. At 15, he moved to Fulham where he was recently elevated to the first team. As prestigious as it is to play in the English Premier League, Neil says it’s also a wonderful if different experience playing for the Azkals.

“First of all, the style is very different – the heat, the knowledge, the media. Plus when I’m playing with the Azkals, you have the attention of the whole country. And I get to start every game," he says.

And is there anything he doesn’t like about football?

“I never regret anything. But if I have a worst experience, it would have to be that first goal in Indonesia. I let that one go in. You just have to learn from it and move on."

Neil loves his teammates

You’ve probably heard of the bromance going on between him and Simon Greatwich, but Neil’s actually close friends with all the Azkals. He’s even got his own cast of “Entourage" in the team – he’s Vince, Simon is E, Jason Sabio is Drama, while the role of Turtle is still up for grabs.

Okay, so maybe he’s a teeny bit closer to Simon since they roomed together in Cambodia and in Bacolod.

“Their room is a garbage bin!" teammate Rob Gier shares. The rest of the team agree.

Oh and Simon is now his unofficial manager. So if you want Neil for anything, suck up to Simon.

Neil loves shopping

Unlike majority of men who dread shopping, Neil claims that he is a “massive shopper." Just before he left for the UK, he even went on a shopping spree at Nike.

“My style is very simple. I like fitted shirts. And I always wear black or white," he says.

He loves fashion so much that he can’t pinpoint a single clothing item he can’t live without. Rob suggests gloves, while Simon says Neil doesn’t have one because he likes being naked. After much thought and other “helpful" ideas from the team, Neil says it’s black shirts.

“I have about six black shirts. They’re my favorites. And I also can’t live without my watch," he says.

Neil loves his fans

His supporters are among the craziest ones so far. In Bacolod, fans climbed balconies just to see him in his room. As creepy as it sounds, Neil doesn’t mind.

“The attention is just great. It makes us feel very welcome," he says.

And this isn’t just some showbiz answer. Neil says that among the places he’s been to, his favorite would have to be Manila.

“I seriously love Manila. It has this friendly atmosphere. There are so many things to do and it’s very affordable," he adds.

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/Azkals_team%20_dinner_%20%288%29.jpg

Neil loves Twitter

If you’re not yet following @Neil38Etheridge, why not?

Neil got Twitter after much prodding from the Greatwiches (and the fans actually). He immediately got thousands of followers, most of which are female Azkal fans. Although he wasn’t very keen on it at first, he’s fallen in love with it so much that he even bought a laptop so he can reply to the fans’ tweets faster!

Neil loves girls

Right now, hundreds of girls claim to be the future Mrs. Etheridge. But if you want to be the one, then listen up.

“What catches my eye is all the things other guys want. But to get a second date, you have to be interesting. Not laying all your cards at once, not too superficial – just be yourself. It’s basically me enjoying myself with you," he says.

Would he date a fan? Yes. Would he date someone who wasn’t into football? Surprisingly, it’s another yes.

He says the sweetest thing he’s ever done for a girl is taking her out on a river cruise, with matching candlelit dinner on the boat. (Rob reacts again and says, “Don’t believe him! He’s just seen that in a movie!")

Valentine’s Day is almost here so it was necessary to ask him about his plans. He’s spending it with his first love – football – as Fulham has a match against Chelsea. After that, he’s probably having dinner out with his family.

So what exactly is his status?

“I’m single. Single but always dating," (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/212903/know-your-azkals-neil-etheridge-is-in-love)he ends with a smile.

eonynx

February 23rd, 2011, 07:52 AM

^^everybody indeed loves a victor or, in this case, victors. after the breakthrough victory comes bits and pieces of fame and glamor.

Jeffreyw

February 23rd, 2011, 12:32 PM

I weep for the Ateneo men's soccer team. :cry:

They need a good coach.

A practice is useless, unless it is done right.

Jeffreyw

February 23rd, 2011, 01:07 PM

Azkals related sites:

www.azkals.com

Facebook Fanpage (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Azkalscom/138189082901718)

David-80

February 23rd, 2011, 04:17 PM

http://www.metrobalikpapan.co.id/uploads/berita/dir23022011/img23022011514021.jpg

De jong first training with Persiba Balikpapan, he will wear no 23, the first Filipino player signed with south east asia pro league club

cheers

Maxxclip

February 23rd, 2011, 10:28 PM

more pictures of him:okay:

http://palembang.tribunnews.com/foto/berita/2011/2/17/dejong.jpghttp://balikpapaners.com/balikpapaners/images/stories/10_de_jong_ahmad_bayasut.jpg

Jeffreyw

February 24th, 2011, 02:14 AM

Jason De Jong (http://www.azkals.com/topic/jason-de-jong) profile

Maxxclip

February 25th, 2011, 12:31 AM

4 key Azkals may not play

BAGUIO CITY—The prospect of playing the second leg of its AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match against Mongolia minus several key players isn’t putting a dent on the Philippine football team’s confidence.

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/3986/futbol.png

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, defender Rob Gier and midfielders Simon and Chris Greatwich may not be available for the Azkals in the second leg in Ulan Bator, but skipper Aly Borromeo expressed optimism that the squad will still be up to the challenge.

Filipino-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong will arrive late for the crucial March 15 match since his new club, Persiba Balikpapan, will be playing an Indonesian Super League game two days before the match.

“The ones who are not available I cannot count on them as much as I might regret it,” said the Azkals’ German coach Hans Michael Weiss. “The ones who are here will do the job. We just need to make a few adjustments, especially with the goalkeeper.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/images/articles/football.jpg_937.jpg

If Etheridge cannot make it, 30-year-old Army keeper Eduard Sacapano would make a
rare start for the Azkals.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sR6Tl6UShf0/TLIygtZ78CI/AAAAAAAAAOY/qJZ2Ocd-2bI/s1600/sacapano.jpg (http://filipinofootball.blogspot.com/2010/10/long-teng-cup-taiwan-philippines.html)

“It’s quite hard because we still don’t know the composition of the team that’s actually going to Mongolia,” Borromeo told the Inquirer shortly after the team’s training at Brent School grounds here.

“We don’t know if the other guys can make it. We’re just working on what we have, and I think the local guys can handle Mongolia.”

If the Azkals hurdle Mongolia, they will advance to the group stage qualifying in Myanmar against the host country,
Palestine and Bangladesh from March 20 to 31.

Borromeo stressed the importance of identifying a regular starting group for the Mongolia match as soon as possible.

The Azkals overpowered a Baguio selection, 9-1, Wednesday in their first tuneup match since beating Mongolia, 2-0, in the first leg in Bacolod City two weeks ago.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/4-key-Azkals-may-not-play.html)

Maxxclip

February 25th, 2011, 12:47 AM

this is 3 days ago...and according to sources:)

:okay:Dennis Cagara and Jerry Lucena have already received their Philippine passports and are eligible for call-ups

http://www.denniscagara.dk/gfx/default.jpg

http://www.aarhusportalen.dk/files/Nyheder/2009/Jerry-Lucena.jpg

off_side

February 25th, 2011, 02:52 AM

Phil predicts 5-0 win vs Mongolia
By FRANCIS SANTIAGOFebruary 24, 2011, 4:59pm

(TONY PIONILLA)BAGUIO CITY — If Mongolia plans to go on full tactical attack against the Philippine football team in their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying rematch on March 15, expect the Azkals to win in a breeze.

“If they (Mongolia) play more attacking because they need to score goals, then I think we can score 4-0 or 5-0 win,” said star striker Phil Younghusband, 23, told the Bulletin during a lull in the Azkals’ light training and football clinic with underprivileged children yesterday here at the Brent International School. “Their defense will open up, giving us more opportunities to score.”

The Blue Wolves lost to the Azkals, 2-0, in their first meeting in Bacolod City last month, and will need to be more aggressive in their home game in Ulan Bator to have the chance of turning the tide in their favor and advance to the group stage.

But it won’t be easy as they need to win by a margin of three goals.

In the event the Blue Wolves decide to be in defensive mode again, Younghusband is optimistic of mirroring their feat last time.

“Maybe 1, 2 or 3 to nil if we get lucky,” added Younghusband despite the fact that they will be missing the services of keeper Neil Etheridge, defender Robert Gier and Chris Greatwich.

Etheridge has a commitment to his club, Fulham in London.

It’s also uncertain if Jason de Jong, who was recently acquired by Persiba Balikpapan, a club in Indonesian Super League, can join the Azkals as he is currently training with the Indon team.

But team officials say De Jong will go to Ulan Bator for the match.

Despite missing some of his satyrs, Azkals coach Hans Michael Weis believes the remaining players can get the job done.

“The ones who are not available, I can’t count on them. As much as we regret it or find it pitiful, the ones who are here will do the job,” the German coach said. “It’s always like that in life. Sometimes we must make adjustments and sacrifices.”

Team manager Dan Palami, who arrived here Thursday, earlier said Eduardo Sacapano will be a suitable replacement for Etheridge in case the 6-foot-3 keeper will have to skip the game.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/306107/phil-predicts-50-win-vs-mongolia

Maxxclip

February 25th, 2011, 03:42 AM

attention football footie

Finally, nat’l booters to get own pitch

MANILA---The National football team’s dream to play in its own pitch will soon become a reality.

The Philippine Football Federation has come to terms with charismatic El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, who is donating 1.5 hectares of his prime property in Parañaque for the construction of an artificial pitch that will serve as the Azkals’ official training ground.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the memorandum of agreement for the donation of the lot has already been signed and will be sent to the International Football Federation (Fifa), which will then discuss the project in its meeting on Feb. 28.

If the Goal Project 2 for the Philippines is approved next week by Fifa, the pitch will be ready in six months, Araneta said.

Velarde’s donation comes as another boost for the PFF, which has drawn more corporate support following the Azkals’ impressive run to the semifinals of last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup.

Araneta said Velarde plans to donate three more hectares if the joint venture for the construction of the grandstand pushes through.

“This is a welcome development for us,” said Araneta, a former national player himself. “We are very thankful to Bro. Mike for his help to Philippine football. This will definitely help improve our national teams, which have been homeless for quite some time.”

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Finally-natl-booters-to-get-own-pitch.html)

off_side

February 25th, 2011, 03:48 AM

Biantan: ABS-CBN's gamble on Azkals pays off
Comment| More | By Jack Biantan

LONDON -- THE Philippines’ largest TV network ABS-CBN gambled on showing the Philippine Azkals matches over at its sister station Studio 23 in December last year.

Studio 23 showed all the Azkals matches during the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup in Vietnam.

Be updated with the latest reports on corruption. Visit our Corruption Monitor blog now!

It was a coup for ABS-CBN as millions of Filipinos tuned in to Studio 23 to enjoy the Azkals crushing the Vietnamese in the elimination round. Millions more watched as the Azkals met Indonesia in the semis.

The success of the Azkals made Filipinos converts to the beautiful game. Their Vietnam adventure was so successful that they out-rated the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the TV ratings war.

Because of this success, the giant broadcast company then signed a one year contract with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to televise all the Azkals matches for 2011.

Studio 23

The Kapamilya network out-bid two other stations to show the Azkals matches. Beginning this year, Studio 23 started televising the matches, kicking off with the Mongolia match in the Asian Football Federation (AFC) Challenge Cup in Feb. 9.

It was another blockbuster as millions once again tuned in to Studio 23 when the Azkals thumped the Mongolians, 2-0. More than 20,000 fans also trooped to the Panaad stadium in Bacolod City to witness the historic event.

Whoever decided to give the contract to sign the Azkals broadcast rights is a genius. It has given our national players continued TV exposure.

That is the reason why the Azkals are all over ABS-CBN programs. You can find them daily in TV Patrol news, Bandila and many other feature programs like Rated K, including Boy Abunda's daily showbiz show SNN.

Power of TV

The power of television has made heroes out of the Azkals. Had the victory over Vietnam not been televised, would you think the Azkals would enter into the Filipino consciousness?

Aside from ABS-CBN, other TV networks have also joined the bandwagon of popularity of the Azkals. GMA 7, through its chief sports reporter Chino Trinidad, has given our football heroes air times in its news programs.

Even Jessica Soho has been bitten by the Azkal bug. Her latest feature included a segment of the Younghusband brothers endorsing their football academy.

Many football fans frown over the inclusion of some Azkals into show business. But does it really matter if our football heroes join or rather have a taste of showbiz?

Phil Younghusband has tasted showbiz for a while when he and his brother James quit the national team for two years because of their tiff with the previous PFF administration. He joined the GMA-7's show Duets with Celebrities.

He liked it at the start but later commented in a news interview that he disliked it because of the intrigues and gossips. “Ayoko na nang showbiz, and daming chimis,” he said. (I do not like showbiz anymore, there is so much gossip.)

As long as the Azkals do not sacrifice their football careers and do not get involved in scandals, there is nothing to worry. Let showbiz embrace them. GOD BLESS jackbiantan@yahoo.com

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/sports/biantan-abs-cbns-gamble-azkals-pays

off_side

February 26th, 2011, 04:36 AM

New goalie for Azkals in 2nd leg vs Mongolia
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 04:34:09 26/02/2011

BAGUIO CITY—Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has ruled himself out of the second leg of the Philippines’ AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia on March 15 in Ulan Bator.

With the group qualifying in Myanmar also scheduled March 20 to 31, the 21-year-old Etheridge will be away from his home club, Fulham of the English Premiere League, for close to three weeks, if the Azkals overcome the Mongolians.

This prompted the London-based Etheridge to skip the second leg, where the Azkals will be protecting a 2-nil advantage they earned at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod two weeks ago.

Etheridge confirmed his absence in a message to the Inquirer yesterday and expressed confidence that his replacement, Eduard Sacapano, is more than capable of manning the goal for the Azkals.

The 30-year-old member of the Philippine Army, who debuted for the national side in the AFF Cup qualifying against Timor Leste five years ago in Bacolod, is relishing the opportunity to make the start.

“No doubt, Neil (Etheridge) is always a big factor for us because of his experience and his skills,” said the Bago City-born Sacapano. “But I’m always ready to take on the challenge if I get the opportunity.”

The other players doubtful for the second leg are Rob Gier and Simon and Chris Greatwich, who are both based in the United States.

The Azkals’ German coach Hans Michael Weiss is confident the 5-foot-9 Sacapano will be able to deliver a solid performance in the second leg.

“From the beginning when I saw him here I was impressed with his performance,” said Weiss.

“He has already featured in several warm-up matches before the Mongolia match and he did his job fantastically. And now with the match ahead, I have no problems bringing him and I am sure he will deliver.”

Despite their advantage from the first leg and the talk of the Azkals already preparing for the second round of qualifying in Myanmar, Weiss said he is not looking past Mongolia.

“I am always in favor of bringing the strongest team but in this case when we can’t have everyone especially Neil then we go with Eduard and I’m not talking about Myanmar yet.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/New-goalie-for-Azkals-in-2nd-leg-vs-Mongolia.html

off_side

February 26th, 2011, 04:45 AM

Japan tune-up games for Azkals
By FRANCIS SANTIAGOFebruary 25, 2011, 6:43pm

MANILA, Philippines — German coach Hans Michael Weiss said the Philippine Azkals will play two Japanese university teams as part of their training camp in Japan starting March 7.

Weis said the matches will raise the team’s confidence as they prepare to meet Mongolia in their AFC Challenge Cup rematch next month.

The Philippine national football team wraps up its high-altitude training in Baguio City today as the 43-year-old Weiss looks forward for more challenging opponents in a bid to whip his boys into fighting form for the March 15 showdown in Ulan Bator, which ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 will continue to air live starting 12 noon.

“We’re hoping to arrange the matches on March 8 and 11,” Weiss said Thursday.

The matches are being arranged by the Japanese Football Association which agreed to host the Azkals’ training camp until March 12 in the J-League football facility in Fukushima, Japan.

The winter weather in Japan suits well for their preparation for the cold weather in Mongolia, which reportedly drops between -2 and -15 degrees Celsius.

“We still have to work on our rhythm,” said Weiss, who may miss four of his Fil-foreign players – goalie Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier and Simon and Chris Greatwich – because of various commitments.

“We still have to work on passing quality and the cohesion between midfield defense and backline.”

The Azkals close out their Baguio training today with another tune up match against a Benguet selection team. On Wednesday, the Azkals, powered by Phil Younghusbands’ four goals, crushed the Baguio-Benguet team in a friendly match, 9-1, before some 3,000 fans in La Trinidad, Benguet.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/306282/japan-tuneup-games-azkals

RonnieR

February 26th, 2011, 04:52 AM

Maxxclip

February 26th, 2011, 05:01 AM

Know your Azkals: The double life of Aly Borromeo

Aly Borromeo is a man you wouldn’t want to mess with on the field. The moment he gets the ball, you have more or less zero chance of stealing it. It may not also be a great feeling being tackled by a 6’1" 190-pound bruiser.

Off the pitch, he’s an entirely different person – a shy, mellow, chocolate-loving Aly. He even has a hard time saying no to people, for goodness’ sake.

I know it’s difficult to imagine, especially if you’ve seen him with his game face on.

Don’t piss Aly off

His teammates agree that Aly is one of the most aggressive players among the Azkals. Simon Greatwich even says that he’s already gotten quite a few bruises from Aly.

“I always want the ball and take command. I get pissed if you don’t give it to me. I mean, I know my skills, and I’m asking for it because I know I can do something for the team. And I also don’t like seeing the opponent with the ball," he says.

It was worse when he was younger, what with his raging hormones.

“There was a rumble between Kaya and Air Force about ten years ago. I was still a kid back then and I got a few blows in. That was really funny," the 27-year-old laughs at the memory.

He’s more composed and calculated now. Aside from the red card he got in Maldives two years ago, Aly hasn’t been involved in any major scuffle. Usually, he’s even the mediator trying to calm things down.

“O, ikaw na captain"

Aly has suited up for the U-19 team, La Salle Greenhills, De La Salle University, Skyline College, Kaya FC and Global Smartmatic. He has played in all positions and was actually a goalkeeper until second year high school. Nothing’s prepared him though for his accidental “bump" to captaincy in 2004.

“It’s kind of a funny story. The captain back then, Bagets Piñero, and I both went up for a corner kick to head the ball out. I accidentally broke his nose. I broke my own teammate’s nose," he retells in disbelief.

“So he gave me the armband right there and said, ‘O, ikaw na captain.’"

Aly says he’s not a strict captain as long as you give your 110 percent. Errors are acceptable only for a first time.

“On the second time, I’m probably gonna shout at them. They’re gonna get scolded. I get pissed off with slight errors where they do things without thinking, and when they try to force things," he adds.

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/rsz_1aly_borromeo_(1).jpg

From cubbyholes to celebrity status

When I asked Aly about his worst experience with the Azkals, he honestly replied, “Where do I start?" They were named Azkals because they never had any support in the first place. Strays, literally.

“In previous tournaments, we would sleep in facilities that had no cushions and smelled like piss. One time, in Iloilo, we stayed in the middle of nowhere. It was really bad," he says.

Their fortune changed when they beat highly-favored Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year. The fame, the fans and the funds started pouring in.

“I’ve cried several times in games but this is different. On the 80th minute, the scoreboard said 2-0. I looked at Anton and we were both like, ‘Are you serious?’ After the game, I just hugged them all," he shares.

With their newfound success, the Azkals have been busy holding mall tours and endorsing different brands. The fan frenzy peaked in Bacolod.

“When we were in Bacolod, we had to use the backdoor to get out of the hotel. I literally had to sprint to get to the bus. We don’t even have time to be ourselves anymore. The fanaticism is crazy but it’s good for the sport. We’ve been waiting so long for this," Aly says.

A mellow Aly?

Aly says he’s very approachable and not aggressive at all when he’s not playing – the exact opposite of the number 11 (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/213819/know-your-azkals-the-double-life-of-aly-borromeo) we see on the field.

“I can’t even get mad at the help. And I have trouble saying no to people. That’s how bad it gets," he sighs (I’m surprised girls don’t take advantage of this “yes-man" attitude).

If he’s not busy playing football, this Filipino-American-Spanish is busy with his Play Station 3 or with the family business. Aside from those, chocolates and the gym are on top of his priority list.

“Honestly, if I have nothing to do, I’ll just be in the gym," he admits.

boy muscovado

February 26th, 2011, 06:01 AM

archerfish

February 26th, 2011, 08:04 AM

why is this thread hidden and not in the open?

IMPRESARIO

February 26th, 2011, 08:15 AM

why is this thread hidden and not in the open?

^^yeah why here mods? and why is the Filipino Athletes and Sports News Thread 2 in the Photography, Heritage and Architecture section?

archerfish

February 27th, 2011, 01:22 AM

yes..why?

ryanr

February 27th, 2011, 01:52 AM

Why? where do you want it then? I think its appropriate that its in Samahan like the other sports threads.

Maxxclip

February 27th, 2011, 04:00 AM

Mark who? It is deja vu for Baguio boy who scored against Azkals

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Feb.26 (PIA) – The crowd roared proudly when a local striker sporting No. 22 eluded Azkals skipper and defender Alexander Borromeo to score Baguio Pinikpikan’s

only but highly redeeming goal in that 1-9 mauling by the national squad here last Wednesday.

At game’s end, however, hardly anyone bothered to know who the lanky forward was.

The instant fans of football rushed to Phil Younghusband and the rest of the overnight celebrity team for photos and autographs before dusk fell on the Benguet State University grounds.

That single goal for Baguio came from Mark Signabon.

Mark who?

Well, he finished college as a football scholar at the St. Louis University and now teaches physical education at the Baguio Patriotic School.

He was that boy whose team from the Baguio Central School was also mobbed 11 years ago after they beat host West Visayas at the 2000 “Palarong Pambansa” in Bacolod.

The attack then was not by fans, but by the host West Visayas coach and some of his players. The host team just couldn’t not take its 0-1 defeat in the hands of Mark’s squad from the Cordillera. They wanted to maul the Baguio boys for tripping a formidable team representing the Football Capital of the Philippines.

“Ako rin ‘yong nag-goal do’n sa Bacolod, sa first half ng laro,” Signabon recalled after his own team’s debacle last Wednesday.

At the BSU grounds last Wednesday, the Pinikpikans had their sweet time toasting Signabon’s goal that came at the start of the second half. While the crowd roared, the team rushed to embrace him, shouting and punching the air in jubilation.

The Azkals, at least nine of whom are from West Visayas, couldn’t wait for the euphoria to fade out after Mark struck. Without waiting for the whistle signaling resumption, they set the ball at center and played on their own. One Azkal easily kicked in a goal which the referee didn’t count.

Heated up by Signabon’s surprise, the Azkal’s pounced on with six more goals for the 9-1 drubbing. They pressed on relentlessly, but high school goalie Nelson Gasic frustrated more than 10 other attempts in his exposure, part of his training with the regional high school team to the “Palarong Pambansa,” this time in Zamboanga. .

Pinikpikan coach Ariston Bocalan was happy with the result. He noted that four of the Azkal goals were penalty kicks. “At least our boys scored,” assistant coach Ana Umoc-Cabanilla added, referring to the RP team’s 2-0 blanking of Mongolia.

For Mark and most in his team, that lone goal was pure gold. It was as precious as any he had scored before. It was for teacher Lowen Golocan, their elementary school team coach. He had recruited and trained them for Bacolod 11 years ago, then prepared them for college scholarships as varsity players.

Golocan succumb to cancer a few days before the match against Azkal. Six of those in the elementary squad he formed, including Mark, were reunited at his wake and funeral. Those six also played with the team last Wednesday.

Nestor Udan, now assistant coach of the SLU men’s squad, was player No. 18. Striker . Mark Ed Lusung wore No. 8. Leopoldo Telcagan sported No. 10. Arvin Ogbinar donned No. 6 and Joseph Sotelo had No. 3.

SunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/sports/baguio-boys-goal-vs-azkals)

off_side

February 28th, 2011, 02:13 AM

Azkals train on artificial turf for Mongolia game
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star)
Updated February 28, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (5)

MANILA, Philippines - After their high-altitude training camp in Baguio City, the Philippine Azkals will start practicing on artificial turf, the playing surface that will be used in the second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match with Mongolia on March 15.

The Azkals are set to train at the International School in Taguig this week before heading to Japan on March 6 for their final stretch of preparations at the J-Village in Fukushima, the training facility of the Japanese national team. Both facilities offer artificial surfaces.

“We want them to train on artificial turf because the game in Mongolia will be played on artificial turf,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta.

The IS training and the subsequent Japan camp are expected to familiarize the Azkals with the artificial surface, which is said to offer a different bounce and spin than natural grass, especially when wet.

The Azkals will practice at IS until Friday. They will be encamped in Japan until March 12 and will fly straight to Ulan Bator for their match.

“The Japan training will also serve to acclimatize the team. Although it is colder in Mongolia, Japan will have 6 degrees so pwede na rin (it will do for acclimatization),” said Araneta.

Baguio, the coldest point in the country, was more for high-altitude training than acclimatization.

“We had them train in Baguio primarily to develop their stamina,” Araneta said.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=661634&publicationSubCategoryId=69

habagatcentral1

February 28th, 2011, 09:48 AM

Beyond the Azkals fad...
I hope we have this developed even more...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/188865_170006196379854_104141716299636_375137_7836094_n.jpg

off_side

March 1st, 2011, 04:24 AM

Simon Greatwich back for Azkals-Mongolia match
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 11:45:23 28/02/2011

Midfielder Simon Greatwich is expected to be back for the second leg of the Philippines’ AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia on March 15 in Ulan Bator.

The 22-year-old Filipino-British standout, who came in as a halftime substitute in the 2-nil first leg victory at the Panaad in Bacolod last Feb. 9, said yesterday that he may be available as early as a week before the showdown with the Mongolians.

Greatwich said he wants to join the team for training camp in the Japan Football Association facility, located just outside Tokyo.

“I’m still hoping I could join the camp,” said Greatwich, a varsity player of Hartwick College in New York, who made an impact on attack in the second half against Mongolia, nearly scoring on an overhead kick.

Greatwich’s availability comes as a boost for the Azkals, considering that his older brother, Chris, and defender Rob Gier will miss the match.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge had earlier ruled himself out of the Mongolia game and may join the team if it progresses to the group qualifying tournament in Myanmar. Expected to start in his place is Eduard Sacapano.

The Azkals, who underwent high-altitude training in Baguio City last week, continue their preparation at the International School in Taguig, where an artificial pitch similar to the one in Ulan Bator are being used.

The team is expected to fly to Japan on March 7, where they will train for five days before flying to Ulan Bator.

Team manager Dan Palami said preparations are on track.

“I’m happy with our preparations,” said Palami. “The team has started to set higher standards for themselves.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Simon-Greatwich-back-for-Azkals-Mongolia-match.html

from_antipolo

March 1st, 2011, 05:46 AM

Maxxclip

March 1st, 2011, 08:26 AM

Know your Azkals: Not just another Greatwich

If his surname wasn’t Greatwich, he probably wouldn’t be pressured to be a great footballer.

Twenty-two-year-old Simon Clive is the youngest of the Greatwich brothers. His elder siblings Chris and Phil, 27 and 24 respectively, are also football players.

Growing up in the coastal city of Brighton in southeast England, Simon has always been surrounded by the sport — what with the Premier League happening almost whole year round, and David Beckham living just a few hours away. It’s the perfect ground for breeding professional football players.

“Football is really famous [in England]. The people are fanatic. It’s a huge thing, much like basketball here in the Philippines," he says.

At an age kids have just gotten out of their diapers, Simon was already learning the basics of football. His first mentor was his dad, and his first football was, well, a tennis ball.

“We’d just bring tennis balls to school and try to play football with it. But it was just all for fun," he recalls.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfxzji9MNK1qeh1dm.jpg

He eventually got signed by professional club Brighton and Hove Albion FC when he was nine. At 14, he was invited to try out for England’s U-15 squad. Also competing for slots were players from big-shot clubs Manchester United and Arsenal, most of whom were older than him. Although he didn’t actually make it to the 16-man team, it did seal his ambition of becoming a professional footballer.

“Magkano sa Legaspi Towers sa Roxas Boulevard?"

Simon’s mother hails from Davao. She flew to London and worked as a cafeteria lady in Great Ormond Street Hospital. That’s where she met her husband, then a porter in the same institution. The irony though is that Simon’s never really been in touch with his Filipino side. And you can forget about speaking in Filipino. The only Tagalog sentence he knows by heart is “Magkano sa Legaspi Towers sa Roxas Boulevard?"

“My mom didn’t really teach us Tagalog, growing up. I can pick up the key words in a sentence, and I try to understand the meaning. She probably regrets it now because she never really thought we’d end up here in Manila," he says.

Although he’s only known England and New York where he currently studies, he didn’t hesitate to play for the Philippines. After all, his elder brother Chris has already taken the lead and suited up for the Azkals.

Not everyone though is happy with the influx of Fil-foreigners among the Azkals. Simon says this is a misinterpretation as the 30-man team isn’t dominated by "halfies." The core is still homegrown, and the handful who came from other countries are really outstanding players.

“Some of the Fil-foreigners play in international clubs. They’re really good and they are assets to the team. In five years, with a mix of imports and locals, we can beat top Asian countries. We almost beat Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup, and that’s just the beginning," he says.

Simon considers their match in Maldives as his most memorable game so far, with 20,000 fans flocking to the compact stadium.

“The noise was so loud that we couldn’t hear each other. But when we scored a goal, we silenced the crowd (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/211990/know-your-azkals-not-just-another-greatwich)," he recalls. “That’s only 20,000 people. In the Suzuki Cup, there were about 90,000 fans watching. I hope I can play in something like that soon."

Simon is suiting up for the AFC Challenge Cup against Mongolia this February. His stint in the Southeast Asian Games U-23 tournament is still in the air, though. The SEAG will be held in November, and by that time he would've already turned 23.

With all the popularity he’s enjoying now, he’s been offered TV commercials and photoshoots. However, his main focus is still the Azkals, and if showbiz gets in the way of football, he’s not buying it.

It may have started as simply following his brothers’ footsteps. But he has very well made his name known not just as another Greatwich, but as Simon Greatwich – full-fledged midfielder for the Philippine Azkals.

And to think it all started with a tennis ball.

Colonel Burger

March 1st, 2011, 09:02 PM

pano magiging shy and mellow si Aly eh according to a PFF friend, mayabang and maangas siya?

anyways, thanks for the people who continually write up stuff dito :D

Aly was a schoolmate and classmate of mine in LSGH. He may be intimidating. but he is friendly. Malaking tao kasi.

Bata pa lang kami, magaling at sobrang aggressive na talaga siya mag laro.

off_side

March 2nd, 2011, 02:19 AM

Fifa donates P21.7M for construction of new pitch
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 02:13:29 02/03/2011

MANILA---The International Football Federation (Fifa) has approved a $500,000 (P21.72 million) grant for the construction of an artificial football pitch in Parañaque City.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta yesterday told the Inquirer that the Fifa gave the green light to the plan, which the international federation calls Goal Project 2, in a meeting last Monday.

Domeka Garamendi, the former PFF secretary general who is now development officer at Fifa, informed Araneta about the grant.

The 1.5-hectare lot for the proposed pitch was donated by charismatic religious leader Bro. Mike Velarde.

It will take six months to finish the project, according to Araneta, and the Fifa grant will only cover the construction of the pitch.

Dan Palami, the manager for the national football team who was also instrumental in securing the help of Velarde, said they are eyeing a joint venture with a private firm to fund the construction of a grandstand.

Palami acknowledged that the lack of a training pitch has been one of the problems the Azkals have faced over the years.

“At least, we will have a home within the year,” said Palami, who also thanked sponsors of the Azkals’ recent training camp in Baguio City, including the Baguio Country Club.

The Azkals are preparing for the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia in Ulan Bator on March 15. The Azkals won the first leg, 2-nil.

“It’s definitely a boost for Philippine football,” Araneta said of the project. “Having our own pitch will go a long way in our effort to develop the sport.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Fifa-donates-P217M-for-construction-of-new-pitch.html

off_side

March 2nd, 2011, 05:58 AM

The Azkals' Ray Jonsson on life in a northern country, Sigur Ros & that darned volcano

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2011/03/azkals-ray-jonsson-on-life-in-northern.html

When I first met Ray Jonsson, I couldn’t believe how he couldn’t speak Tagalog but speak Visayan fluently. Haha. That was hilarious. And he would oft sit with the military players of the national team who were all from that region. From Vietnam, Manila, Indonesia, and Bacolod, we would always chat not just about football but music, life in Iceland, and traveling.

Here is one excerpt of an interview with Ray Jonsson.

Rick: Jeez, man. I thought you’d be playing hockey given how cold it is.

Ray: Haha No. No. Football is the most popular sport in Iceland although believe it or not, handball is the main sport. Do you know that Iceland is one of five best handball teams in the world? Hockey’s is getting more and more popular but it’s still far from the popularity of football.

Rick: Okay. Now that’s clear and you have no plans on being Iceland’s version of Alex Ovechkin, how about that UEFA experience?

Ray: I played in Azerbaijan, Switzerland and Austria. Total 6 games and I scored one goal. I scored from a free kick that I took 40-45 meters away from the goal and the ball went to the top corner. I still have the copy of it somewhere. I need to show you some day. It was against Karten FC of Austria. The game in Switzerland was the opening game of the new stadium in Basel. Then the game after us was between Borussia Dortmund and Monaco.

Rick: So you’re used to big crowds? Do football matches in Iceland draw a lot of people? Or was it in My Dinh and the Bung Karno where you experienced playing in front of a massive crowd?

Ray: The crowed in Iceland are not so many. My team plays in front of a crowd of around 1,200 people. Sometimes when we play against the bigger teams then there are around 2,000-2,500 people. When Iceland national team plays there are around 8-12,000 people.

So yes, clearly the biggest crowd that I’ve seen is in Indonesia. That was magnificent.

Rick: Okay, so it’s football. How do you – pardon the term here – chill out away from the game?

Ray: Hahaha. When I’m not playing I work a lot. But if I’m not working I usually spend my time with my family. During the summer time, we try to go camping or after the football season in the fall, we try maybe sometimes go to some hot country to relax. Like Spain, Portugal or the Philippines.

Rick: Speaking of vacations and life, did – damn these names and how to pronounce them – what’s that darned volcano’s name? Eyjafjallajökull there ya go. Did that… volcano, yeah, volcano disrupt your life in Iceland? (the photo above is from Ray's bro)

Ray: No, it did not disrupt my life. Far from it. It was not as frightening as the news abroad was reporting. The volcano is in the middle of Iceland where only few farmers live so it did not really affect the people except for the airplanes.

I´m gonna send you some picture that my younger brother took when it was almost over. People could not go there when the eruptions started so by the time my brother took it, it was already safe.

Rick: I’m going on a limb here since we’re on the topic of unpronounceable names and words. You like --- tada – Sigur Rós?

Ray: I lent (Azkals reserve keeper Toffer) Camcam my Sigur Rós albums. I listen to any music but if I put on some music it´s 90% alternative rock. I love Kings of Leon, Muse, Nirvana, Oasis and an Icelandic band called Dikta (Cammy also has the album). Any album with this band then I´m happy. And of course Sigur Rós.

Sigur Ros -- I speak Hopelandish

archerfish

March 2nd, 2011, 08:34 AM

Why? where do you want it then? I think its appropriate that its in Samahan like the other sports threads.

APPROPRIATE? is this some kind of exclusive club only thread? sorry man im not from ayala alabang! :lol: so dont count me in! :lol:

isnt it more nice if other people too can see what you football fans are talking about here? maybe they might join into the discussions too. :bash:

football is for everyone.. put this thread in the open where people either logged in or not can see posts here.

RonnieR

March 2nd, 2011, 08:41 AM

^^ great news....keep 'em coming.

ryanr

March 3rd, 2011, 01:53 AM

APPROPRIATE? is this some kind of exclusive club only thread? sorry man im not from ayala alabang! :lol: so dont count me in! :lol:

isnt it more nice if other people too can see what you football fans are talking about here? maybe they might join into the discussions too. :bash:

football is for everyone.. put this thread in the open where people either logged in or not can see posts here.

Its not about skyscrapers is it? Its not about about an urban issue is it? Correct me if I'm wrong, but its not a photography or heritage thread either.

Hence why its in samahan. The issue here is not about exclusivity, its about putting threads in its proper place. When we developed SSC Philippines, we intended to put non-skyscraper, non-urban and non-economy threads in samahan.

I agree with you that football is for everyone. And by no means was I saying that it should be hidden and locked away. Whether or not samahan should be visible to everyone is another issue.

kiretoce

March 3rd, 2011, 02:22 AM

^^ Well said, Ryan. You still got that mod's touch about you (it never left as far as I'm concerned). :okay:

off_side

March 3rd, 2011, 02:29 AM

Azkals not stymied by cold Ulan Bator
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 12:01:47 03/03/2011

Filipino striker Phil Younghusband remains convinced that the abject wintry conditions in Ulan Bator will not pose much of a problem for the Philippines in the second leg of its AFC Challenge Cup qualifying duel with Mongolia.

The 23-year-old striker believes he has played in even worse conditions while seeing action for Chelsea in the Reserve League in England.

“I just think as long as you’re running around the pitch that won’t be a problem,” Younghusband, who scored one goal in the 2-0 win over Mongolia in the first leg in Bacolod City, told the Inquirer.

“On that day, I would rather be playing on the pitch than just watching the game [from] the stands.”

Younghusband said he was disappointed at the way Mongolia played the first leg, where the visitors opted to just sit back and defend.

“I expected them to be better,” said Younghusband. “At least they should have shown some composure on the ball.”

Younghusband added: “I don’t think I can be called complacent that even without Neil (Etheridge) and Rob (Gier) we can get a result in Mongolia.”

The scorer of 13 international goals for the Philippines believes the Azkals can come away with at least a 4-nil victory in Mongolia and move into the group qualifying in Yangon, Myanmar.

Temperatures in Ulan Bator were recorded at -13 degrees Celsius yesterday. The second match on March 15 is set at 1 p.m., which is already considered the hottest time of the day in the Mongolian capital.

The National Stadium in Ulan Bator has an artificial pitch and the Azkals have been familiarizing themselves with the surface by training at the International School Manila.

The Azkals underwent an unconventional training routine yesterday, walking through “Winter Wonderland,” one of the attractions in a theme park in Manila, before practicing at the ISM.

“We want the players to get a feel of the weather, see if they can really handle it,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.

Palami, who will receive the Executive of the Year award for his work with the Azkals during the Philippine Sportswriters Association-Coca Cola Awards Night on Saturday, expressed confidence of the team making an impact beyond the Mongolia match.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-not-stymied-by-cold-Ulan-Bator.html

off_side

March 3rd, 2011, 02:39 AM

National open football tilt back after five-year hiatus
Tuesday, 01 March 2011 19:27 Rick Olivares

THE national men’s open football tournament returns after a five-year hiatus via the Smart National Clubs Championship which gets under way this month with the provincial qualifying rounds.

“This revives a national tournament that we have not had in a while,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) competitions department head Cyril Dofitas told the BusinessMirror. Bacolod City hosted the last national tournament five years ago.

“We can thank the new federation leadership and the great support football is now getting not just from Filipinos but other countries, as well,” added Dofitas.

The topnotchers in the provincials will advance to the cluster qualifying rounds, after which the top eight will move on to the nationals in Manila from June 6 to 25.

The single-round robin competition takes place from April 1 to 16 when football associations battle it out in Cluster Qualifying Rounds.

The teams are Baguio City, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal and Tarlac for North, South and Central Luzon; Camarines Norte, Naga City-Camarines Sur, Legazpi City-Albay, Masbate and Oriental Mindoro for Southeast Luzon; Butuan-Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Iligan-Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte for North Mindanao; Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao and Davao del Norte for South Mindanao; Maguindanao-Cotobato City, North Cotobato, South Cotobato and Sultan Kudarat for Central Mindanao; and Misamis Oriental-Ozamiz, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog and Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian for West Mindanao.

From April 1 to 30, clubs from the Visayas (Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental) and the National Capital Region will compete in their Regional Qualifying Rounds while waiting for the winners of the Luzon and Mindanao clusters.

“Because of the little time we have [given the national tournament schedule], we will begin our competition as soon as the college football season ends,” said National Capital Region Football Association president Atty. Rolly Tulay.

“Right now we are looking to hold the finals in either the Rizal Memorial or the University of Makati,” said Dofitas.

Clubs may include up to five foreign players but only four can play on the field at any given time.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/8062-national-open-football-tilt-back-after-five-year-hiatus

off_side

March 3rd, 2011, 02:42 AM

Philippines to host Suzuki Cup
Monday, 28 February 2011 19:52 Rick Olivares / Columnist .

WITH the successful staging of the home match by the Philippines in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Bacolod in February against Mongolia, it is possible that the suddenly football-mad country may yet get an opportunity to host an even bigger tournament.

In a fax letter to Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Mariano Araneta on February 23, Ian Mathie, vice president of World Sports Group, the organization behind the Asean Football Federation Championship, said: “We are very much in favor of the Philippines hosting the 2012 or 2014 versions of the Suzuki Cup should you qualify or be selected.”

“Hosting will not only be an honor but it will show the world that we have arrived as a [footballing] nation. With solid crowd support, who knows what our national team can achieve?” said Araneta.

But Mathie, in the same letter, mentioned that there are strict criteria that should be followed for any potential host country.

“Not only is [the Suzuki Cup] it Southeast Asia’s premier football event, it is also the standard-bearer for all sporting events in the region,” said Mathie.

Mathie added: “We are willing to assist the PFF in identifying a suitable stadium that will undoubtedly require upgrades and renovations to meet the aforementioned criteria.”

The PFF is currently looking at utilizing a property in Tambo, Parañaque, donated by El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, as a new training facility and possibly the site of a world-class football stadium.

The 4.5-hectare area will be leased for 25 years to the PFF.

“It is a very generous offer considering it is rent-free,” said Araneta. “Things are really looking up for Philippine football.”

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/8017-philippines-to-host-suzuki-cup

Maxxclip

March 3rd, 2011, 06:10 AM

Fil-Spanish striker seeks spot with Azkals

SPEAKING no English but armed with dreams of playing for the Philippine Azkals, Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Aldeguer flew all the way from Malaga, Spain virtually nonstop and arrived in Manila last Tuesday to try out for the national men’s football team.

With his cousin, Rafael Garcia, serving as his interpreter, the 6-foot-3 shaggy-haired Aldeguer was interviewed by head coach Hans Michael Weiss shortly before the squad’s practice at the International School Manila in Taguig City.

The coaching staff will get to size up the 26-year-old forward, whose mother hails from Isabela, during four days of workouts at the ISM’s artificial pitch, which school management reportedly has kept off limits to media.

Weiss said Aldeguer is being eyed as reinforcement for the Asian Challenge Cup group stage kicking off in Myanmar on March 21, assuming the Azkals hurdle Mongolia when they tangle in the return match of their AFC Challenge Cup series at the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator on March 15.

The Azkals blanked the Blue Wolves 2-0 in the first leg of the series last Feb. 9 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

http://www.bdfutbol.com/i/j/4934.jpg

Aldeguer, who has been playing football since he was six, is a forward for Spanish third division Club Deportivo Ronda, Garcia said, adding his cousin earlier tried out for powerhouses Atletico Madrid and La Deportivo de Coruna.

"Actually it was I who urged my first cousin to try out for the Azkals and told him to send his resume and videos of his performance," Garcia said. "Apparently, the coaching staff liked what they saw and invited him to try out for the team. So now he’s here."

Aldeguer would be a welcome addition to the Azkal where he can use his experience, size and height for headers.

Although still battling jet lag after his 13-hour flight from Spain, Aldeguer was eager to show off his skills to Weiss, who advised the player not to force himself too much.

"He (Aldeguer) is coming from a cool climate in Europe while it is warmer over here," Weiss said. "We will give him time to adjust. Anyway he has four days to show us what he has got."

National team liaison officer Ace Bright said they have started processing Aldeguer’s passport in the event he is tapped for the Myanmar tournament.

Assistant coach Edsel Bracamonte said there would no problems in including the Fil-Spanish player into the official lineup "since he was part of the original 53-man list we submitted to the AFC."

"We are allowed to make changes in the roster after our away match against Myanmar," Bracamonte said.

Malaya (http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar03/sports2.html)

Maxxclip

March 4th, 2011, 03:36 AM

Azkals to use thermal gear in Ulan Bator

MANILA—The Philippine football team will use technologically advanced winter gear that will help the Azkals cope with the sub-zero conditions in the second leg of its AFC Challenge Cup duel with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/images/articles/azkals4_976.jpg

Mizuno, official outfitter of the national team, is providing the Azkals with specially designed thermal gear similar to the ones being used by Japanese athletes in the Winter Olympics.

“We have been guaranteed by Mizuno that this gear will be enough for our players to cope with the cold in Mongolia,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta during the ceremonial turnover of the equipment at the PFF office yesterday.

Master Sports general manager Paolo Cagalingan, whose firm is the exclusive distributor of Mizuno, assured that the gear will keep the players warm.

“Without sounding technical, our Breathe Thermo fabric that the players will use self generates heat that our bodies generate during physical exertion,” said Cagalingan.

The temperature in Ulan Bator was at -10 yesterday, but Araneta expects it to be around -1 to zero degrees during the match on March 15.

“With our gear, I think we can do better in Mongolia than in Bacolod,” Araneta said, referring to the 2-0 first leg win.
Meanwhile, Angel Guiriado Aldeguer, a 6-foot-2 Spanish striker, has started training with the Azkals and could join the squad if the Azkals progress to Myanmar for the second round.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-to-use-thermal-gear-in-Ulan-Bator.html)

ryanr

March 4th, 2011, 04:56 AM

^^ Well said, Ryan. You still got that mod's touch about you (it never left as far as I'm concerned). :okay:

hehe...like riding a bike.

Good to know that the Azkals are attracting players to play for them. :)

Maxxclip

March 4th, 2011, 06:02 AM

Know your Azkals: Phil Younghusband is not perfect

Many guys dream to be Phil Younghusband, while many girls dream to be with him. But if you’ll ask Phil himself, he’s far from perfect.

Physically, Phil looks like a guy cut out from a Benetton ad – green eyed with a tall and buff physique. Perfect, so to speak. Well he disagrees, and points to scars on his arm and knee.

“I love football but I hate all the injuries I get from it, especially the cuts and bruises. I hate it because it’s always gonna be with you. It’s not really painful. It’s more of annoying," he says. They don’t really look so bad, and he probably realized that himself as he laughed at his complaint.

Still a bachelor (maybe not for long)

The 23-year-old may be considered one of the most in-demand bachelors in the country today, but he still gets turned down. Case in point: actress Angel Locsin declined his first date invitation via Twitter (and I can imagine girls everywhere sighed in relief).

Asked what the real score is between them, he says, “There’s no update. So I’m keeping mum until something actually happens."

Since he hasn’t quite bagged the girl of his dreams yet, the girls in his life are solely his mom Susan and sister Keri. In fact, he says the sweetest thing he’s ever done for a girl was actually for his mom.

“My mum doesn’t like us giving her gifts on Christmas. She just wants a letter. So on every occasion, I write her a really sweet letter," he smiles.

Going into showbiz?

Phil is no newbie to showbiz. Aside from numerous endorsements and modeling stints, he was a contestant in GMA-7’s “Celebrity Duets." However, we won’t be seeing him as the perfect leading man anytime soon too.

“If I would go into showbiz, I’d probably do action. Since I’m sporty, I can do my own stunts. Plus there’s not a lot of talking. The Tagalog is hard," he laughs.

But if given the chance to host his own show, Phil says it will still be about football. He wants to make a documentary showing the state of football in the country, the politics, and the growing popularity of the sport especially among kids.

Of course, going into the entertainment industry would only increase his already massive fan base. It shouldn’t be a problem as Phil says he adores his fans.

“Filipinos are very conservative and respectful, so nothing really crazy. If anything, my fans are really sweet. One time, they gave me this scrapbook filled with letters by fans from all over the Philippines," he says.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y-zQ4ZPEHn0/TVQBit0kZJI/AAAAAAAANjQ/aB-yJn22fvQ/s400/Phil_YOung_hUsband_AZkal.jpg

“Mas gwapo ako sa kanya"

Phil and James have a mere 11-month gap. Because of this, they’re often taken as a pair even if they’re not twins. It’s probably because of this that Phil makes a conscious effort to differentiate themselves.

Phil says his favorite movie is “Titanic," but quickly asks, “Did James say the same?" True enough, James did.

“Okay now I’ll say something else. I don’t want to say what he said. Uhm, probably ‘Wedding Singer.’"

Phil made sure he also gave a different answer for favorite Filipino statement.

“Mas gwapo ako sa kanya," he said and then laughed out loud.

Apart from football, James and Phil have distinct interests. James is the artsy brother, while Phil prefers academics. “If I wasn’t a football player, I’d probably be studying Math to be an accountant," (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/214383/know-your-azkals-phil-younghusband-is-not-perfect) he says.

Quite surprised since Math and football are on opposite sides of the pole, I asked if he’s good in Math.

“Well, I used to be good in Math. I’m not sure now," he laughs.

A footballer-model-accountant all rolled into one – if that's not perfect, I don't know what is.

Maxxclip

March 4th, 2011, 06:21 AM

Homeless no more
by Samantha King

There’s something thoroughly captivating about the way football is played. The deft handling of the ball, purposeful movements up and down the field, nimble sidesteps and acrobatic feats of athleticism… Sure, basketball can do all this and then some, but it’s only in a game of football where the feeling of the ball hitting the back of the net is infinite. I’ve been playing football since grade school and I can say for sure: there’s nothing quite like it in the whole world.

Now, I realize my writing about the sudden burst of football fever in the country is coming out a bit late, especially in light of the number of tweets, blog posts, status updates, and write-ups that have germinated since last year, but you’ll have to bear with me. After all, considering how the UAAP football season has just ended with the UP Fighting Maroons bagging the championship, well, it’s a wonderful time to be a football fan here in UP.

And on that note, I never thought I’d say this, but it’s a wonderful time to be a football fan here in the Philippines.

Yes, the Philippines. Land of the hoop-loving and the basketball-crazy, where football has been left at the periphery of national consciousness despite being the oldest national team in Asia… until now.

Formerly deemed the sacrificial lamb of the region, we are Southeast Asia’s whipping boy no more — the Azkals win over defending champion Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December saw to that; with the national team making it to the semifinals for the first time in the competition’s 14-year history.

When I think about how that fateful day changed the sentiments of an entire nation overnight, I can’t help but be amazed. Was it only a few years ago when the general consensus was that Philippine football would slowly die out because of impotence on the part of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)? Lack of leadership and direction, corruption and misappropriation of funds under the reign of former PFF president Mari Martinez… even the Azkals weren’t spared; shortly after their arrival from Vietnam, the team released a statement saying “We have not received one centavo of support from the PFF. Not to mention a call or a text during the final rounds of the 2010 Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.”

ndeed, in light of this, the Azkals’ achievement last year was a veritable godsend. And now that Martinez has been sacked for good and new president Mariano Araneta installed into office, I think it’s safe to say that the future of Philippine football can only go up from here.

Let’s call it the Azkal effect

Not many people know that the name “Azkals” was the creation of Internet fans in 2005, similar to how fans in other countries name their favorite clubs and national teams (e.g. The Japanese national team is called “Samurai Blue,” while English club Manchester United is tagged “The Red Devils”). Personally, I am enamored with the name. It’s wonderfully subversive, as well as unabashedly Pinoy. And I love how far removed it is from names that are deemed more respectable. With all elitist pretensions removed, being tagged as a “mongrel” or “street dog” simply means we know how to survive. Never mind the irony of the team’s dynamics — these guys are still our own. And if the culture of a nation is any indicator of the playing style/identity of its football team — for example, the methodical mindset of Germany transposed onto its national team’s very structured and organized play — then I can’t wait to see how the Azkals ease themselves into their role.

In any case, some of the fruits of the Azkal Effect include the Senate waking up to the embarrassing state of the country’s football development programs; serious plans to finally build a football stadium that would meet international standards; the PFF standing to receive around P29.7 million from FIFA (as well as an initial amount of P8 million from SMART telecommunications); and the DepEd considering experimenting on specialized athlete schools to support the national sports program.

Personally, what I’m really excited about is the formation of a working premier football league. Indeed, although football is actually widely played at the school level, very few are motivated to pursue “professional” football after graduation; the one major reason for this being the lack of a national league to participate in. Now I don’t know about you guys, but the idea of having something akin to the UK’s premier league (dream big, right?) thrills me to no end.

Young*Star (http://www.philstar.com/youngstar/ysarticle.aspx?articleId=662709&publicationSubCategoryId=84)

off_side

March 5th, 2011, 02:02 AM

Suzuki backs PFF Under-23 tournament
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 01:32:52 05/03/2011

MANILA—The Philippine Football Federation has found another backer in Japanese automobile maker Suzuki, which is sponsoring the National Men’s Under-23 Championship starting next month.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said Thursday that they have agreed to terms with Suzuki for a sponsorship deal of P3.2 million for the national tournament.

It will mark the first time that the PFF will stage an Under-23 tournament and Araneta said the move is meant to help them come up with the best possible squad for the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta late this year.

“We hope to get the finest Under-23 talents from this tournament for our SEA Games team,” said Araneta. “We are happy that Suzuki is supporting us in our efforts to improve football.”

Football in the SEA Games is limited to under-23 players.

Suzuki is no stranger to supporting football, having been tapped by the Asean Football Federation as sponsor of the AFF Suzuki Cup the last three years.

The top two from each of the cluster tournaments in the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will advance to the national championship in June. Araneta said they plan to apply the home-and-away format for the finals.

“Although there have been several players based abroad who are being eyed to banner the SEA Games squad, the standouts from the Under-23 tournament will also be given a chance to prove themselves,” said Araneta. “We want the best possible team for the SEA Games.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Suzuki-backs-PFF-Under-23-tournament.html

off_side

March 7th, 2011, 02:12 AM

New recruits to boost Azkals
By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated March 07, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. and national team manager Dan Palami broke the news during an interview at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night in the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel last Saturday. They confirmed that three recruits will reinforce the Azkals in the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in Yangon, Myanmar, on March 21, 23 and 25, assuming the Philippines dumps Mongolia in their qualifying series.

The recruits are led by Spanish-born Angel Aldeguer Guirado, a Fil-Spanish striker who has played for the Spanish Division III team Deportivo Ronda in Malaga. He cuts an imposing figure on the pitch because of his 6-2 frame. Guirado, 26, is a first cousin of Caloy Garcia, Rain Or Shine assistant coach in the PBA. His mother Angela Aldeguer is the sister of Garcia’s mother Gloria and father Juan is Spanish. The Garcias trace their roots to Ilagan, Isabela. Guirado has worked out with the Azkals but is not eligible to play in the Azkals’ second leg match against Mongolia in Ulan Bator on March 15 because he’s not in the lineup submitted to the AFC.

“Angel was in Manila five years ago,” said Garcia’s mother Gloria. “He will leave for Spain tomorrow and rejoin the team in Myanmar. It’s a pity he can’t play in Mongolia because his name was not included. The coach (Michael Weiss) is happy with him.”

Guirado, who speaks only Spanish, now has a Philippine passport. In Spain, the mother’s maiden name is used by children to follow the father’s surname so that the Azkals’ latest recruit is known as Angel Guirado-Aldeguer or Angel Guirado y Aldeguer. It’s the same in Cuba where former Philippine boxing coach Raul Fernandez is known as Raul Fernandez-Liranza or Raul Fernandez y Liranza as his mother’s maiden name is Liranza.

Araneta said possible future recruits are the Toronto-born De Guzman brothers, whose father Bobby is Filipino and mother Pauline is Jamaican. Midfielder Jonathan, 23, is now playing for Spanish La Liga club Real Mallorca after a stint in the Dutch league. Older brother Julian, 29, used to play for the Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna and now suits up in the Canadian league. The De Guzmans, however, have indicated no interest to play for the Philippines so far. Julian has played for the Canadian national team. FIFA allows players to switch national teams provided they are able to show legitimate passports.

The two other Azkal recruits are Fil-German Stefan Schrock and Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena. Schrock, 24, plays for the German Division II club Greuther Furth. His mother is Filipina and father, German. Lucena, 30, was born in Esbjerg, Denmark, to a Filipino father and a Danish mother. He plays for the Danish Division I club AGF Aarhus.

Schrock showed up at the PSA Awards Night walking with crutches. He’s in town to apply for his Filipino passport.

Also at the PSA Awards Night were goalkeeper Neil Etheridge’s parents Martin and Merlinda Dula of Concepcion, Tarlac. Etheridge was not permitted to take a leave from his English club Fulham to play in Ulan Bator. His parents are in town for a two-week holiday.

The Philippines will advance to the group stage in Myanmar if it beats Mongolia in their qualifying two-game series on an aggregate goal basis. Awaiting the Philippines-Mongolia winner in Group A are host Myanmar, Bangladesh and Palestine. The top two finishers in Group A will join the top two placers in three other groups to play in the eight-team Challenge Cup finals where the winner qualifies to compete in the AFC Asian Cup.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=663846&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Maxxclip

March 7th, 2011, 03:01 AM

Azkals leave for wintry Japan training

MANILA—The Philippine football team leaves for Japan today for the most important stretch of its preparation for Mongolia in the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying duel in Ulan Bator.

The Azkals, who earlier went through a high-altitude camp in Baguio City, are set to train in a facility of the Japan Football Association just outside Tokyo in their bid to acclimatize with the wintry conditions in Ulan Bator.

Barely two weeks before the match, Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the team is 80 percent ready for the showdown with the Mongolians, whom the Azkals blanked, 2-0, in the first leg in Bacolod last Feb. 9.

“I think we are 80 percent ready, the 20 percent of course will be the weather factor,” said Palami, who was honored on Saturday as Executive of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association for his remarkable work with the Azkals.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/images/articles/azkals7_998.jpg

Palami said that under normal conditions, the Azkals can easily beat Mongolia. He stressed that the training in Japan will be important in assessing the team’s chances of progressing to the group qualifying in Myanmar starting March 21.

“We want to check the reaction time and the decision-making of the players and how far the weather will affect the team,” Palami said.

“After we train in Japan, it would be safe to think about Myanmar. It will be difficult to make predictions because I don’t know how the team will react in sub-zero conditions.”

But Palami said the Azkals showed sharp form last week in training at the artificial pitch at the International School Manila

“When we were practicing at the ISM, our shooting and passing rate was as high as 85 percent,” he said.

The team will miss Rob Gier and Chris Greatwich as well as goalkeeper Neil Etheridge for the Mongolia duel.

Despite their absence, skipper Aly Borromeo believes the team has what it takes to beat Mongolia.

“The weather factor will be more important than their absence,” said Borromeo. “There’s no reason we can’t win except for the weather factor.”

Meanwhile, Filipino-German rightback Stephan Schrock arrived in the country Saturday to process his passport. The 24-year-old Schrock is still sidelined by a knee injury that will keep him out for the next five weeks.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-leave-for-wintry-Japan-training.html)

Maxxclip

March 7th, 2011, 03:21 AM

Pacquiao is also an Azkals fan

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has so many secrets – some must remain as secrets, though. But last Saturday, he revealed one.

To the surprise of a huge, animated crowd, Pacquiao admitted that he’s also one of the many who were caught up in the football fever that swept the country the past months following the sucess of the national football team.

His revelation further energized the crowd, especially the enthralled Azkals squad.

“Dati po hindi ako mahilig sa football. Pero ngayon mahilig na ako dahil sa Philippine Azkals,” said Pacquiao during the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.

The revelation came as a piece of good news for Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta and members of the Philippine Azkals, who were bestowed with the Presidential Achievement award.

The Azkals sparked a football buzz after their historic semifinal finish in the Suzuki Cup last year.

The eight-division world champion claimed that he was rooting for the Mexican football team before.

But when the Azkals shocked defending Suzuki Cup champion Vietnam, 2-0, his admiration for the Azkals got bigger.

“Dati Mexico ang pinapanood kong team. Ngayon Azkals na,” said Pacquiao who is set to fight Shane Mosley for the Filipino’s World Boxing Organization’s welterweight title on May 7 in Las Vegas.

mb (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/307851/pacquiao-also-azkals-fan)

johnmizer

March 7th, 2011, 03:34 AM

when would they televise the next fulham game with neil in them? want to see how britons play it. =)

thescene

March 7th, 2011, 03:51 PM

when would they televise the next fulham game with neil in them? want to see how britons play it. =)

Unfortunately Neil is just the 3rd choice GK at Fulham so it would take an injury to the top 2 GKs before he can play.

thescene

March 7th, 2011, 03:53 PM

It should be interesting to see if the PFF can Jonathan De Guzman. I believe he refused to play for Canada in hopes of playing for the Netherlands.

off_side

March 8th, 2011, 04:04 AM

Phl Azkals hit frosty Japan
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 08, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (4)

MANILA, Philippines - Based on the weather forecast, a snow shower was to greet the Azkals upon their arrival in Gotemba, Japan from Manila last night.

The Azkals left for Tokyo yesterday afternoon and were to travel another 174 kms to get to Gotemba, their training sight for the next few days.

Gotemba is located near the foot of Mount Fuji, and again based on the weather forecast the temperature should be at one degree in the evening.

With snow showers.

The Azkals, however, are all armed to face the big chill, with their thermal clothes provided by their official outfitter, Mizuno.

They will be in Gotemba until the 12th before they head to Ulan Bator in Mongolia for their March 15 match with the hosts.

In Ulan Bator, the weather could be even be colder. And the competition, hotter.

The Azkals beat the Mongolians at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, 2-0, last Feb. 9 and should advance to the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup as long as they don’t lose by three or more goals.

In the group stage, waiting for the Azkals, granting that they move on, are matches against Bangladesh, Myanmar and Palestine on March 21, 23 and 25.

In Yangon, Myanmar, the Azkals could face their toughest test since they were thrown into the limelight following their historic finish in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December.

Team manager Dan Palami said they wanted to go straight to Ulan Bator but were forced out by circumstance.

“We wanted to train in Mongolia immediately. However the Mongolia Football Federation did not allow us access to the pitches earlier,” he told ABS-CBN prior to their departure.

“But in Japan we’ll be playing against two teams. The weather may not be as cold but it’s also ranging from zero to 3 degrees,” he added.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=664123&publicationSubCategoryId=69

johnmizer

March 8th, 2011, 05:01 AM

so why does he have to return to fulham if he wont play? from wot Ive heard in ph media is that australian GK wont be able to play because he was called by the AU team. is that true?

would they telecast the friendly between PH and JP?

David-80

March 8th, 2011, 06:31 AM

so why does he have to return to fulham if he wont play? from wot Ive heard in ph media is that australian GK wont be able to play because he was called by the AU team. is that true?

Because he has to play in the Fulham Reserve team.

Mark Schawzer had to play in the Asian cup 2011, but now hes already back in Fulham. During that period, Neil was upgraded to the 2nd goal keeper position and was in the bench during Fulham EPL matches.

cheers

Maxxclip

March 9th, 2011, 03:24 AM

Addicks swoop for Etheridge

After injuries to both Rob Elliot and Ross Worner on Saturday, Charlton boss Chris Powell has recruited Philippines international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge on loan ahead of the match against Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old Fulham man, who will stay in SE7 until April 5th, will go straight into the Addicks squad for the clash at stadiummk (7.45pm).

http://www.cafctv.co.uk/javaImages/ab/b6/0,,10267~9483947,00.jpg

Charlton number one Elliot was unable to continue against Tranmere Rovers due to a hip injury and was replaced at half-time, while back-up Worner picked up a dead leg in the second half.

Worner is expected to be fit to face the Dons, but former England U18 international Etheridge will give Powell much-needed options in a crucial area of the pitch.

Etheridge, who has been handed the number 38 jersey, has yet to feature for the Premier League Cottagers, but was named on the bench for a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2010.

Although he was born in Enfield and has numerous caps as an England Youth international, he now represents the Philippines, and won his first senior cap in 2008 against Brunei in the AFC Challenge Cup, where he kept three clean sheets in his first three games.

charltonathletic (http://www.cafctv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10267~2310819,00.html#continue)

off_side

March 10th, 2011, 03:32 AM

Long Azkals absence for Etheridge
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 01:16:08 10/03/2011

MANILA--- Filipino-British Neil Etheridge has been sent on a month-long loan by English Premiere League side Fulham FC to Charlton Athletic in the third-tier League One, a move that could prevent the Azkals goalkeeper from seeing action for the national booters in several key matches.

The 21-year-old Etheridge, who has already ruled himself out of the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying duel with Mongolia on March 15, will also miss the group stage qualifying in Myanmar if the Azkals progress.

Although the loan move is only for a month, Etheridge believes he could finish the season with Charlton in League One, which ends May 7. League One doesn’t take a break for international matches unlike the EPL.

That means Etheridge won’t be available for the Azkals until the first round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in June.

The goalkeeper played eight games for the Azkals in 2010 and was instrumental in their run to the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup in Vietnam and Indonesia.

“It kills me (to miss the Myanmar games) but I have to take this chance,” Etheridge told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an e-mail Tuesday night. “It’s massive at my age. This is the kind of move that I have been waiting for.”

Etheridge believes he will have more playing opportunities at Charlton, which is in the midst of a defensive crisis with its two goalkeepers out with injuries.

Meanwhile, former Azkals coach Simon McMenemy has signed a two-year deal to handle Dong Tam Long An FC in the Vietnamese League.

McMenemy coached the Philippine Team for four months in 2010, and steered Azkals to a maiden semifinal finish in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Long-Azkals-absence-for-Etheridge.html

off_side

March 10th, 2011, 03:34 AM

Azkals fine as quake rocks Japan
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 10, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Azkals stood their ground amid a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck Japan’s northeastern coast at around noontime yesterday.

“The team is fine. They didn’t even feel it,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta over the phone.

The Azkals are in Gotemba, a city located on the southeastern flank of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka, and close to 200 kms away from the capital of Tokyo.

The Azkals are in Japan, where the temperature drops to zero degree with occasional snow showers, gearing up for a March 15 match with Mongolia.

They leave Japan on Saturday for UIan Bator in Mongolia.

The other day, weather in Ulan Bator was at minus-11 degrees, and the short stint in Japan should give the Azkals enough time to acclimatize.

The Azkals were scheduled to play a friendly against a Japanese squad, but as of presstime nothing has been made available regarding the result.

Phil Younghusband said in his Twitter account that “training is doing well.”

Another post made by Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright said they were scheduled to visit a hot spring somewhere in Gotemba yesterday.

“Japan is known for its hot springs and I’m sure they need one right now,” said Araneta, who will travel to Ulan Bator on Saturday.

The Azkals arrived in Japan two days ago, and last Tuesday they took their first practice session under zero degree weather.

Yesterday’s earthquake reportedly shook buildings hundreds of miles away in Tokyo and triggering a small tsunami. But there were no reports of serious damage or injuries.

A report said the epicenter was pointed about 90 miles off the northeastern coast – about 270 miles northeast of Tokyo – at a depth of about five miles.

In Tokyo, office buildings swayed and creaked for about 30 seconds during the quake

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=664739&publicationSubCategoryId=69

off_side

March 10th, 2011, 03:46 AM

Azkals freeze in tune up
By FRANCIS SANTIAGOMarch 10, 2011, 12:07am

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals were a shadow of their reputation and fell to the Kanto Gakuin University football team, 4-0, yesterday in the first of their friendly duel in Gotemba City, Japan.

It was not the kind of result expected from the team but officials said that can be explained by the Azkals’ lack of familiarity in the playing conditions which was nearly freezing and also the fact that the Japanese squad was apparently far superior in both technique and teammanship.

The game was part of the Azkals’ preparation for their crucial AFC Challenge Cup rematch against Mongolia on March 15 and it showed they have to make plenty of adjustments when the real match begins.

“Medyo nag-aadjust pa sila sa lamig,” Azkals strength and conditioning coach Josef Malinay said in an overseas call yesterday.

The match was played in an artificial pitch at the Toki no Sumika recreational facility in Gotemba City Wednesday morning where the players according to Malinay, groped for form.

After the game, Malinay said German coach Hans Michael Weiss told his boys to “learn from this game because this (cold weather) is just a glimpse of what they should expect in Mongolia.”

When the national football team plays in Ulan Bator, the weather is expected to be between negative 8 and 20 degrees Celsius. Yesterday, temperature in Gotemba ranged from five to zero degrees.

The Azkals play another tune up match against a college team tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has been loaned to Charlton Athletic Football Club by his mother team, United Kingdom’s Fulham FC. Etheridge confirmed this on his Twitter account.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/308442/azkals-freeze-tune

hakz2007

March 10th, 2011, 08:44 AM

Japan Ranked 1st For World Cup 2014 Asian Qualifying Draw
Samurai Blue are top seeded Asian side as Australia slip
Asian champions Japan have been ranked No.1 for the upcoming World Cup qualifying draw for the Asian Football Confederation on March 30.

Japan reached the second round of the 2010 World Cup before following it up with their Asian Cup triumph at the beginning of this year.

South Korea have been ranked second after matching the feat of the Japanese in South Africa, though they were knocked out of the Asian Cup by none other than their arch-rivals at the semi final stage.

Australia have slipped down the rankings to third, with North Korea fourth and Bahrain fifth, ahead of the likes of Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The rankings are based on performances at the last World Cup and during the qualfying rounds for the tournament.

Rankings for the 2014 Asian World Cup qualifiers:

1. Japan, 2. Korea Republic, 3. Australia, 4. DPR Korea, 5. Bahrain, 6. Saudi Arabia, 7. Iran, 8, Qatar, 9. Uzbekistan, 10. UAE, 11. Syria, 12. Oman, 13. Jordan, 14. Iraq, 15. Singapore, 16, China, 17, Kuwait, 18. Thailand, 19. Turkmenistan, 20. Lebanon, 21, Yemen, 22. Tajikistan, 23. Hong Kong, 24. Indonesia, 25. Kyrgyzstan, 26. Maldives, 27. India, 28. Malaysia, 29-30, Afghanistan, Cambodia, 31. Nepal, 32. Bangladesh, 33-34. Sri Lanka, Vietnam, 35. Mongolia, 36. Pakistan, 37. Palestine, 38. Timor Leste, 39. Macau, 40-41. Chinese Taipei, Myanmar, 42-43. Bhutan, Guam, 44-45. The Philippines, Laoshttp://www.goal.com/en-us/news/83/asia/2011/03/09/2386113/japan-ranked-1st-for-world-cup-2014-asian-qualifying-draw

Maxxclip

March 11th, 2011, 02:38 AM

Pagcor chips in P2M for Azkals

MANILA, Philippines - The Azkals continue to draw the sponsors even while away.

Yesterday, as the Azkals trained in wintry Japan, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta announced that he received a P2 million donation from Pagcor.

“It’s something for the team from Pagcor,” said Araneta.

The PFF chief said the amount will be used to cover the team’s expenses in the ongoing AFC Challenge Cup.

Araneta said bulk of the amount given by the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation will cover the plane fare of the team which is now in Japan.

The Azkals are in a training facility in Gotemba, located near the foot of Mt. Fuji. They’ve been there the past four days in preparation for their March 15 match with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.

“Of course, it’s a very big help,” said Araneta of the Pagcor donation courtesy of its chairman, Bong Naguiat, and president, Jorge Sarmiento.

“We want to thank Pagcor, its chairman and president, for their tremendous support,” added the football chief.

Araneta said the Pagcor donation will carry the team through the group stage of the ongoing AFC Challenge. Should the Azkals get past Mongolia, they will next face Myanmar, Bangladesh and Palestine in the next stage.

The Azkals will fly to Ulan Bator, where temperature dips to around minus-11 degrees these days, on Saturday, just in time for the match.

Seeing action in Ulan Bator are Ed Sacapano, Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, James Younghusband, Anton del Rosario, Ian Araneta, Yanti Barsales, Joebel Bermejo, Reymark Palmes, Mark Ferrer, Peter Jaugan, Chris Camcam, Jerry Barbaso and Kim Relucio, Aly Borromeo, Simon Greatwich, Jason Sabio, Ray Jonsson and Jason de Jong.

Top goalie Neil Etheridge is out of the Ulan Bator match after having been loaned by Fulham to Charleton Athletic for the League One action.

philstar (http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=665061&publicationSubCategoryId=69)

Maxxclip

March 11th, 2011, 02:53 AM

Know your Azkals: James Younghusband's six secrets

James Younghusband looks like your quintessential good boy with a smile that never seems to go away. He’s also very reserved and shy, the opposite of his extroverted brother Phil. Now James talks a little bit more than usual and shares six things that people don’t know about him.

James can be aggressive, but only on the pitch

When James has his game face on, you better get out of his way. He’s not afraid to tackle, or get tackled for that matter.

“If you don’t bend the rules, you won’t get far," (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/214953/sports/know-your-azkals-james-younghusbands-six-secrets)he says.

Well “bending the rules" has gotten him three red cards to date – first was when he kicked someone with his knee; another was an accidental headbutt; while the last one was just a “silly foul" during a game here in Davao.

Off the pitch, he remains the shy Jimbo we know, so it’s wise to initiate conversation when you first meet him.

James wanted to be a footballer or superhero

He has been playing football since he was 3-years-old. Because of this, it was a no-brainer for him to want to play in the professional leagues later on in life.

However, James had another childhood dream – he wanted to be a superhero. He probably realized fighting villains and flying around was a tough act so he just stuck with football.

Off the pitch, James is a couch potato

Once he gets his rare breaks from football and work, James would rather chill with his family than go out and paint the town red. His stack of DVDs and Play Station games can prove it.

Aside from “Titanic," which Phil also loves, James doesn’t mind watching “The Dark Knight," “Inception" and “The Shawshank Redemption" over and over again.

He also has a special bond with his Play Station, which he says he hasn’t used much because of Azkal duties. But if he has time, he plays virtual football with FIFA and Revelation Soccer.

James loves the arts

If he didn’t pursue sports, James would have stayed in school to study arts. He even used to do graphic design before he got really busy with the Azkals.

“I love being creative. But showbiz is not part of my ‘art,’" he says.

Sorry to all his fans but James is not appearing in mainstream media anytime soon. If ever he does agree to do a movie or a television show, he’ll only accept roles where he’s a football player or coach.

“Nothing out of my comfort zone," he stresses.

James is scared of heights…and potato chips

James’ biggest fear is heights but he’s obviously overcome that already, what with him getting on planes almost every week for the Azkals.

So right now, his biggest fear would be potato chips. Yes, that bag of salty snack you keep in your pantry.

“I had a bad experience with potato chips when I was a kid. I was in Wales and I got this really bad packet. It was expired or something. After that, I never touched potato chips again," he retells.

Phil even kids that when he wants James to do something for him, he scares him with potato chips. Weird, but it’s kind of endearing.

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/james_younghusband.jpg

No matter what you do, James won’t accept your marriage proposal

The rumor that three people – one girl and two guys – have proposed marriage to James is true. With his smile and charming English accent, who wouldn’t fall in love?

Obviously he didn’t accept any of them, and James says he won’t be accepting any future proposals either.

“I can’t just accept a marriage proposal. I have to get to know the person first, make sure we have the same interests," the 24-year-old says.

He’d also prefer to be the one initiating the marriage proposal. Once he’s found that one lucky girl, he wants to marry her in a beach right here in the Philippines.

“I want a simple wedding, with the perfect bride," he says with his signature half-smile.

Now even if he doesn’t talk that much, his mean football moves and little quirks are enough to do the talking.

off_side

March 11th, 2011, 04:44 AM

Sabio, Greatwich rejoin Azkals
By FRANCIS SANTIAGOMarch 10, 2011, 11:24pm

MANILA, Philippines – Jason Sabio has left his law studies in the US to pursue his football dreams and together with midfielder Simon Greatwich, the duo are due to rejoin the Philippine Azkals in Japan Friday where the team is currently training for their all-important match against Mongolia four days from now in Ulan Bator.

It could not be determined how fit Sabio and Greatwich are after missing much of the Azkals training sessions.

The Fil-American Sabio, a second year University of Alabama law student whose mother is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, left sometime in late February to go to the US to tell his professors that he was temporarily stopping his studies to play for the national team.

The Crimson White newspaper in Alabama reported on Wednesday that Sabio “has decided to take a leave of absence from the University of Alabama. His reason? To dedicate himself to the Philippine national soccer team for nine months.”

“Law school will always be there,” Sabio said in the same interview. “I already have my bachelor’s, and I’ve spoken to the dean of the law school in depth, and he says I have to do it too.” Sabio said he’s excited to join his teammates.

“Magandang umaga! 12 hours from now I’m leaving Bama (Alabama in the United States)… I can’t wait,” Sabio, 24, posted on his Twitter account Thursday. “Bro, Simon (Greatwich) and I leave on Mar 10. It takes a day to get to Japan! I’m slated for March 11, 2:30 pm.”

The two will join the Azkals who will reportedly play again the Kanto Gakuin University football team Friday. The Kanto booters beat the Azkals, 4-0, in a friendly match on Wednesday.

Sabio debuted for the Azkals last Feb. 9 and played 26 minutes in the second half against the Mongolians, whom they beat, 2-0, in the first leg of their series in Bacolod City.

A 22-year-old varsity player of Hartwick College in New York, Greatwich made a lot of heads turn in the second half against Mongolia, nearly scoring on an overhead kick.

The Fil-British’s availability comes as a boost for the Azkals, considering that his older brother, Chris, Rob Gier and goalie Neil Etheridge will skip the match.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/308659/sabio-greatwich-rejoin-azkals

Maxxclip

March 11th, 2011, 10:08 AM

@dspalami on twitter:

Azkals are safe...felt the tremors but okay. Airports have been closed, hopefully it won't affect the flight to Mongolia tomorrow.

off_side

March 12th, 2011, 03:46 AM

We're all safe - Azkals
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 12, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – The Azkals are all safe and sound after another powerful earthquake, this time with a magnitude of 8.9, struck the northeastern coast of Japan yesterday afternoon.

“Just to let everyone know we’re all safe in Japan. We’re quite far from the coastline so no need to worry,” said Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo on Twitter a few hours after the earthquake.

It was the second earthquake to hit Japan in three days, and yesterday’s was more powerful than Wednesday’s which had a magnitude of 7.3.

There were reports of heavy damage in the areas most hit by the earthquake, with aftershocks as powerful at 7.4 as well as tsunami alerts even in the neighboring countries.

The Azkals are in Gotemba, close to 200 km away from Tokyo, as part of their training for the March 15 match with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.

“The Azkals are safe. Felt the tremors but otherwise okay,” said Azkals team manager Dan Palami who flew home to the Philippines from Japan the other day.

The Azkals were supposed to train in Fukushima but at the last minute had moved to Gotemba.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because in Fukushima, six people died and many more were hurt after yesterday’s earthquake.

It was very difficult to get through the phone and get a first-hand account from the Azkals regarding the earthquake which struck at 2:46 p.m. (Japan time).

“No phone connection. We are all fine. But we don’t know how we are going to fly because the airports are all closed,” said Azkals goalie Chris Camcam on Twitter.

“Just want to let you know that the team is alright here in Japan. Please send your prayers to the rest of the country,” said defender Anton del Rosario.

Because of yesterday’s earthquake, Palami raised some concern regarding the Azkals’ flight to Ulan Bator Saturday evening.

“Airports have been closed but hopefully it won’t affect flight to Mongolia tomorrow,” said Palami.

Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta called The STAR to assure everyone that the Azkals are safe in their training camp.

“They’re okay. No need to worry,” said Araneta, who said two Azkals players coming in from the United States might take longer to get to Japan.

Araneta said he still has to receive word on Jason Sabio, who’s coming in from Chicago, and Simon Greatwich, who’s flying in from Houston.

“They were supposed to arrive in Japan at 2:30 and 4:25 yesterday. Maybe their flights have been diverted because of the closure of the airports,” said the PFF chief.

But Araneta said he’s hoping that things would normalize soon, and that Sabio and Greatwich will be able to join the team before the day is over.

Araneta said the second tuneup match between the Azkals and a Japanese squad, scheduled for today, may no longer take place because of what had happened.

The Azkals lost to the Kanto University team the other day, 4-0, in a match played under sub-zero weather.

“Airports were closed, train tracks as well. Maybe that second match will be cancelled,” said Araneta.

The quake struck at a depth of six miles (10 kilometers), about 80 miles (125 kilometers) off the eastern coast, the agency said. The area is 240 miles (380 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=665481&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Maxxclip

March 12th, 2011, 10:35 AM

Azkals flies to Mongolia from Japan a day after quake

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals football team is now headed for Ulan Bator, Mongolia after experiencing the magnitude 8.9 quake that struck Sendai City, Japan Friday afternoon.

According to sportswriter Cedelf Tupas’ Twitter account at around 1:45 PM, Saturday, the Azkals are “now in Tokyo, making their way to Narita Airport.”

Earlier at 9:30 AM, he tweeted that the team was “instructed to pack, hoping to make it to Narita in time for 730 pm flight to Beijing then to Ulan Bator.”

An hour later, he followed with “Azkals left Gotemba already. Headed to train station to take bullet train to Tokyo. Then off to Narita to catch flight.” His next tweet, posted another hour after, said that the team already reached Mishima station and “buying bullet train tickets to Tokyo now.”

Tupas also posted that the Azkals might leave at 7:20 PM for Beijing, China via Air China before flying to Ulan Bator.

The Azkals was in Gotemba City for acclimation training in preparation for their second Asian Football Confederation (AFC) prequalifying game vs. the Mongolian football team to be held on March 15.

According to a report aired by TV Patrol on Friday, they were in the middle of the second practice game against the Kanto Gakuin University football team when the earthquake shook Sendai.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KU8sQn-Ea3g/TXgF0a8NIUI/AAAAAAAAAbg/MPV7NL7VD2Q/s1600/Ilongo%2BUnited.jpg
Photo courtesy of Richard Pacana

Reuters reported that the US Geological Society estimated the epicenter to be at 130 kms. east of Sendai in Honshu, off-shore, at a depth of 24 kms. With Tokyo city as reference point, southern city Gotemba is three hours away while northern city Sendai, two.

“Kinakabahan kahit medyo malayo kami kasi first time namin na makaranas ng gano'n kalakas na lindol. Malakas talaga yun kasi matutumba ka 'pag hindi ka nakahawak eh,” co-captain Chieffy Caligdong relayed via phone interview.

On the other hand, striker Roel Gener said “Huwag na po sila [mga pamilya] mag-alala. Ok naman kami dito, yun nga lang malamig.”

Other strikers Phil and James Youghusband, Aly Borromeo, Christopher Camcam, and Anton del Rosario made use of Twitter to inform their friends and family of the situation there and that they’re safe.

“No signal on phones because of the earthquakes. Experienced an earthquake during our game today. Don't know if we will leave tomorrow :(,” Phil reported.

“Everyone is ok guys! Thanks for the concern. Felt earthquake during our game and not sure if we'll be able to fly out tomorrow,” James said.

Team captain Borromeo said, “Thoughts and prayers go out to all the locals here in Japan. Don't worry about the team guys we're all safe over here!” and also mentioned that they felt aftershocks hours after the earthquake.

Goalie Chris Camcam reported that phone lines had been cut where they were and that tsunamis are “all over Japan.”

Azkals defender del Rosario said that there’s “flooding everywhere but we're far from it” and that he hopes “Japan will overcome this dreadful disaster.”

Their team manager Dan Palami also assured everyone via Twitter that the Azkals “felt the tremors but otherwise okay.”

More, the TV Patrol report mentioned that Azkals strikers Simon Greatwich and Jason Sabio, both coming from the US but through separate flights, were supposed to join the team in flying out of Tokyo to Ulan Bator today.

However, the quake caused the airports in Japan to close down until this morning so Sabio was stranded in Narita Airport in Tokyo while Greatwich in Osaka from yesterday afternoon up to today. According to Sabio’s and Greatwich’s Twitter account as of this writing, Greatwich will instead be flying to Ulan Bator via Seoul, South Korea while Sabio will head to Beijing first before finally getting on another flight to Ulan Bator.

Meanwhile, the Azkals bowed down to the Kanto Gakuin University team in the friendly games held on Tuesday and Friday, 0-4 and 1-8, respectively.

mb (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/308962/azkals-flies-mongolia-japan-a-day-after-quake)

off_side

March 13th, 2011, 01:32 PM

Azkals take risky route to U Bator
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 13, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – The resilient Azkals took the risk as they left the training facility in Gotemba, Japan yesterday morning just to catch their evening flight to Ulan Bator, Mongolia via Beijing.

The Azkals arrived safely at the Narita International Airport after taking a bullet train. They boarded the Air China flight to Beijing past 8 p.m.

They were scheduled to arrive in Beijing at 11:30 p.m., with very little time, 40 minutes to be exact, to catch the flight to Ulan Bator at 12:10 a.m.

“(We’re) at the (Narita) boarding gate. Been traveling nine hours and not even on the plane. (We) carried boxes around Japan literally by foot,” said Phil Younghusband on his Twitter.

The Azkals hooked up with teammate Jason Sabio who had been at the Narita Airport since Friday’s earthquake.

Simon Greatwich, who also came in from the United States, but on a different flight, ended up in Incheon, South Korea, and was on his way to Ulan Bator last night.

The earthquake that struck the northeastern coast of Japan the other day left the Azkals, in Gotemba since Monday, in a tight situation as they prepared for Tuesday’s match.

As of Friday evening, there was no certainty if the Azkals would be able to fly out of Japan which was struck by the seventh strongest earthquake in history.

Team officials feared that if the Azkals left Gotemba for Tokyo by bus, and travel around 170 kms, they might get stuck somewhere along the way.

And it was very hard to guess what might happen considering all the damage caused by the earthquake that left hundreds dead, with continuing threats of a tsunami and aftershocks.

Tokyo was a gridlock as of midnight of Friday, with traffic at a standstill, and an ordinary one-hour drive took at least five times longer.

The situation left football president Nonong Araneta and Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who were in Manila, in a quandary.

They thought of pushing for a cancellation of the March 15 match with the Mongolians, and push it back to a couple of days until things normalize in Japan.

But amid all these, the Azkals kept their supporters updated via Twitter, assuring everyone that they are all safe in Gotemba, which is far off the coastlines of Japan.

Araneta and Palami moved their flights to Ulan Bator via Incheon, South Korea from yesterday noon to tomorrow, meaning they will get there on the eve of the match.

But the Azkals, fortunately, did manage to get out of Gotemba, and safely to the Narita Airport on their way out to Ulan Bator.

“The Japanese Football Association did everything they could to make sure the team gets to the airport safely,” said Araneta.

Greatwich joked on his Twitter account that Sabio “has been stuck at the airport for so long he’s starting to look like Robin Williams in Jumanji.”

Del Rosario said the Narita Airport “looked like a hotel and the floor are the beds.”

Speaking of Sabio, Del Rosario said in jest, “He’s right next to me in one piece but he stinks.”

Sabio replied, “Anton is right. I smell. I smell like roses and butterflies.”

The Azkals will play the Mongolians in Ulan Bator at around 1 p.m. Tuesday, under freezing weather conditions, and would rely on their Columbia thermal outwear to fight it off.

The Azkals defeated the Mongolians at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, 2-0, last Feb. 9, and now the hosts need to win by a margin of at least three goals to boot the Azkals out.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=665772&publicationSubCategoryId=69

off_side

March 13th, 2011, 01:38 PM

Azkals expected in Ulan Bator today
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 12:09:56 13/03/2011

MANILA—The gripping journey included two train rides and offered the Philippine football team an actual glimpse of the devastation in earthquake and tsunami-hit Japan.

The Azkals managed to survive yesterday the transportation crisis that hounded Japan, arriving in Tokyo just in time to catch their flight to Beijing, where they will take another plane to the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator.

The Azkals were scheduled to arrive in Ulan Bator early this morning, three days before the second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying duel with Mongolia.

“It was a long journey for the team, but we are happy that the team made it,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta. “Now they can focus on the match.”

For awhile Friday night, the prospect of the Azkals reaching Ulan Bator on schedule looked dim with roads to Tokyo damaged by the earthquake measured at 8.9 on the Richter Scale and operations at the Narita Airport came to a halt.

Gotemba, where the Azkals trained to acclimatize with Ulan Bator’s cold weather, is located in Southern Japan and is a three-hour drive from Tokyo.

The scenario was so serious that Araneta had broached the possibility of requesting the AFC to move the match to March 16.

But things started to normalize yesterday and the Azkals left Gotemba early Saturday morning. After a short bus ride, the team took the bullet train to Tokyo then transferred to another train to the airport.

The Azkals met up with teammate Jason Sabio, who spent the night at the airport after spending eight hours on the Japan Airlines plane that brought him to Tokyo from Chicago parked on the tarmac.

Another teammate, Simon Greatwich, found his United Airlines flight to Tokyo from Houston Friday diverted to Osaka. Greatwich flew to Incheon, South Korea, and will take a flight to Ulan Bator Saturday.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-expected-in-Ulan-Bator-today.html

off_side

March 14th, 2011, 02:27 AM

Tired, sleepless Azkals 'frozen'
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 14, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo checked out the pitch yesterday and couldn’t believe what he saw.

“(It) almost turned into ice,” he said on his Twitter account.

Worse, the Azkals couldn’t even get to practice and warm up because their luggage got lost somewhere in transit.

The Azkals are tired, cold and weary in Mongolia.

With only two days before the match, the Azkals are just trying to keep their confidence at a high level.

“Yesterday is over and done with,” added Borromeo from Ulan Bator, the freezing Mongolian capital where yesterday’s weather was at a low of -13 and a high of -24 degrees Celsius.

Borromeo said they’re all hoping for the best.

“Greater expectations, greater results ahead,” he said.

“Two days until game time. It’s time to focus,” said defender Anton del Rosario, who was quite surprised to find Filipino fans in Mongolia.

“What are all these Filipinos doing in Mongolia? We’ll have more fans than Mongolia,” he said.

Borromeo and the Azkals travelled almost 24 hours to get to Ulan Bator Saturday, all the way from earthquake-ravaged Gotemba in Japan via Beijing.

It was a treacherous journey out of Japan considering the damage caused by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck its northeastern coast.

The Azkals were in a training facility in Gotemba, 174 kms away from Tokyo when the great earthquake struck at 2:46 p.m. Friday.

The Azkals almost got stranded in Gotemba, and their March 15 match with Mongolia almost threatened. But the Japanese Football Association made sure they safely got out of the country.

It wasn’t easy.

The Azkals had to take a bullet train to Tokyo in the morning, and were stranded at the Narita International Airport because of flight delays.

They managed to board the plane to Beijing at around 8 p.m. and caught a connecting flight to Ulan Bator past midnight.

The Azkals arrived in Ulan Bator past 4 a.m., and, all wrapped in their Columbia thermal gear, were met by the terrible winter conditions. Ulan Bator is said to be the coldest national capital in the world.

Worse, they arrived minus their luggage, which got left behind in Beijing, and was to be brought to the Palace Hotel yesterday afternoon.

“We safely arrived in Mongolia. It’s 4:30 a.m. Definitely ready for bed,” said Simon Greatwich on Twitter.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=666026&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Maxxclip

March 15th, 2011, 03:45 AM

Minus key men, Azkals try to toss out Mongolia today

INCHEON—A Philippine football team known to thrive in adversity faces its biggest challenge yet when it battles Mongolia minus several key players Tuesday in the second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup duel at the National Stadium in Ulan Bator.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. with the Azkals also hoping to overcome the sub-zero conditions against the Mongolians, who need to win by at least three goals to prevent the the Filipinos from reaching the group stage.

The Azkals won the first leg, 2-0, on goals from Phil Younghusband and Chieffy Caligdong at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod last Feb. 9.

Though they trained as well as to acclimatize in Gotemba City in earthquake-ravaged Japan, the Azkals managed just one training session in Ulan Bator in minus-10 degrees Celsius temperature since they only got their luggage on Monday morning.

The match is expected to be played at temperatures ranging from minus-4 to minus-6 degrees, and the players believe that they can weather the challenge as long as they stay mobile on the pitch.

“As long as we keep running, I think we will be okay, (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Minus-key-men-Azkals-try-to-toss-out-Mongolia-today.html)” said skipper Aly Borromeo.

The Azkals will miss goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, defender Rob Gier and midfielders Chris Greatwich and Jason de Jong.

Eduard Sacapano is expected to fill in for Etheridge, while Jason Sabio will likely start in place of Gier. Roel Gener and Peter Jaugan are on line to replace De Jong in a defensive midfield role.

As if the treacherous journey from Gotemba to Ulan Bator wasn’t enough, a member of the team, Ray Jonsson, found himself unable to make it to Ulan Bator on time because team officials already in the Mongolian capital kept his passport.

Jonsson, the reliable Fil-Icelandic defender, was not permitted by Chinese immigration to board a flight to Ulan Bator for fear that he might be sent back because he did not have a Mongolian visa, which is actually issued on arrival in the capital city.

Not even a letter of guarantee from the Mongolian Football Federation could convince Chinese immigration, and Jonsson was forced to take another flight to Incheon, South Korea, where he was to board a flight to Ulan Bator Monday night.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta and Azkals team manager Dan Palami believe the challenges faced by the Azkals just to make it to Mongolia will motivate them to play well.

“This will motivate them further,” said Araneta. “I think what they have to think about is that they should be blessed that they are safe now. I just want them to refocus on the match. I expect them to fight hard after all of these adversities.”

“This just tests the resolve of our team,” said Palami. “If we want to go to the next level, we must overcome these challenges, and I think we have a team that’s capable of making it past Mongolia.”

The Azkals don’t see any problem beating Mongolia under normal conditions, but the cold weather has raised concerns.

Phil Younghusband shares Borromeo’s sentiment, saying the Azkals are the better players individually than the Mongolians.

“We’re more confident now than in the first leg because we have seen them play,” said Younghusband.

The Azkals’ German coach Hans Michael Weiss expects the Mongolians to shift to a more attacking style of play this time.

In the Feb. 9 match, Mongolia played on the defensive, tightened the spaces, and man-marked Younghusband, making it difficult for the Azkals to score more goals.

“Mongolia will and has to attack and we want to catch them on the break,” said Weiss. “We will be playing it safe. My team must stand this character test because only the conditions can cause damage to us.”

Younghusband added: “They will need to score, so they will commit more men forward and that gives us more space.”

“We expect them to come out strong, but if we hold them in the first half, I think we’re going to be okay,” said Borromeo.

Maxxclip

March 15th, 2011, 03:59 AM

http://showbizrenegade.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/philippine-azkals.jpg

Live on Studio 23 at 12 noon. Replay will be aired by BALLS at 3 pm and by Studio 23 at 7 pm.

Good luck to the Azkals!

off_side

March 15th, 2011, 04:07 AM

Experts confident Phl XI will pull thru
By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated March 15, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Former national football coach Aris Caslib said yesterday he expects the Philippines to beat Mongolia in the rematch of their Challenge Cup home-and-away qualifying series at Ulan Bator this afternoon and predicted the same score, 2-0, as in the first game in Bacolod.

But to clinch the tie, Caslib said the Azkals must make adjustments in their style of play particularly as Mongolia will have scouted the Philippines more assiduously by now.

“When we break away, we can’t just go to the left or right because as Mongolia showed in Bacolod, they can manage us from either side,” said Caslib. “We’ve got to open up the middle. Phil (Younghusband) and Ian (Araneta) must work together to create opportunities. I think Anton (del Rosario) must time his overlapping run to give us a chance to attack the middle. (Peter) Jaugan and Simon (Greatwich) should play in combination to give our strikers more openings to score. In basketball, you take long shots to open up the middle. It’s the same thing in football. Phil was well marked in Bacolod so we have to find ways to get him free.”

Caslib said he has attended coaching seminars in Mongolia and is familiar with the national stadium conditions. “The venue isn’t very big and can accommodate only up to 2,500,” said Caslib. “My main worry is the climate but I think we’re prepared to play in cold weather. Our Fil-foreigners are used to the cold but our locals like Chieffy (Caligdong) and Ian must cope. I know Chieffy and Ian will step up. The training in Baguio and Japan should be sufficient to get the team used to the weather.”

Caslib said the absence of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defender Rob Gier may or may not make a difference. Eduard Sacapano will take over Etheridge’s job.

“I think Sacapano will do fine,” said Caslib. “When we played in the 2006 Challenge Cup in Bangladesh, he was our goalkeeper and did okay. We drew twice and lost only once. That was his first time in international competition. We had a goalkeeping coach counselling him during the tournament. So in Mongolia, we’ll need someone to just focus on Eduard. We’ve got to build up his confidence. As for Gier’s absence, I think we’ve got enough defenders to fill in. Aly (Borromeo) and Anton are tough defenders. So our depth is enough to make up for Rob.”

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) chairman Johnny Romualdez said once the game gets going, the weather won’t be a factor for as long as the players keep moving.

“That’s football, if you don’t move, you don’t score or you don’t defend so I expect our team to be on the move from start to finish,” said Romualdez. “It’s not easy playing in freezing conditions particularly at the start. My worry is our goalkeeper. He could tighten up if he doesn’t get too much work. We know that Neil is a big part of our defense and without him, Sacapano must work double time because Mongolia will be on the attack. Mongolia didn’t show too much offense in Bacolod but if they want to win the tie, they’ve got to score and win by at least three goals. We’ll miss Rob, too, but our defense should be able to cover up.”

Romualdez said since Mongolia will be more offense-oriented, the defense should loosen up for the Azkals to score. “Once the defense opens up, Phil will score, that’s for sure,” said Romualdez. “We’ve got others who can also score like Ian, Chieffy, James (Younghusband) and Jason (de Jong). I think it’ll be a more exciting match than in Bacolod, more high-scoring. It’s all a matter of playing to our strengths and covering up our weaknesses.”

Another former national coach Juan Cutillas said the Azkals will win with no problem.

“Let’s face it, Mongolia is a poor quality team,” said Cutillas. “I think we should win without any trouble. The difference in our skills level is abysmal. The weather might slow us down but I think we should be acclimatized by now. I recall when I was coaching the Australian team from Queensland, we toured New Zealand and during one game, the temperature dropped from five degrees above to three or four below zero in a matter of about 45 minutes. But we kept on playing.”

Cutillas said he was disturbed by reports that the Azkals lost badly to a university team in Japan twice last week. The scores weren’t close, 4-0 and 8-1. “I don’t know what happened, maybe we just couldn’t cope with the quality of the opposition or the weather was too cold for us or we weren’t complete,” said Cutillas. “Whatever the reason, I’m hoping it won’t affect our performance in Mongolia. I expect Mongolia’s defense to open up a little and that will make it easier for us to score. If our defense holds, they’ll try to score with long balls but we should be able to handle whatever they try.”

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=666348&publicationSubCategoryId=69

bagel

March 15th, 2011, 07:07 AM

Goooooooaal! Phil Younghusband!

I think about 2-3 minutes in? Mongolia now needs to score 4 goals to advance past the Philippines.

Edit: It was James Younghusband at 3 minutes.

ryanr

March 15th, 2011, 07:10 AM

whoo hoo!

Mongolia's pitch is much better than I expected. Seems like a well developed stadium and its surroundings.:D

bagel

March 15th, 2011, 07:17 AM

^ it's an artificial pitch. In this weather it must be hard as rock... no wonder that ball was bouncing really high. But the stadium looks like it's right in the middle of the city. Nice.

the_villager

March 15th, 2011, 07:24 AM

Azkal is now leading the game wew!

ryanr

March 15th, 2011, 07:30 AM

that looked offside.

amras

March 15th, 2011, 07:30 AM

1-1 na:bash:

diz

March 15th, 2011, 07:36 AM

hilarious. RP team screwing up like no other...

2-0
1-2

3-2. :ohno:

how terrible. plus, the filipino commentator seems to get excited at the wrong time. he's annoying.

carl_vilches21

March 15th, 2011, 07:37 AM

2-1 for mongolia.

pi_malejana

March 15th, 2011, 07:37 AM

eh 2-1 na in favor of Mongolia...:ohno:

bagel

March 15th, 2011, 07:42 AM

Stupid foul.

ryanr

March 15th, 2011, 07:45 AM

how terrible. plus, the filipino commentator seems to get excited at the wrong time. he's annoying.

They should really be on location. It sounds so unprofessional with the amount of guess work he's doing from what he sees on TV. Also sounds like I'm watching a basketball game and not a football match.

diz

March 15th, 2011, 07:49 AM

lol RP team needs to learn how to fake injuries like Mongolia's been doing. very ungraceful though.

bagel

March 15th, 2011, 07:51 AM

The camera work is horrible! We can't see the corners!

ryanr

March 15th, 2011, 07:56 AM

^ the angle is weird. Its not wide enough. But oh well, at least we can watch it:)

amras

March 15th, 2011, 08:04 AM

azkals always scores at the last minute so kayang kaya pa nila yan!!:cheers:

bagel

March 15th, 2011, 08:08 AM

I don't like how they keep on talking about the aggregate score. It's not a good strategy to settle for points victory. Not the right attitude. Play to win!

mrboy

March 15th, 2011, 08:51 AM

bastos naman yung isang mongolian na may tinapon.

superpilyoako

March 15th, 2011, 08:58 AM

next stop: Myanmar!

absinthe_888

March 15th, 2011, 09:11 AM

Calingdong desperately wanted a goal for himself...ipasa naman ang bola...

Yabang nung commentator sa Studio 23, he was expecting a 5-0 score in favor of the PHL. :D

the_villager

March 15th, 2011, 09:56 AM

i hate it! but still azkals advances to the next round. congratz

off_side

March 15th, 2011, 10:41 AM

IMO , with all the hardships that the team has faced these last few days plus the harsh tempearture in Ulan Bator which most of the players experienced for the first time , loosing to the Mongols 2-1 is not that bad.

What is important is that we advanced to the group stage. What is unfortunate however is the injury to Phil Younghusband which would sideline him in the Myanmar stage as reported by ABS-CBN.

GO AZKALS !!!

RonnieR

March 15th, 2011, 12:57 PM

Congratulations AZKALS!

chris_nigel

March 15th, 2011, 01:25 PM

talo..sana makabawi

BergenScooterPatrol

March 15th, 2011, 05:17 PM

talo..sana makabawi

panalo, kasi 3:2 aggregate score

IMPRESARIO

March 15th, 2011, 07:31 PM

Azkals, pasok sa group stage ng AFC Cup

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/sports/03/15/11/azkals-advances-afc-group-stage#ooid=1icmpiMjoUKjcaC8apGyX84BZdNCYNja

IMPRESARIO

March 15th, 2011, 07:32 PM

SONA - Jessica Soho interviews Azkals after match vs. Mongolia 03/15/11
UkiLXfjrwGE

Maxxclip

March 16th, 2011, 03:26 AM

congratulations, Azkals!:okay:i like their attitude, they themselves admit that they're not satisfied with their performance...and that they will do everything to win back trust... and this loss will make them fight stronger in Myanmar. sabi nga ng isa sa kanila:
It’s not how hard you fall but how high you bounce back.

Askal82

March 16th, 2011, 03:40 AM

^^ Anything can happen in football, just like what happened in Vietnam not so long time ago.

dinabaw

March 16th, 2011, 05:18 AM

^^ take that from a veteran askal :jk: :D

off_side

March 16th, 2011, 05:37 AM

Azkals promise to make up for disappointing loss
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/15/2011 10:06 PM | Updated as of 03/16/2011 8:38 AM

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals apologized to their fans for their 1-2 loss to Mongolia and promised to do better.

The players, who still made it to the Challenge Cup group stage on goal aggregate, 3-2, also thanked the multitude of supporters online.

"[J]ust want 2 apologize 2 the fans for the bad result today. the team is really disappointed by the loss. thank u all for your support though," tweeted Simon Greatwich.

"Guys, really sorry about the loss. Glad we qualified though," added Phil Younghusband, who failed to finish the Mongolia game after sustaining a pulled hamstring.

The Azkals will next face Myanmar in the Challenge Cup group stage on March 21.

The players vowed to redeem themselves in their game against the Myanmar White Angels.

"Thank you for all those (who) supported and I apologize for the result. I PROMISE we will redeem ourselves in Myanmar!" tweeted Anton del Rosario.

"Sorry Pilipinas, very disappointed with the loss today! The match is history.. now time to look forward to the next games in Myanmar!" added team captain Aly Borromeo.

The Azkals actually scored first in the Mongolia game with James Younghusband hitting the goal for the Philippines.

However, the team lost their poise later in the first half when skipper Lumbengarav Donorov and Garidmagnai Bayasgalan scored two goals for the Mongolian Blue Wolves.

The Azkals then showed better defense in the second half, thus preventing more Mongolia goal attempts.

Apology accepted

But it looks like the apologetic Azkals have nothing to worry about as most of their fans understood that they played under harsh conditions in Mongolia.

"#Azkals we are very proud... of you guys on all hardships and endeavours..." said Twitter user Trinquite.

"Good job #azkals!!! Malamig man sa Mongolia, malamang mainit ang pgtnggap s inyo pgblik sa Pinas..." said another Azkals fan, Marlowemanalo.

Fans even defended the Azkals against critics.

Sportscaster Boyet Sison tweeted: "[N]othing to be ashamed of #Azkals, what's important is you always play your best."

"I see the #Azkals won today. Breathe, fangirls and bandwagoners. Stop bitchin' that we lost," Twitter user ningkee said.

Moving on for Myanmar
Instead of whining over the second leg loss, some fans wished the Azkals well in the Challenge Cup group stage.

“[T]hankful for the #azkals efforts & for qualifying but theyre apologizing coz theyre warriors. and warriors hate losing. theyre still hungry,” said user iprotacio.

“[L]et's bark harder tito @dscpalami and the whole team #azkals for next week's match. live the dream, we believe! Pinoy Pride! :D,” added kat_is_tough.

The Azkals may have suffered criticisms with a game loss. But for some fans like television host Bianca Gonzales, the Azkals still made the country proud.

"[C]ongratulations #azkals! we're cheering you on to the next round! thank you for making us all proud to be pinoy,” Gonzales tweeted. – Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWS.com

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/15/11/azkals-promise-make-disappointing-loss

off_side

March 16th, 2011, 05:38 AM

PNoy congratulates Azkals
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/15/2011 8:45 PM | Updated as of 03/15/2011 9:21 PM

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday congratulated the Philippine Azkals for successfully advancing to the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.

“The Filipino people stand united in congratulating our Philippine Azkals on their 3-2 aggregate win against the Mongolian football team during their prequalifying playoff match for the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup,” the President said in a statement.

Despite a 1-2 loss to Mongolia on Tuesday, the Filipino booters entered the group stage owing to a better goal aggregate.

The Azkals enjoyed a 2-0 lead before the away game in Mongolia.

“This is a victory borne out of the constant striving for excellence of our very own Azkals. Their excellence is not borne of luck, but of the perseverance that characterizes true athletes: discipline, cooperation, teamwork. Along with their sportsmanship, these values continue to provide a rallying point for our countrymen. They symbolize our nation’s new era of transformation, in which our people stand at the cusp of greater glory on the world stage,” said Mr. Aquino.

“The Azkals can remain assured of the support and the encouragement of the Filipino people as they continue on to the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers,” he added

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/15/11/pnoy-congratulates-azkals

amigo32

March 16th, 2011, 06:43 AM

^^ take that from a veteran askal :jk: :D

you mean old askal?:D

Maxxclip

March 16th, 2011, 07:07 AM

Know your Azkals: Hail to the Chief(fy)!

In a country where international acclaim usually precedes national notoriety, the Azkals have emerged to be the poster boys of Philippine sports. Their amazing run at last year’s Suzuki cup, beating Southeast Asian powerhouses Singapore and then defending champions Vietnam, re-ignited the Filipino love affair with football.

The overflowing of support and instant heightened exposure immediately translated to instant demand.

Bannered by half Filipinos, the Azkals have come to attract sports enthusiasts and throngs of screaming fangirls alike. At the team’s AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round match held in Bacolod, thousands of football fans, new and old, gathered to experience a true rarity: an international football match in the Philippines.

More fans tuned in to prime-time television to watch the game, expecting the usual Fil-foreigners to dominate the game. And in true Azkals dramatic fashion, we were all introduced instead to Emelio “Chieffy" Caligdong, the Ilonggo left-winger from the Philippine Air Force.

Caligdong’s goal was a thing of beauty. Coming off the left wing, he received the pass with his chest, bounced it off his left foot back towards his right to avoid a defender, and shot it towards the goal in between the legs of the Mongolian goalie.

Goooaaal!

With that goal at the 42nd minute, the Philippines finally broke into the scoring column, calming nerves, assuring the faithful and delighting millions along the way.

Since then, Caligdong has gathered a fair share of fans. He sat down with GMA News Online to discuss his roots, his dreams, and his new-found fame.

Chieffy hails from the proud football town of Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo, where eight other members of the Azkals are from. He recalled that he started at the age of seven, and in the fourth grade, he had started to compete in the Palarong Pambansa and other regional tournaments. It was in 1997 when Caligdong had his first taste of international play. Then in second year high school, he became part of the Under 21 team that represented the Philippines at the Bolkiah Cup.

In 2000, he started is pursuit of becoming part of the senior Philippine team as part of the training pool for that year’s Tiger Cup. In 2002, he graduated from the University of San Agustin with a degree in Commerce (Management) and enlisted into the Philippine Air Force.

It was in 2004 that Caligdong finally became a part of the senior team. His first goal came via a 1-3 loss to Thailand. In that year’s Tiger Cup, he also scored two goals against Timor-Leste.

Almost seven years later, Chieffy, along with Team Azkals veterans Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Roel Gener, and Ian Araneta, are now reaping the fruits of their loyalty and commitment to the team.

“Pinaghirapan talaga namin ito since 2004. Nag-umpisa kami sa wala. Dati, football player ka lang. Walang nakakapansin sa iyo. Ngayon masaya kasi may reward. Kahit saan ka pumunta, proud lahat," recalls Caligdong.

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/chieffy.jpg

The journey that they took was indeed a memorable experience.

Chieffy adds, “Sobrang layo ng difference sa funding. Ang PFF (Philippine Football Federation) dati, walang allowance. Swerte naabutan namin si (team manager) Dan Palami."

But along with the outpouring of support comes an unfamiliar feeling of pressure to perform and make the Filipinos happy.

“Kaya kumuha ng foreign coach. Dahil may experience, marami (kaming) natututunan," he shares.

Caligdong also welcomes the influx of Fil-foreign players.

“Kami, nakikisama. Ang pinoy naman madaling umintindi. Ang management, di rin kumukuha ng mga makakasama sa team."

Chieffy continues to say that the future of the team does not rely on Fil-foreigners alone. He singles out Christopher CamCam, a 6’2 16-year-old student from PAREF Southridge school as one of the most promising players in the team.

With the subject shifting to the future, Chieffy mellowed down to talk about his own plans. He admits that he sees himself playing three to four more years with the team. After, he plans to concentrate on being a mentor to the younger players in various divisions.

When asked about his reaction to more kids wanting to learn the sport, he confessed, “Nakakataba ng puso. Madali lang matutunan ang football. May makukuha ka. Di lang ang pagiging sikat. Nade-develop din ang sportsmanship."

Caligdong also shared that he is in on his way towards establishing a football center in Marikina. He is also continuing his annual football festival in his hometown of Barotac Nuevo, where he continues to share what he has learned with the Azkals.

And his message to the future Chieffies of the Philippines?

“Don’t give up playing football. Kung ano yung pinaghihirapan mo, magkakaresulta. Teamwork at practice lang ng husto." (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215230/sports/know-your-azkals-hail-to-the-chieffy)

Maxxclip

March 16th, 2011, 10:56 AM

Attention Kaholeros:

there's a change of course according to sources...it is now confirmed that neil etheridge will be joining the team for the next group stage...

tweet of @Neil38Etheridge to @tjmanotoc:
yeah well its an international break from club football so yes they have allowed me to join the team

chris_nigel

March 16th, 2011, 12:26 PM

Papogian na lang ehh....panalo na ba??

off_side

March 17th, 2011, 03:44 AM

Azkals heavily armed for Myanmar
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated March 17, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Bitter over their failed bid against Mongolia the other day, the Philippine Azkals shift their focus on a bigger, tougher battle ahead – the AFC Challenge Cup group stages in Myanmar – armed to the teeth.

“We have to forget about Mongolia and refocus on our (upcoming) games in Myanmar,” Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta told The STAR before the team checked in at Ulan Bator’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport for their flight back home yesterday.

Slowed down by the biting cold in the Mongolian capital and their exhausting pre-game buildup in quake-hit Japan, the Azkals yielded a 1-2 setback to the Blue Wolves in the second leg of their play-off showdown. But aided by their 2-0 victory in the first leg in Bacolod City, Phl eventually won the duel on aggregate, 3-2, to advance to the group stages set March 21-25 against host Myanmar, Palestine and Bangladesh.

The Azkals felt they let their countrymen down with the loss, making apologies left and right on their respective Twitter accounts.

“Still feeling the loss yesterday (Wednesday),” skipper Aly Borromeo said. “Excuses only set you back further. We need to look to get better every time we step on the pitch!”

Without the punishing sub-zero condition of Mongolia, the Azkals see better days ahead in tropical Yangon. Plus they will have Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge of Fulham back in the fold and two new strikers, Fil-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado and Fil-German William Espinosa Guiridon to beef up the crew.

Fil-British forward Phil Younghusband, however, is a doubtful starter due to a pulled hamstring.

“(The outlook in Myanmar is) Very good, we’ll have a more complete lineup,” Araneta said. “I’m sure they will play a lot better since the weather will be much better, unlike in Mongolia.”

Etheridge, who skipped the second leg due to club commitment in England, is set to fly in to Manila this week and join the Azkals in their flight to Yangon on Saturday.

“It’s an international break from club football so yes they have allowed me to join the team,” said the 20-year-old Etheridge.

Phil Younghusband, who scored one of Phl’s two goals against the Blue Wolves in Bacolod, was forced out of the second leg after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 65th minute. He is set to undergo MRI scan upon the team’s arrival in Manila today to know the extent of his injury.

“Masakit pa rin ang injury ko (My hamstring still hurts),” Younghusband said. “Hindi ko pa alam kung pwede ako maglaro sa Myanmar. Sana makalaro ako (I still don’t know if I can play group stages but I hope I can). “

If Younghusband won’t be around, Araneta said they expect Aldegeur Guirado, a tall striker from the Spanish Division III club Deportivo Ronda, to fill in. Araneta also said the team is hopeful that Fil-British Rob Gier and Fil-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong will come over after missing the Ulan Bator outing.

The Philippines will be the highest in terms of FIFA ranking among the four teams in Group A of the qualifiers. The Azkals (No. 151) play host Myanmar (162) on March 21, Bangladesh (174) on March 23 and Palestine (177) on March 25, hoping to emerge in the Top 2 of the group to advance to the AFC Challenge Cup’s tournament proper next year.

Phl and Myanmar played to a scoreless draw in the AFF Suzuki Cup group stage last year. As to Palestine and Bangladesh, Araneta said: “We don’t have an idea about them so we’re working to get scouting reports.”

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=666987&publicationSubCategoryId=69

off_side

March 17th, 2011, 03:46 AM

Etheridge back, but ace striker doubtful in Myanmar
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 01:46:31 17/03/2011

ULAN BATOR---The return of key players will boostthe Philippine football team’s hopes of nailing one of the two slots at stake in the group qualifying tournament of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Rangoon, Myanmar starting March 21.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has confirmed his return to the Azkals after his loan move to Charlton from Fulham fell through, while defender Rob Gier and midfielder Jason de Jong could be available again after missing the second leg of the prequalifying showdown with Mongolia last Tuesday.

The Azkals will also have additional firepower up front with tall Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Guirado Aldeguer expected to make his debut for the squad.

But the strongest Azkals’ lineup would have to wait as highly touted Filipino-Danish players Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara as well as Filipino-German fullback Stephan Schrock will miss the group stage.

Star striker Phil Younghusband is also doubtful for the group stage in Myanmar, after sustaining a hamstring injury last Tuesday.

Thanks to goals from Phil Younghusband and Chieffy Caligdong in the first leg and an early conversion from James Younghusband in the return leg, the Azkals moved on after winning 3-2 on aggregate despite 1-2 defeat in freezing conditions in the second leg here Tuesday.

The Azkals will have little rest, though, as their first game has been set on Monday against Myanmar, against Palestine on March 23, while the duel with Bangladesh is set March 25.

The Azkals need to win at least two of their three games in Myanmar to make it to the main tournament next year.

“It’s time to regroup for Myanmar,” said team manager Dan Palami, the man credited for the Azkals’ turnaround.

“The group stage in Myanmar will be another big test for our team. We must prove that we are ready to move up to the next level in Asian football.”

"I think it’s a very important tournament for us because it gives us an opportunity to make history," said Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo. "We have good preparations from camp in Japan and the game against Mongolia helped us. It’s going to be something new for us because we haven't faced some of the teams."

Team officials could not give an exact prognosis on the extent of Younghusband’s injury. The Azkals top scorer is set to undergo an MRI in Manila today.

Lucena picked up an injury during training for his club, Aarhus, recently while Cagara has not confirmed his appearance in the tournament.

One of the more accomplished Filipino players abroad, Schrock who plays club football for Greuther Furth in the German second division, is still recovering from a knee injury.

Lucena and Cagara, who trained with the squad for two days in Bacolod shortly before the first leg against Mongolia, already hold Philippine passports and have been listed in the lineup for the group stages.

Etheridge had earlier ruled himself out of the group stage qualifying after Fulham sent him to Charlton in League One for a month-long loan.

But Charlton did not field Etheridge in two matches, prompting Fulham to recall the 6-foot-3 keeper, who has made 19 appearances for the country since 2008. Fulham has allowed Etheridge’s release for international duty.

Eduard Sacapano filled in for Etheridge in the second leg against Mongolia and coach Hans Michael Weiss was impressed by the Bago City-born keeper’s performance.

“We cannot blame Eduard in any other way because the first goal was offside and the second was a penalty,” said Weiss of Sacapano, who saved a penalty kick but was unable to control the rebound, leading to the second goal.

“He deserved a big credit. He just rose to the occasion. He was very composed and cool. As far as we know, we have a very good second goalkeeper.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Etheridge-back-but-ace-striker-doubtful-in-Myanmar.html

Maxxclip

March 18th, 2011, 04:14 AM

Araneta also said the team is hopeful that Fil-British Rob Gier and Fil-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong will come over after missing the Ulan Bator outing.

I have a bad news...

De Jong won't join Azkals

Midfielder Jason de Jong has ruled himself out of the Philippine Azkals’ matches in the group qualifying tournament of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup that starts March 21 in Rangoon, Myanmar.

According to Patrick Ace Bright, Persiba Balikpapan has prevented him from joining the national team in Myanmar, “Hindi siya pinayagan ng club niya sa Indonesia (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/310032/de-jong-wont-join-azkals)”.

off_side

March 18th, 2011, 04:39 AM

I have a bad news...

De Jong won't join Azkals

Midfielder Jason de Jong has ruled himself out of the Philippine Azkals’ matches in the group qualifying tournament of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup that starts March 21 in Rangoon, Myanmar.

According to Patrick Ace Bright, Persiba Balikpapan has prevented him from joining the national team in Myanmar, “Hindi siya pinayagan ng club niya sa Indonesia (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/310032/de-jong-wont-join-azkals)”.

bad news indeed. hope the coach can find a suitable replacement .

off_side

March 18th, 2011, 04:42 AM

New faces beef up Azkals in Myanmar
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ

FIVE members of the national team that played in the qualifying matches against Mongolia were dropped from the Azkals roster that will compete in the Asian Challenge Cup group stage in Myanmar on Monday, according to Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta Jr.

Stricken from the roster were fullbacks Jerry Barbaso, Rey Palmes, Joebel Bermejo, Kristopher Relucio and halfback Peter Jaugan, Araneta said during a press conference where the PFF formally signed its 10-year, P80-million sponsorship deal with Smart.

Tapped to take their slots were with Fil-Germans William Espinosa and John Patrick Hendriksen and Fil-Spanish midfielder Angel Guirado.

Coach Hans Michael Weiss had earlier said regular goalie Fil-Briton Neil Etheridge and top defender Rob Gier and midfielder Jason de Jong will also be back in harness for the Azkals, who open their campaign against host Myanmar on Monday.

Doubtful for Myanmar is striker Phil Younghusband who pulled his right hamstring in the Azkals’ 1-2 loss to the Mongolians in Ulan Bator last Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Fil-Briton was examined yesterday by a specialist at the St. Luke’s hospital and "the injury didn’t look good," according to a team insider.

A check with the PFF office showed Younghusband was not booked with the squad leaving for Myanmar tomorrow. His elder brother, midfielder James, will be on the flight.

Espinosa, whose mother is from Laguna, and Guirado, whose mom is from Isabela, will leave with the team while Hendriksen is expected to hook up with the nationals during their stopover in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Filipinos battle Palestine on Wednesday before winding up their assignment against Bangladesh on Friday.

The top two teams from the group qualify for the eight-nation Asian Challenge Cup in 2012.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar18/sports2.html

off_side

March 18th, 2011, 04:44 AM

Bumper crop of talents seen to form PHL U-19 football team
03/17/2011 | 05:55 PM

A bumper crop of talent showed up in the first two legs of the tryouts for the national U-19 football team that will compete in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Youth Championship in Myanmar in September.

More than 70 young booters from various clubs and colleges in Metro Manila attended the NCR leg at the football fields of University of Makati and Ateneo de Manila University last Monday and Tuesday, while 112 players participated in the open tryouts for Luzon at the Tarlac Recreation Center in San Jose, Tarlac over the weekend.

Team manager Charlie Cojuangco said the result is an indication that Philippine football is back on its feet.

"The outcome is an indication that there is talent in the grassroots level of Philippine football. It's just a matter of finding the right players," said Cojuangco, who is also the president of the Negros Occidental Football Association.

Maor Rozen, the Spanish-Uruguay coach appointed by Cojuangco to handle the team, said talents are overflowing in Luzon and NCR alone. He expects to finalize the members of the pool once the tryouts shift to Visayas and Mindanao.

"I am very pleased with what I saw," said Rozen, a former campaigner in the Uruguay premier league. "This early, I have already seen 20 to 30 good players who can compete in the seniors division."

Tryouts for the Visayas leg will be held at the Sta. Barbara plaza in Iloilo at 2:30 p.m. Thursday and the Barotac Nuevo plaza also in Iloilo at 2:30 pm on Friday, before shifting to Panaad Stadium in Bacolod on Saturday at 2:30 pm and Sunday at 8:30 a.m,, and at the Aboitiz Field in Cebu on March 24 and 25 at 2:30 pm.

In Mindanao, tryouts will be held at the Philips Football Field in Bukidnon at 2:30 p.m. on March 26 and 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on March 27, while Davao will host the event at the Tionko Field Bolton Riverside at 4:30 pm on March 28 and 29.

The national tryouts will wrap up at the UP football field in Los Banos, Laguna on March 31 at 2:30 p.m.

Interested parties may contact KC Hernandez at 0917 8371544 or via e-mail at kch.u19phil@gmail.com or philippine_football_federation@yahoo.com. - KY, RCJ, Reuben Terrado, GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215521/sports/bumper-crop-of-talents-seen-to-form-phl-u-19-football-team

johnmizer

March 18th, 2011, 05:05 AM

Kala ko ba sabi ni De Jong, me joining this club wont affect my stint with the azakals....

amigo32

March 18th, 2011, 06:03 AM

asa ka pa, eh ang laki kaya ng bayad doon:D

Maxxclip

March 18th, 2011, 06:30 AM

Maxxclip

March 18th, 2011, 07:41 AM

Pointers...

Points to Ponder

The Azkals should practice more consistently with its starting 11. Since the game in Bacolod, the Azkals have been practicing with an inconsistent lineup, falling to Japan college teams 4-0 and 8-1 in tune up games. Etheridge, De jong and Gier were not available. Jonsson and Sabio both did not train in Baguio and Japan, and arrived a day or two before the match, yet they started. This led to a weak left side, as majority of the Mongolian attempts were from that side including the first goal (which I think was actually offside) and Sabio's foul in the box (it was inside the box Jason). This will affect team chemistry and will continue to bother the team's performance until next week in the group stages, so I suggest the staff should do something about this.
Eduardo Sacapano did his job during the match and should not be blamed for the team's loss. Ed was like a victim of circumstance. It could have been prevented if the defense played its part in controlling Mongolia's attack.
Coach Weiss, mentioned an attacking team before they left the Philippines, and it seems not to be the case. The game went well in the first few minutes, but after the first goal, the Azkals' offense seemed to be in disarray. I expected to see more short passes and simple plays. It looked like the Azkals went back to playing long ball, and were more concerned with individual highlights. I remembered where Cheiffy was running a breakaway, when J. Younghusband was free for a wide open pass and could have returned the favor, but instead he forced it and ended up with a wild shot. Football is a team sport, I'd rather see a simple play converted, rather that a risky individual wild shot (Basketball influence?).

Moving Forward (http://onwardphilippines.blogspot.com/2011/03/azkals-win-mongolia-advance-afc.html)

johnmizer

March 18th, 2011, 05:57 PM

+500 dollar naman ang bonus eh, hehe

thescene

March 19th, 2011, 02:14 AM

No live coverage of the matches in Myanmar as the the military government forbids live satellite broadcasts. The match will still be seen on tape delay a few days later.

off_side

March 19th, 2011, 02:54 AM

Azkals look ahead to SEA Games
By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated March 19, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine football team manager Dan Palami said yesterday the Azkals are enlisting three under-23 recruits to play in the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in Yangon, Myanmar, with the view of preparing for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia this November.

“We’re bringing in younger players for exposure,” said Palami. “Hopefully, they’ll be veterans by the time we play in the SEA Games.”

The under-23 recruits are Fil-German Patrick Hinrichsen of German league club SC Eintracht Oberusel, David Basa of the University of Sto. Tomas and Yannick Tuason of the Kaya club and La Salle. Struck out from the Azkals roster for Myanmar were Joebel Bermejo, 30, Rey Palmes, 31, Jerry Barbaso, 22, Kim Relucio, 32, and Peter Jaugan, 27.

Aside from the three players, Palami said the team is adding Fil-Spanish 26-year-old striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado of Spanish Division III club Deportivo Ronda of Malaga, Laguna-born 29-year-old William Espinosa who learned how to play in Germany and Philippine Army 24-year-old midfielder Ricardo Becite.

Hinrichsen, 20, was scheduled to arrive from Germany yesterday and will join the Azkals when they take off for Myanmar this morning. Guirado also flew in yesterday to make the trip.

Basa, 21, has previously played for the national squad while Tuason, 22, is making his debut as a rookie.

Palami said goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defender Rob Gier will fly direct to Myanmar from England. Missing the trip is Phil Younghusband who was confirmed to be suffering from a Grade 2 hamstring tear in an MRI taken at St. Luke’s Hospital last Thursday. Palami said no surgery is required and the injury will take three to four weeks to heal. After a week, Younghusband will undergo rehabilitation. Another absentee is Jason de Jong, now playing in the Indonesian league.

To look for new talent, Azkal mainstays Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario will conduct tryouts in the US for two weeks in April. Tryouts are set in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City. Borromeo and Del Rosario leave Manila for the US on April 3. Announcement of the tryouts was made in the internet and a Philippine Football Federation (PFF) source said the response has been widespread.

Palami said Fil-Danish player Jerry Lucena was supposed to play in Myanmar but suffered in injury at practice and was not allowed by his Danish Division I club AGF Aarhus to fly out.

PFF president Mariano Araneta said the Azkals’ goal is to advance beyond the group stage to the eight-team finals of the Challenge Cup.

“Our players were disappointed we lost the match in Mongolia but we still qualified for the group stage,” said Araneta. “Let’s count our blessings. We shouldn’t dwell on what could’ve happened in Mongolia. Instead, let’s focus on our accomplishments and play to win in Myanmar. Remember, we weren’t complete in Mongolia and we faced adverse conditions.”

Araneta said in Mongolia, the wind factor made it even harder for the players to adapt to the weather. “It was freezing,” said Araneta. “I was sitting in an open box at the stadium and the organizers provided a blanket because it was so cold. Our players told me when they opened their mouth to communicate on the field, they almost got locked jaw. We were stiff and sluggish. It’s like when you wake up to a cold morning, you don’t want to get up from bed. That’s how it felt out there on the field.”

Araneta said defender Ray Jonsson’s ordeal exemplified the Azkals’ determination. “Ray was held in the Beijing airport for almost two days,” said Araneta. “For some reason, he wasn’t allowed to proceed to Ulan Bator with no visa despite a letter of guarantee from Mongolia. Ray traveled with an Iceland passport because we had his Philippine passport in Ulan Bator. What we couldn’t understand was coach Michael (Weiss) also had no visa and traveled with a German passport yet he was allowed to fly to Mongolia. Ray had to go via Incheon to finally land in Mongolia.”

Former national coach Juan Cutillas said it seemed that the Azkals never adapted to weather and ground conditions in Mongolia.

“I think the team lost some credibility,” he said. “No excuses for the loss. We should’ve beaten Mongolia. We had little passing. We couldn’t change the pace of the game. We weren’t helping each other out. We needed to play a more compact game. Instead, we played to the pace of Mongolia with long balls. Mongolia played physical. We didn’t play our game.”

Four teams are bracketed in Group A of the Challenge Cup – the Philippines, Bangladesh, Palestine and host Myanmar. In last year’s Challenge Cup, Myanmar and Bangladesh broke into the eight-team finals. Myanmar finished fourth behind winner North Korea, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Others in the finals were India, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Myanmar crushed Sri Lanka, 4-0, and repulsed Bangladesh, 2-1, but bowed to Tajikistan, 3-0, North Korea, 5-0, and Tajikistan again, 1-0 (in the playoff for third) during the competitions.

The top two finishers of Group A will advance to the eight-team finals with the top two finishers of Groups B, C and D. Making up Group B are India, Pakistan, Chinese-Taipei and Turkmenistan. Group C is composed of host Maldives, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia. Defending champion North Korea, host Nepal, Sri Lanka and the winner of the Bhutan-Afghanistan qualifiers comprise Group D.

The Azkals play Myanmar on March 21, Palestine on March 23 and Bangladesh on March 25. Palestine recently played a pair of friendlies with Pakistan in Karachi, winning one, 2-1, and drawing the other, 0-0. Palestine has been in Kuwait for training since March 6 and will break camp today.

Weiss told The STAR that playing host Myanmar ahead of the others is “no problem.” He added, “we’ll eventually play all the teams anyway.” Experts said it may be an advantage for the Philippines to play the toughest team before Palestine and Bangladesh – that way, depending on the outcome, the Azkals may be able to target by how many goals they should win in the remaining matches to qualify for the final eight

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=667621&publicationSubCategoryId=69

off_side

March 21st, 2011, 03:35 AM

Philippine Azkals battle Myanmar
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/21/2011 8:12 AM | Updated as of 03/21/2011 8:29 AM

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals will take on the Myanmar White Angels Monday to launch their bid in the AFC Challenge Cup group stage.

ABS-CBN News correspondent Dyan Castillejo said the Azkals will be out in the Myanmar field against their foreign opponents at around 3 p.m. Myanmar time (4 p.m. in Manila)

Aside from Myanmar, the Azkals will also face Bangladesh and Palestine in the group stage.

All games will be held in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, FIFA's latest world rankings showed the Philippines on top of the with 151st ranking.

Myanmar comes second at 161th; followed by the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers at No. 174, and the Palestine’s Al-Fusan (The Fighters) at 178th.

Last week, the Azkals made it through the group stage after prevailing over the Mongolian team via a 3-2 aggregate win.

Azkals' arsenal

In the group stage, the Azkals will see Filipino-British players Neil Etheridge and Rob Gier reinforcing their lineup.

The team's new additions will include Filipino-Germans William Espinosa and Patrick Hinrichsen and Filipino-Spanish Angel Aldeguer.

Phil Younghusband, a vital cog of the Azkals, will miss the matches due to an injury.

The midfielder suffered a pulled hamstring in their game against Mongolia

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/21/11/philippine-azkals-battle-myanmar

off_side

March 21st, 2011, 03:37 AM

Reinforced Azkals bark, ready to bite
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 21, 2011 12:00 AM

BANGKOK – With reinforcement coming in from all corners of the globe, there’s no reason for the Azkals to fail in the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup in Myanmar.

Besides, the weather is fair in Rangoon, the site of the Azkals’ coming matches, because it’s very much like in the Philippines, ranging in the 20s to the high 30s.

It can’t get too hot or too cold in Rangoon..

The Azkals will play Myanmar today, then Palestine on Wednesday and Bangladesh on Friday, hoping to win at least two of them to qualify for the elite eight next year.

Just last week, the Azkals were in Mongolia, where the freezing temperature, in the minus-20s, told heavily on the team as it took a humbling 2-1 loss to the hosts.

It was actually the third loss in the last four matches for the Azkals, counting their twin 1-0 defeats to Indonesia in the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals last December.

The Azkals, the newest toast of Philippine sports, beat the same Mongolian team, 2-0, in Bacolod last Feb. 9, a margin enough to carry them to the group stage.

The Azkals fought Myanmar to a scoreless draw last December at the close of the Suzuki Cup group stage in Vietnam. But it will be entirely different this time.

That’s the reason why the Azkals called on the reinforcement. It was more like a stress call.

Neil Etheridge, the 6-foot-3, 21-year-old goalkeeper from Fulham, was scheduled to arrive in Rangoon yesterday to lend his big, reliable hands to the team.

Etheridge did not see action in Mongolia, and the Azkals fielded Eduard Sacapano as their goalie.

Also coming in to help the team, and make up for the absence of the injured Phil Younghusband, are Rob Gier from Britain, Patrick Hinrichsen from Germany and Jerry Lucena from Denmark.

Then there’s Fil-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado, a striker who will bring with him his experience playing for Cordoba and Estepona in Division II and Deportivo Ronda of Division III in the Spanish league.

Also pitching in this time are Yannick Tuason, William Espinosa, David Basa and Ricardo Becite, each one of them hoping that their presence will serve the Azkals in good stead.

“I think this is our strongest team possible,” said team manager Dan Palami, despite the absence of Phil, out with a hamstring injury.

Yes, on paper, it should be the strongest one.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=668231&publicationSubCategoryId=69

off_side

March 21st, 2011, 10:48 AM

http://www.azkals.info/2011/03/phl-azkals-vs-myanmar-free-live-stream.html

GO AZKALS !!!

arcabe

March 21st, 2011, 01:56 PM

http://www.azkals.info/2011/03/phl-azkals-vs-myanmar-free-live-stream.html

GO AZKALS !!!

Draw!! 1 -1 Philippines and Myanmar.. sayang!!

off_side

March 22nd, 2011, 04:37 AM

Azkals held to draw by late injury time goal
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 09:52:16 21/03/2011

RANGOON – A resolute Philippine side came tantalizingly close to another famous victory away from home only to be given a dose of its own medicine.

Rescued by late equalizing goals so many times in the past, the Azkals were the ones to yield Monday – this time to Myanmar – and settled for a 1-1 stalemate at the start of the group qualifying phase of the AFC
Challenge Cup at the Thuwana Stadium here.

James Younghusband gave the Azkals the lead with a well-taken penalty kick in the 76th minute to silence the crowd of about 5,000, but Khin Maung Lwin saved the home side’s blushes with a free kick in the
second minute of injury time.

It was a heartbreaker of sorts for the Azkals, who defended stoutly in the opening half before producing timely, dangerous counter-attacks in the second half.

Three minutes of injury time, however, was enough for Myanmar to carve up a scoring chance.

Skipper Myo Min Tun fell to a soft challenge from Greatwich and Khin rolled the ball under the Philippines wall and beyond Neil Etheridge at the bottom corner.

The stadium exploded on Lwin’s late goal, while the Azkals left the pitch in despair just after the final whistle.

It was the third straight draw for the two sides in the past four years, the other two ending on scoreless stalemates.

The Filipinos are still on track of claiming one of the two slots staked from this group for the main tournament next year. The Filipinos play Palestine on Wednesday and Bangladesh on Friday.

“It was the correct result,” said Azkals German coach Hans Michael Weiss. “We dominated the second half but we were too defensive in the first half.”

The Azkals had Neil Etheridge to thank for a string of impressive saves in the opening half, while Angel Aldeguer Guirado impressed in his Azkals debut with his pace and trickery.

It was Guirado’s lofted ball for substitute Yanti Barsales that proved vital in the play that led to the penalty.

The oldest member of the squad at 38-years-old, Barsales, coming in for nephew Ian Araneta at the start of the second half, had been causing trouble for the Burma defense with his speed and he was first to latch unto Guirado’s ball, forcing the Myanmar keeper to go off his line and unleash a clumsy challenge that led to a red card and a penalty.

Younghusband, who was also on target in the 1-2 defeat to Mongolia last week, sent substitute keeper the wrong way.

A small group of Filipino fans in the stadium waved flags and exchanged high fives as the Filipinos moved a goal ahead with a man advantage.

Guirado nearly doubled the lead with a stinging shot just outside the box three minutes later, while substitutes Yannick Tuason and William Espinosa found themselves with plenty of space, but could not muster a
good chance that could have sealed the victory.

The Azkals were the better team in the second half as Simon Greatwich and Aly Borromeo pulled the strings at midfield while Guirado and James Younghusband provided the attacking threats together with Barsales.

Playing with renewed purpose after hardly mustering a clear-cut chance in the first half, the Azkals started making inroads on attack in the 66th minute when Greatwich managed to receive Younghusband’s cross only for his effort to be blocked by a phalanx of Burmese defenders.

Another chance went begging a minute later when Barsales’ close-range effort went over the bar, before Guirado forced a corner by using his exquisite touch to elude two defenders.

Those moves proved to be a portent of things to come and the sustained pressure for nearly 10 minutes finally paid off with Younghusband’s goal.

The Azkals played the 4-2-3-1 formation for the first time with Anton del Rosario pairing up with Rob Gier at the back and Borromeo moving up to play the holding midfield spot with Greatwich.

With the midfield clogged, the Burmese side raided the flanks and conjured at least seven chances from either side in the opening half.

Midfielder Pai Soe had Roel Gener beaten in the ninth minute and found himself in a one-on-one opportunity against Etheridge. But he sent his shot wide.

Soe had another effort flying past the goal two minutes, before testing Etheridge with a long range effort in the 14th minute.

Guirado, who plays third division in Spain, was providing the early threat for the Azkals and his scintillating 20-yard run highlighted by a couple of stepovers showed why he was a worthy replacement for Phil
Younghusband in the starting 11.

The Azkals were on the backfoot for almost the entire first half before coming to life in the second.

“The first half I did not recognize my team because we have Myanmar a lot of space,” said Weiss. “Myanmar could have been away from us in the first half, but we made changes in the second half.”

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-held-to-draw-by-late-injury-time-goal.html

Maxxclip

March 22nd, 2011, 09:52 AM

Know your Azkals: The Filipino in Anton

When Anton Del Rosario walked inside the coffee shop with his French-Filipina girlfriend, you would honestly think you landed on an episode of The Hills. But don’t let the foreign looks and American twang mislead you. Anton is just as Filipino as we are – well almost.

Anton’s Fil-Am dad visited Manila after the Vietnam War. Within three weeks, he met Anton’s mom, courted her and married her. They moved to San Francisco where Anton was born and raised along with his brothers.

“I grew up in San Francisco, but the Philippines is my home too," he says.

Anton has never lost touch with his roots here in Manila. His family used to visit the Philippines twice or thrice a year for vacation. He even played for De La Salle University’s football team for a year.

Although he trained with the Azkals for the 2000 World Cup Qualifiers, it wasn’t until the 2004 Tiger Cup that he seriously committed to playing for the country.

“It was the first tournament I joined with Aly, Ian, Chieffy and Chris. In 2004, we beat East Timor. It’s my fondest memory in the Azkals because it was the team’s first win in like 12 years," he says.

Anton started playing football when he was six-years-old. He’s 29 now and his love for the sport has not waned. (By the way, when I asked his age, he said it’s “something you should never ask a guy" but revealed it anyway.)

For all the good things football is, he says he hates the pointless running.

“I hate running for no reason. I mean, if there’s a ball in front of me, I would understand it. But just running around aimlessly? I really hate that," he quips.

Well all that running keeps him in shape and has already gotten him in teams such as Notre Dame, Belmont, Kaya and Harmony. Not really “aimless" if you look at it.

Girlfriend, kids and partying

Anton’s been here in Manila since December 2009. He met his girlfriend Laetitia through common friends and they’ve been together for over a year now.

Laetitia says he’s really “makulit" and sweet. He’s done a lot of romantic things for her, but her favorite is the time he surprised her with a huge bouquet of flowers in the office.

Anton also spends a lot of time with his family especially now that his mom and three brothers reside here in Manila too. If ever you’ve seen photos of him with little kids, those aren’t his children – they’re his nieces and nephew.

“I really love children. I actually want to have four or five kids of my own," he says and turns to his girlfriend for approval. She just smiles and nods.

But for now, Anton is more bent on putting up a business here in the Philippines and squeezing in a party every now and then.

“If I had to quit football, I’d probably be taking up law," he says with utter confidence but then bursts into laughter.

“No actually, I’d probably be partying in the US."

Off the pitch, he describes himself as very friendly and social. In fact, two of his favorite places here in the Philippines are Boracay and Fiamma. Very party-esque indeed.

http://images.gmanews.tv/downloads/Anton_Del_Rosario.jpg

How Filipino is Anton?

Anton says he’s in tune with his Filipino side, especially when it comes to food. He’s been living here for a pretty long time after all.

He says lumpiang shanghai is the best dish ever. However, he has no idea about Filipino celebrities (except his teammates who already have celeb status here), TV shows or movies.

“Oh wait, there was this one movie that I watched back in 1995. I don’t remember the title but it was hilarious!" he says.

I asked if he understood the movie.

“Actually, no. I sat through it but I didn’t understand it," he laughs.

But the most pressing question is: does he know the Philippine National Anthem?

“I know parts of it (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215638/sports/know-your-azkals-the-filipino-in-anton)," he smiles.

“I think we’re the only team where during the games, half the team doesn’t know the national anthem," he adds and grins at the irony.

Well, Anton and the other Fil-foreigners in the team have a couple of days to have the national anthem memorized before their match against Myanmar. And don’t worry about the twang Anton, we know you’re Filipino deep down inside.

amigo32

March 22nd, 2011, 10:09 AM

bakit parang rudolf?:D

Maxxclip

March 22nd, 2011, 11:31 AM

^^ that's the million dollar question ;)

Maxxclip

March 22nd, 2011, 11:50 AM

Azkals vow to do better vs Palestine, Bangladesh

YANGON - Thousands of fans cheered for the host country Myanmar in its game against the Philippines.

Using their quickness on point passing and efficient offense, the Myanmar White Angels dominated the first half—recording seven goal attempts 25 minutes into the game.

Despite this, Myanmar went scoreless in the first half thanks to the heroics of Philippine Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

The Philippines appeared more aggressive on offense in the second half, sparked by the entry of Yanti Barsales.

In the 75th minute, Barsales was fouled hard in the penalty area by Myanmar’s goalkeeper, prompting officials to show a red card.

The foul also gave the Philippines a golden opportunity to score. James Younghusband took the penalty kick for the roughed up Barsales, who had to leave the game in a stretcher.

Younghusband scored on the penalty kick, giving the Philippines a 1-0 lead.

The Philippines seemed to have control of the game since taking the lead, but the slim lead was squandered when the Azkals’ Simon Greatwich was called for a foul in the final minute of extra time, thus opening the door for Myanmar to score via free kick.

“Very unfortunate. Personally, I don’t think it’s a foul but the team played well,” said Neil Etheridge.

The Philippines would have received three points (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/22/11/azkals-vow-do-better-vs-palestine-bangladesh) for a 1-0 win. Instead, Philippines and Myanmar were both given a point each.

The Akzals promise to do better in their remaining games against Palestine on Wednesday, and Bangladesh on Friday.

The team needs six points to guarantee a spot in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2012, but the team has a chance to qualify even with 4 or 5 points.

Maxxclip

March 22nd, 2011, 11:51 AM

-dp-

off_side

March 23rd, 2011, 01:11 PM

Full Time

PHL - 0

PAL - 0

amigo32

March 23rd, 2011, 01:30 PM

draw na namn:D

thescene

March 23rd, 2011, 06:31 PM

Do or die match vs. Bangladesh on Friday.

dinabaw

March 24th, 2011, 03:50 AM

Maxxclip

March 24th, 2011, 12:27 PM

Gier to skip Azkals match vs Bangladesh (http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=669350&publicationSubCategoryId=200)

RANGOON – The Azkals will be one man short in tomorrow's do-or-die match with Bangladesh.

Rob Gier, the steady defender, flew home to England this afternoon to be with his wife, Emma, who is experiencing a delicate pregnancy.

The 30-year-old Gier arrived in Myanmar only last Sunday to help out with the team, and it had been agreed upon that he would play only to matches.

He played a key role in the team’s first two games here, draws against Myanmar and Palestine, and would have wanted to stay if not for the urgency back home.

http://www.theshots.co.uk/uploads/images/large/z-Aldershot6739Squad1.jpg

Some of his teammates tried to convince him to stay.

“But I can’t. It wasn’t an easy decision because I had to choose. Is it the team or my wife?” said Gier shortly before leaving the hotel for the airport today.

“I would have loved to stay. But my wife needs me,” he said.

The Giers are expecting their first child.

“It was great of him to come here when there are priorities back home. He came here to boost the guys,” said Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo.

“He’s one of the most experienced players in the team and it’s always good to have him out there. I tried to convince him to stay but it was understandable,” he added.

Before leaving, Gier hoped that after two successive draws they will be able to nail the victory that would send the Azkals to the next round.

He looked back at the first two matches as matches that could have gone either way.

“I think those two games, we could have won. But those were two matches we could have also lost. We had chances in both games,” he said.

Coach Michael Weiss, for his part, said he has yet to decide whom to tap to take Gier’s position.

off_side

March 25th, 2011, 03:35 AM

Final or in the doghouse: Azkals go for broke vs Bangladeshis
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 25, 2011 12:00 AM

RANGOON – The Azkals won’t settle for anything less than a victory in today’s closing matches of the AFC Challenge Cup group stage here.

After two successive draws, the only hope for the Philippines team to advance into next year’s eight-team finals is to beat Bangladesh.

Coach Michael Weiss said that’s what they’re going to do.

“We have to win the match. If you want to succeed you cannot do it with draws. We must win this match,” he said yesterday.

The Azkals took it nice and easy in the morning then left for the pitch at around 3 p.m. and try to get a little more used to the searing heat.

The Azkals, with a handful players coming in from Europe for this group stage, have played two afternoon matches here.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has played two evening matches, and the Filipinos are hoping that the heat would slow down the players from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh lost to Palestine, 2-0, last Monday then came back to beat Myanmar the other night, 2-0, for a total of three points.

The Azkals, on the other hand, have two points behind two draws with Myanmar and Palestine. A victory over Bangladesh will mean everything for them.

A loss, or even a draw, will slam the door on the Azkals, and give Bangladesh the ride to the next round.

In case of ties, the winner-over-the-other rule and eventually the goal difference will apply.

Whatever, Weiss said the Azkals should go for the win.

“That will be the case tomorrow (today),” he said of the 3:30 p.m. (5 p.m. in Manila) match with Bangladesh at the Aung Sun Stadium of this former Myanmar capital.

Simultaneously, Palestine plays Myanmar at the Youth Training Center.

Weiss is really hoping that the temperature, which could get as high as 37 degrees this afternoon, will favor the Azkals.

But he admitted that it has taken its toll on the Azkals as well, considering that at least five players in its lineup had just come from Europe or the United States where the weather is still cold.

“Three matches in five days are really very demanding. And I have players coming in from Europe so they cannot perform at the highest level. But I still hope the weather will be to our side,” he said.

The coach from Bangladesh, Robert Rubcic, thinks the same way, too.

“My team is very tired, very, very tired. We’ve played two games in three days and it’s been very difficult for my young players,” he said.

“That’s why it’s very difficult to say what will happen tomorrow. The Philippines has better individual players so I must change my tactic,” he said.

Bangladesh can fight for the draw, and just focus on defense, because that’s all they need to advance.

“It’s true. They might fight for the draw,” said Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo.

“That’s why we should go direct and put the pressure on them. Put the pressure on them right away and not hold back and wait for time. We’re all pumped up. It all boils down to this game,” he added.

“We should score early,” said defender Anton del Rosario.

But Rubcic said they always go for the win.

“We will go for it. We will try. Everybody in Bangladesh wants us to win,” he said during yesterday’s press conference.

Weiss listened, a few rows back, as the Bangladeshi coach took the microphone.

“I think our boys are more confident. Now they have to show that they deserve to be in the next round,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=669581&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Maxxclip

March 25th, 2011, 11:48 AM

LIVE: PH Azkals vs Bengal Tigers still 0-0

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) – The Philippine Azkals played the aggressor in the early minutes of their Challenge Cup group stage game versus the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar.

The Azkals went on full attack against the Tigers at the Aung San Stadium, resulting to an early injury stoppage that stretchered Bangladesh’s Zahid off the field.

The Filipino booters, namely strikers Angel Aldeguer Guirado, Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, made several attempts at the Bangladesh goal.

Guirado fired a long range shot but was blocked by their opponents’ keeper into the 4th minute.

Caligdong eluded two Bangladesh defenders and kicked a low shot deep in the corner. The ball, however, was deflected by the goalkeeper.

Bangladesh had a free kick that was easily saved by Azkals keeper, Neil Etheridge.

The scores remained 0-0 in the 21st minute (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/25/11/ph-azkals-vs-bangladesh-tigers-now-underway).

The Azkals need to win over Bangladesh to qualify for the Challenge Cup tournament proper in 2012.

The Azkals’ starting line-up is composed of:

Neil Etheridge
Anton del Rosario
Aly Borromeo
Jason Sabio
Ray Jonsson
Jerry Lucena
James Younghusband
Chieffy Caligdong
Angel Aldeguer Guirado
Ian Araneta
Yanti Barsales

off_side

March 25th, 2011, 12:23 PM

PHILIPPINES - 2
41' - Araneta
54' - Guirado

Bangladesh - 0

off_side

March 25th, 2011, 12:45 PM

GOAL Again !!!

PHILIPPINES - 3
41' - Araneta
54' - Guirado
79' - Guirado

Bangladesh - 0

Maxxclip

March 25th, 2011, 12:45 PM

^^it's now 0-3

mrboy

March 25th, 2011, 02:24 PM

kailan po i-air ang game sa studio 23? my sched na po ba?

chris_nigel

March 25th, 2011, 02:36 PM

sayang kung kailan nanalo wala man lang live telecast...grabe naman yun...

palawan_buddy

March 25th, 2011, 03:07 PM

saan nakanuod yung nakapanuod?

thescene

March 25th, 2011, 04:18 PM

^^ Only the people who were in the MYanamr got to watch the game. I heard Dyan Castillejo who was in Yangon will bring home the tapes of the games.

Up next for the Azkals is the first round of the World Cup 2014 qualifiers in June. The opponent will be known on Wednesday late afternoon.

OtAkAw

March 25th, 2011, 07:36 PM

^^Tapos nyan Uruguay, Argentina or Netherlands noh? PATAY TAYO DYAN! :lol:

amigo32

March 26th, 2011, 12:37 AM

Tatalunin daw natin ang Brazil:D

chris_nigel

March 26th, 2011, 12:55 AM

hahaha talo na tayo nyan for sure kung ang brazil ehh nasa 98 na out of 100% tayo nasa 10 palang siguro madami pa kakaining bigas ang team Azkals pero sana papunta nga dun sa world cup

boy muscovado

March 26th, 2011, 02:12 AM

Tatalunin daw natin ang Brazil:D

Sa Miss Universe, Int'l at Earth lang nangyayari yan :lol:

amigo32

March 26th, 2011, 02:15 AM

Sa Miss Universe, Int'l at Earth lang nangyayari yan :lol:

yun nga:D

teka hindi ba pageant thread to?:D:lol::lol::lol:

pero kung pa guapuhan, at par na rin namn ang azkal:lol:

off_side

March 26th, 2011, 02:36 AM

Howling success: Amazing Azkals maul Bangladeshis, make final
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 26, 2011 12:00 AM

RANGOON – Once again, the Azkals made history, and made the Philippines proud.

Finally playing the way they should, the Azkals scored goals one after the other yesterday through the heroics of Ian Araneta and Fil-Spanish recruit Angel Guirado in a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh at the close of the AFC Challenge Cup group stage here.

The Azkals sang “Ole! Ole! Ole!” inside the dressing room, bouncing up and down, arms linked to each other as they celebrated their biggest achievement so far as team.

Araneta broke the ice with a short flick of his left foot in the 42nd minute before Guirado, who flew all the way from Spain to be part of the team, struck twice.

Guirado, who moves so well for a 6-foot-2, scored on a header, following a perfect corner kick by James Younghusband in the 54th minute for a 2-0 advantage.

It must have broken the backs of the players from Bangladesh because Guirado’s second goal for the match, in the 80th minute, looked so much easier than it should.

The Azkals thus sailed into the main tournament of the 2012 Challenge Cup where eight teams will vie. So far, already in are the Philippines, Palestine, Tajikistan, Maldives, Turkmenistan and India.

Last year, the Azkals reached the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup. It was also a first, and part of that ride was a historic 2-0 win over Vietnam, a country the Philippines is not supposed to beat in soccer.

“We made history again. It’s the first time the Philippines made it to the final group of the AFC,” said team manager Dan Palami, who’s never been happier before.

Amid all the celebration, Palami promised a $1,000 bonus for all the players and coaches, from his own pocket, and another $500 each for everyone, from a “friend” in Manila.

The celebration just got wilder. There was loud music inside the dugout, and you can hardly hear the person beside you.

When the referee blew the final whistle, the Azkals celebrated wildly in the pitch, and as they gave Palami the traditional victory ride, the team manager pumped his right fist into the air.

Coach Michael Weiss lifted his arms, with clenched fists, and faced the sun. The players and his fellow coaches, Roroy Pinero and Diding Cabalida and Edzel Bracamonte, came up to him, and hugged him.

The Azkals, after two successive draws against Myanmar and Palestine over the last four days, finally nailed a victory here, the one that really mattered.

From up in the stands, a small Filipino contingent waved tiny flags, and cheered the players on.

“As we go to the AFC, we can have all the players we want in this team. This is a good win as we head to the World Cup qualifiers (in June),” he added.

The 26-year-old Guirado, who’s so clever with his feet, evaded a couple of defenders from the top, and once inside the penalty launched a shot past opposing goalie Mamun Khan.

Each time the Azkals scored, they whooped it up like they never did before.

Bangladesh had its chance, perhaps chances, but none came as close as the Azkals had.

“This was the best match. We withstood the pressure and put the game plan to reality. I’m very happy. Congratulations to the team. Congratulations to the Philippines,” said Weiss.

The coaching staff stuck to Araneta even if the 29-year-old striker seemed to be on a slump. But with his opening goal, he erased all doubts that he remains a striker.

He came close to a second goal in the 52nd minute after a perfect pass from James Younghusband, and again in the 63rd when his short header off a pass by Guirado hit the crossbar.

“I was confused on what I should do. If I should give him another chance or not,” said Weiss of Araneta.

He was glad he did.

“We always knew that Ian had it in him. The coaches knew that even if he was on a slump he would be able to recover one of these days. This is the day,” said Palami.

When he scored the goal, Araneta ran toward the bench and jumped into the waiting arms of Filipino goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano.

But it was Guirado who sealed the victory for the Azkals.

He’s the angel from heaven.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=669938&publicationSubCategoryId=69

thescene

March 26th, 2011, 02:58 AM

I think the Azkals can definitely beat Brazil national football team ...... under 10 team that is. :lol:

eonynx

March 26th, 2011, 04:04 AM

^^Tapos nyan Uruguay, Argentina or Netherlands noh? PATAY TAYO DYAN! :lol:

ok lang yan! the fact the we get a chance to play against these heavy weights, kahit matalo tayo, the mere exposure would further improve our game and the team! we need these games against these top ranked teams for us to develop.

Askal82

March 26th, 2011, 06:09 AM

Anything is possible. :)

urban Iegend

March 26th, 2011, 06:41 AM

hahaha talo na tayo nyan for sure kung ang brazil ehh nasa 98 na out of 100% tayo nasa 10 palang siguro madami pa kakaining bigas ang team Azkals pero sana papunta nga dun sa world cup

kung matalo natin ang NoKor sa Challenge Cup, may tsansa tayo na mapasok sa WC (kakagaling lang nila sa WC'10 eh) :D

thescene

March 26th, 2011, 06:51 AM

Well maybe the PFF can bid to host the Challenge Cup finals. The finals have always been staged in South Asia perhaps the AFC can spread the hosting and consider us.

Maxxclip

March 26th, 2011, 07:04 AM

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BquY6zd9Wxo/TQMcsAe3ATI/AAAAAAAANYY/Gp3PXCMPuH0/s1600/Azkals+ad.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c12/polontoy/AzkalsMizuno.jpg

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWhE7ModDAENGAfBvn0kwfNWFKnxW1KoVqJ5HvONnPwAM5KOrz

Maxxclip

March 26th, 2011, 07:13 AM

now this is what we need....Incentives, to boost the morale of our players... and keep them motivated:)

The Philippine Football Federation has given a $500 bonus (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-switch-to-attack-mode.html) to members of the squad for advancing to the group stage.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who made the announcement at the Beijing Airport Wednesday night, said the Azkals can expect a bigger incentive if they advance to the main tournament next year.

Amid all the celebration, Palami promised a $1,000 bonus for all the players and coaches, from his own pocket, and another $500 each for everyone, from a “friend” in Manila.

so they'll be getting $1,500 bonus, not bad:okay:

dj_olrac

March 26th, 2011, 07:55 AM

[QUOTE=Maxxclip;74943987][CENTER]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BquY6zd9Wxo/TQMcsAe3ATI/AAAAAAAANYY/Gp3PXCMPuH0/s1600/Azkals+ad.jpg

congratulations to Team Azkals :) More Victories Ahead :) Mabuhay Azkals :)

off_side

March 27th, 2011, 12:53 PM

Up next: Azkals ‘Dream Team’
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 03:09:17 27/03/2011

RANGOON—Promising as it is now, the Philippine football team is only bound to get stronger.

With many key players still yet to strut their wares for the squad, the talk of an Azkals “Dream Team” for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers gathered steam here shortly after they got the job done in the AFC Challenge Cup group qualifying tournament.

“We hope to assemble the Dream Team for the World Cup qualifiers,” said team manager Dan Palami, the man credited for the Azkals’ rise from obscurity. “We just played 60 percent of our potential here. We can build an even better team.”

The Azkals won one match—a 3-0 drubbing of Bangladesh—after drawing with Myanmar and Palestine to secure qualification to the next phase in the company of India, Turkmenistan and Maldives, which have earlier booked their places.

Together with regulars in the squad like Neil Etheridge, Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Chieffy Caligdong, Ray Jonsson, Rob Gier, Simon Greatwich and Phil and James Younghusband, and newcomers Jerry Lucena and Angel Aldeguer Guirado, the “Dream Team” will include the Filipino-German rightback Stephan Schrock and Filipino-Danish leftback Dennis Cagara.

The first round of qualifying is scheduled in June and July, but the Azkals’ opponents will be known March 30 when the draw is held in the AFC office in Kuala Lumpur.

Palami said the team will be given a one-month break to attend to several commitments.

During their break, the Azkals will also undertake relief operations in Palami’s hometown, Tacloban City, which was hit by heavy rains that caused floods recently.

“The team has been very fortunate to have survived several natural calamities,” said Palami, whose squad was training in Japan when the strong earthquake hit the country and was also in Myanmar when another tremor shook the Southeast Asian country.

“This is our way of giving back for all the blessings we have received. We are thankful that despite all that’s happened, we have been given the chance to make history. I’m encouraging the fans to participate and contribute.”

The Azkals will also use the break to scout for new players in Europe and the United States as well as standouts for the Under-23 squad for the Southeast Asian Games.

Palami said Borromeo, Del Rosario and Chris Greatwich will be holding tryouts in the United States next month, while Gier will be helping out in looking for players in Europe.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Football Federation is working on getting the hosting rights to one of the group qualifying tournaments for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup.

Philippine Olympic Committee chair Monico Puentevella, who is also part of the PFF advisory council, said he has been assured of support by key AFC officials for the country to host the tournament, which could either be held in Manila or Bacolod in 2013.

“With all due respect to Myanmar, if they can do it, I think we can also do it,” said Puentevella, who watched the Philippines’ first two matches here.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Up-next-Azkals-Dream-Team.html

off_side

March 27th, 2011, 01:50 PM

Victorious Azkals arrive in Manila

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/27/2011 5:05 AM | Updated as of 03/27/2011 12:27 PM

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The Philippine Azkals arrived in Manila early Sunday morning, fresh from their celebrated stint in the Challenge Cup group stage in Myanmar.

The Filipino booters, who left Yangon (Rangoon) Saturday afternoon, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 733 at around 4 a.m. from a connecting flight in Bangkok.

The Filipino squad was thrilled to be back home following their successful campaign in the tournament group stage. Azkals players Filipino-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado and Ian Araneta scored a total of 3 goals against the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers.

"Excited na kami makauwi kasi ang daming nag-aantay," Azkals team captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong told radio DZMM reporter Johnson Manabat in a brief interview.

They earned a qualification for the Challenge Cup tournament proper in 2012 by demolishing Bangladesh, 3-0, in their final group stage match on Friday.

"Masaya na may chance tayo na ma-qualify sa next round," shared Caligdong.

That game was the Azkals’ final chance to advance into the tournament proper which will be competed by 8 teams that survived the 16-nation qualifier.

Before the game against Bangladesh, the Azkals were coming off from two straight draws against Palestine and group stage host Myanmar.

When asked if each player has already received the $1,000 rewardfrom team manager Dan Palami, Caligdong replied, "Wala pa [kasi] busy pa. Baka next week."

The Azkals are expected to take a breather before making preparations for their next assignment: the Asian qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The 1st round of the Asian qualifier home-and-away series will be on June 29 and July 3.

To prepare for the games, Caligdong said "Parang magka-camp kami abroad."

The Azkals' opponent will be announced in a draw to be held in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) headquarters in Malaysia on March 30.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/26/11/victorious-azkals-arrive-manila

absinthe_888

March 28th, 2011, 07:49 AM

^^ Pag lumindol sa Pinas, talagang sinusundan na sila. :D

Carlosaur

March 28th, 2011, 08:42 AM

^^ Pag lumindol sa Pinas, talagang sinusundan na sila. :D

wag naman sana.

off_side

March 29th, 2011, 03:29 AM

Azkals aiming higher, dreaming bigger
By Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/28/2011 9:15 PM | Updated as of 03/29/2011 7:55 AM

MANILA, Philippines – They came, they saw, they conquered. But as the Philippine Azkals prepare to conquer more matches, Coach Hans Michael Weiss said it would definitely take more than just tough training.

"To go the next level... requires more efforts, more passion in the work ethic, like it has been so far," Weiss said in a luncheon held for the Azkals Monday at the ELJ Communications Center at the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City.

Fresh from their victory in the AFC Challenge Cup group stage, the Azkals will now advance to the tournament which will take place on March 2012.

The team will also be playing in a qualifiers home-and-away match in their World Cup 2014 campaign, with their qualifying matches to be held this June.

For their future stints, Weiss said it would be best for the team to modify their game play.

"We have to make adjustments, we have to train more, train harder, train more intensively," he said.

Job well done

The Azkals managed to survive a do-or-die game against the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers, 3-0, to gain entry to the Challenge Cup tournament proper. The victory was considered an 'epic' improvement for the players' performers, given their previous two group matches against Myanmar and Palestine that ended in draws.

Weiss said it was team coordination that boosted the Azkals' chance of winning the game.

"I think the boys were listening not only to my words but to our concept, and to the way we wanted to play during the tournament," he said.

"In the first two match(es), they did not show 100% but... in the last match, they came out and I want to congratulate the team and their fantastic effort. And for believing in them, and concentrating when it was most asked for," Weiss said.

The German coach also said enthusiasm helped the Azkals survive when they were on the brink of elimination at the group stage.

"There was certainly some kind of pressure for the team in the last match but it also shows, most of them are in the stage where they can deal with pressure and understand what it means to play for a wonderful country like the Philippines," he said.

Consistent support

The Azkals are considerably a primary force that has helped popularize football in the country recently. Aside from a strong following, the players have also garnered more support from public and private entities than what they were receiving years before.

Weiss, nevertheless, asked for more "merchandising, promotions, schooling" support as the Azkals strive to outpace more foreign rivals.

"[I'm] asking for people to come in to support us financially not just by words and headlines on newspapers but honestly, real funding programs especially for education," he said.

Thankful, hopeful

Meanwhile, the triumphant Azkals remain grateful for those have have backed them in their stints.

Aside from the Philippine Football Federation and exclusive partner, ABS-CBN Sports, the players also thanked the team and coaches.

"It's been a long road to our success. Everyone, coaching staff, all the players have been through, all the up's and down's we've been through the past years..." team captain Aly Borromeo said about the people the team are grateful to.

Borromeo vowed to prove more of what the Azkals are capable of as they enter more tournaments.

"We just continue to get better. We're only starting, we have a long ladder to climb," he said.

For now, Azkals' manager Dan Palami is hoping the team remains resilient in their upcoming matches.

"In the future, I hope we become successful in our stints internationally," he said.

Feeling particularly driven for the World Cup qualifiers middle of this year, Palami said: "We look forward to playing here in the Philippines, and showing our kababayans what the Azkals can do.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/28/11/azkals-aiming-higher-dreaming-bigger

boy muscovado

March 29th, 2011, 05:13 AM

Hope they would bring the games back to Bacolod....Panaad Stadium will be starting its facelift and improvement anytime when the GO signal is sounded

off_side

March 29th, 2011, 07:00 AM

Tough days ahead for Azkals

source: Francis Santiago | mb.com.ph

National coach Hans Michael Weiss said he will need six tuneup matches against club teams in Asia to whip the Philippine Azkals into fighting form for the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that starts this June.

“We will start training beginning of May,” the German coach said yesterday.

The Azkals returned home before dawn yesterday, fresh from their victorious campaign in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Myanmar, and Weiss doesn’t want to waste time in mapping out their battle plan for their next important mission.

“Coach Weiss has proposed to have five to six friendly match against club teams,” Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said before boarding a flight for Vietnam to attend an AFC conference yesterday.

“That’s the initial plan with my talks with team manager Dan Palami.”

Araneta said Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, and Australia are the possible sites of their training camps.

“As much as possible Asian countries ang gusto namin kasi mas mura doon,” he added.

Azkals co-captain Chieffy Caligdong said they were given by Palami a one month breather before plunging to training for the home-and-away World Cup series.

“Home sweet home. At last nakasama ko na family ko friends and football fans namin. One week ko din di nakausap family ko,” said Caligdong, who along with the other team members landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 733 at 3:50 a.m.

The Azkals’ opponent for the first of six-rounds of the qualifier will be known only during a draw on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Palami said they are hoping to assemble one of the strongest teams for the qualifier.

“For the World Cup qualifiers, I’m hoping that we will be able to form our Dream Team,” Palami said.

Among possible recruits for qualifier include Fil-German Stephan Schrock, Fil-Danish Dennis Cagara, Toronto-born Jonathan and Julian De Guzman while Filipino-Spanish Angel Guirado, who struck twice in the Filipino’s 3-0 win over Bangladesh in the Challenge Cup group stage last Friday, has made himself available.

The home-and-away series is set June 29 and July 3, and Araneta said the Rizal Memorial football stadium in Manila and the 1 Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City are possible venues for the home game. If the Philippines advances, Round 2 is set July 23 and 28.

Weiss, meanwhile, said he will fly to Germany soon to scout Fil-foreign players for the Philippines’ Under-23 team to the Southeast Asian Games later this year in Jakarta, Indonesia.

For beating Bangladesh Friday, the Azkals earned a slot in the main draw of the Challenge Cup, a tournament for emerging football nations, to be held next year.

http://mb.com.ph/articles/311682/tough-days-ahead-azkals

Maxxclip

March 29th, 2011, 07:27 AM

Weiss, meanwhile, said he will fly to Germany soon to scout Fil-foreign players for the Philippines’ Under-23 team to the Southeast Asian Games later this year in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Azkals to scout for US recruits

Philippine football team captain Aly Borromeo and defender Anton del Rosario will conduct tryouts to reinforce the Azkals pool of players at the Gellert Park in Daly City, near San Francisco, on April 9-10 with an eye to recruit talents in the 15-24 age bracket.

So far, about 25 players have expressed interest to join the tryouts that Borromeo and Del Rosario will supervise with US college football coaches. A plan to hold tryouts in Los Angeles and New York City was scuttled to concentrate on the main camp.

“The players are coming from all over (http://www.philstar.com/thedeanscorner/articlescontent.aspx?articleId=670860&publicationSubCategoryId=70),” said Del Rosario. “There were at least eight from the East Coast looking forward to the tryouts in New York City but we’ve asked them to fly to San Francisco instead so we can assemble the players all together. It’s more practical to hold the tryouts in the US than ask the players to fly all the way to Manila. We’ve got players coming in from Canada, too.”

Borromeo said a camp in Europe is also being planned but nothing is finalized.

“There are over two million Filipinos in the US,” said Borromeo’s father Pocholo who is involved with the National Capital Region Football Association. “We know that soccer is getting bigger in the US, particularly in the youth level up to about 12 years old. We’re sure to tap good talents from the US just as we’ve tapped good talent from Europe.”

Maxxclip

March 29th, 2011, 07:35 AM

PFF head hails move to upgrade Iloilo football field

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta said he “welcomes” moves by Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. to upgrade the football field within the Iloilo Sports Complex and make it at par with international standards.

Araneta, who comes from the town of Barotac Nuevo — considered the center of football in Iloilo – made the remark in a media interview after he learned of a plan by Defensor to improve said football grounds and make it fit for national and international football tournaments.

The former national football standout was among Philippine officials who headed a delegation to the recent Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge games, to cheer on the Philippine Azkals team in beating Bangladesh during their final game assignment in the series hosted by Myanmar. Azkal’s victory over Bangladesh gained for the team a slot in the AFC Challenge Cup tournament in 2012. Speaking in the local Ilonggo dialect, Araneta said, “if that’s the governor’s plan, then that’s also good for the province (Iloilo) as well.”

The sports complex’s football field was the main venue for the football games played during the 2011 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet hosted by Iloilo here last March 20-24.

Only Negros Occidental province’s football field at the Panaad Sports Complex in the provincial capital, Bacolod City – which is one ferry ride away from Iloilo – is, so far, the only facility capable of hosting international matches in the Western Visayas region.

mb (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311820/pff-head-hails-move-upgrade-iloilo-football-field)

Maxxclip

March 29th, 2011, 07:37 AM

World Cup Qualifier Fact File

Round One in which the 16 lowest ranked teams, including the Philippines, divided into eight groups, will battle is set (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?title=Forging%20ahead&id=28777) for June 29 and July 3.

In the event the Azkals advance, they play in the second round to be played on July 23 and 28... Currently the Philippines is the lowest-seeded team along with Laos at 42nd entering the first round.

Our likely opponent will be among Malaysia (28th), Afghanistan and Cambodia (29th), Nepal (31st), Bangladesh (32nd), Sri Lanka and Vietnam (33rd), Mongolia (35th), Pakistan (36th), Palestine (37th), Timor-Liste (38th), Macau (39th), Chinese Taipei and Myanmar (40th) and Laos (42nd).

Short-listed as possible venue for our home game in the qualifiers are the Rizal Memorial football stadium in Manila and Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Maxxclip

March 29th, 2011, 09:19 AM

Azkals member turns a deaf ear to call of showbiz

Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is saying no to show business—for now at least.

According to the rising Filipino-British football star, he would rather play international football first before joining local Tinseltown. "I have a very successful and a bright future playing football in England and I want to experience that before I really enter showbiz,” says he in an interview with abscbnews.com.

Etheridge says he knows opportunity usually knocks only once but “if my time is up before I can enter showbiz in the Philippines, that's just life. For me football is my main priority.”

mb (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311868/azkals-member-turns-a-deaf-ear-call-showbiz)

Maxxclip

March 30th, 2011, 05:07 AM

Studio 23, Balls TV to air Azkals' group stage matches

ABS-CBN Sports announced the airing schedule of the Philippine Azkals' last two matches in their successful Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup group stage campaign.

The Philippines-Palestine match will be aired on Studio 23 on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m.

The match will also be shown on cable channel Balls TV this Wednesday (March 30) at 4:30 p.m.

The Philippines-Bangladesh match, meanwhile, will be aired on Studio 23 on Thursday (March 31) at 1 p.m. and on Friday (April 1) at 1:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/29/11/studio-23-balls-tv-air-azkals-group-stage-matches).

It will also be shown on Balls TV this Thursday (March 31) at 6:30 p.m., and this Sunday (April 3) at 6 p.m.

off_side

March 30th, 2011, 06:36 AM

Azkals eye medal finish in SEAG
By FRANCIS SANTIAGOMarch 29, 2011, 7:10pm

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has never won a medal of any color in the men’s football event of the Southeast Asian Games since its debut in the biennial meet in 1977.

Seeking to end the drought, Azkals team manager Dan Palami has vowed to form the strongest football squad ever.

“I think we can safely say we will be forming the strongest team for the Southeast Asian Games,” said Palami, who will also stand as team manager of the national team to the SEA Games set in Indonesia this November.

He said chances are strong to contend for a medal considering that six players from the Philippine Azkals are eligible to play in the under-23 tournament.

The six players are goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, 21, reliever Christopher Camcam, 16, defender David Basa, 21, striker Yannick Tuason, 21, who are both members of the University of Santo Tomas football team, and Fil-German Patrick Hinrichsen, 20, and Fil-Dutch Jason de Jong, 21.

“They don’t need to try out for the team. I think with their level of play, they should be automatically included in the team,” Palami said.

"I hope we can win the medal under my leadership. That's all our aim," Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, a former member of the national team from 1975 to '80s, said.

Malaysia is the defending SEA Games champion, with Vietnam and Singapore as the second and third place finishers.

Azkals head coach Hans Michael Weiss will mentor the squad, which he hopes to be boosted with top-calibre players from Europe. The German coach, together with Rob Gier will soon fly to Germany to scout for players.

“So far, there are at least 30 players who expressed their desire to join the Sea Games team,” Palami said.

Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo and Anto Del Rosario will conduct tryouts for the under-23 event on April 9-10 in Daly City, California.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Azkals opponent for the Round 1 of the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be known this afternoon as the draw will be held in Kuala Lumpur

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311934/azkals-eye-medal-finish-seag

off_side

March 30th, 2011, 06:38 AM

Azkals start gearing up for World Cup
By BONG PEDRALVEZ

INTENSIVE scouting in three continents for new players plus four training camps beginning early May will form part of the national team build-up for the Asian World Cup qualifiers in late June, according to coach Hans Michael Weiss.

"We will have a break until close to end of the month, after which the coaches have been instructed to start looking for new players locally, particularly in the Under-23 and Under-19 competitions that will begin shortly," Weiss said.

He said team manager Dan Palami and midfielder Anton del Rosario, who left for the United States last Monday, will also hold tryouts in San Francisco on April 9 and 10, with at least 45 hopefuls from both the East and West Coasts, along with Canada, signing up.

"As for myself, I shall be leaving for Germany to conduct my own screening around Easter time," Weiss said. "We would like to form the best possible team for the Asian World Cup series."

Among the Filipino-Germans he would likely tap, Weiss said, are midfielders Manuel Ott, 19, and Stefan Schrock, 25, who are playing with German Second Division teams.

Weiss added he’s in constant touch with Filipino-British defender Rob Gier to help him recruit prospects for the national squad.

"I would like to see younger players joining the team, but we have to take it step by step," said Weiss, adding the first training camp-cum-open tryouts will be set on May 9-26 "which I would prefer to be held outside Manila."

"We will also make this camp the start of our conditioning for the players," said fitness coach Joseph Malinay.

The camp on May 27-June 2, Weiss said, will be a "recreation camp," possibly in Cebu, to increase rapport and camaraderie among the potential national team members whose families will be allowed to join them.

After a five-day respite, Weiss said he hopes to have a complete 23-man roster when the Nationals leave for Australia where they will hold camp in Melbourne from June 7-18. He said they are expected to play at least five matches with Australian sides.

The Azkals will complete the final phase of their training in the country on June 21-27, two days before the first match of the World Cup home-and-away series.

The draw for the Asian Word Cup opening round qualifying matches will be held today at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, with Weiss saying he intends to "form a strong and competent team that can go up against any opponent that we face."

"If all of our plans fall into place–players, logistics, training, etc.–I believe we do have a have a chance against any squad," Weiss said.

"However, should we be drawn against countries like Uzbekistan, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, then we will have a challenging time under the home-and-away format," Weiss. "But this is football, so anything is possible."

Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano Araneta Jr., who arrived yesterday from an AFC meeting in Vietnam, said he’s hoping the Philippines would not be drawn against a strong squad.

"Hopefully it won’t be against strong countries like Malaysia or Vietnam," Araneta said. "If we’re lucky, we might get Mongolia again or even Macau."

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar30/sports8.html

absinthe_888

March 30th, 2011, 06:57 AM

Azkals is going to UPLB at 2pm today for the Suzuki-PFF under-23 Tournament.

off_side

March 30th, 2011, 10:28 AM

Round 1

# 151 PHILIPPINES vs. # 173 Sri Lanka

Should we win over Sri Lanka

Round 2

# 151 PHILIPPINES vs. # 103 Kuwait

-SNPKLSDMBLDR-

March 30th, 2011, 10:32 AM

bring on the Azkals Dream Team for the World Cup Qualifiers! :D

sea_gull

March 30th, 2011, 10:56 AM

Round 1

# 151 PHILIPPINES vs. # 173 Sri Lanka

Should we win over Sri Lanka

Round 2

# 151 PHILIPPINES vs. # 103 Kuwait

KEEP THE FAITH !!!

Lets GO AZKALS !!!

spearhead

March 31st, 2011, 12:08 AM

^^Philippines 3 Sri Lanka 2 :cheers:

Maxxclip

April 2nd, 2011, 06:50 AM

Azkals distribute goods to flood victims in Leyte

MANILA, Philippines – Several members of the Philippine Azkals on Friday visited the province of Leyte, which was badly hit by flooding during the past few weeks.

The Filipino booters distributed relief goods to the delight of flood victims in Tacloban, Leyte.

They also donated the bonuses they received following their successful stint in the recent Challenge Cup group stage.

Each Azkals player earlier received $1,000 from team manager Dan Palami for successfully qualifying in the 2012 Challenge Cup tournament proper.

“Kung baga pasalamat lang ng Azkals sa mga blessings na na-receive nila despite ‘yung natural calamities na napagdaanan namin,” said Palami.

The Azkals are no stranger to disasters (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/04/02/11/azkals-distribute-goods-flood-victims-leyte).

They experienced the magnitude 9 earthquake in Japan while practicing for their playoff game against Mongolia.

The Azkals also experienced an earthquake while staying in Myanmar for the group stage games.

Maxxclip

April 2nd, 2011, 06:55 AM

Greatwich meets Great Boxer

BAGUIO CITY, April 1 (PIA) – Azkals’ midfielder Simon Greatwich joined the pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao in his high altitude training here in this mountain resort last week.

Pacquiao opened his Wednesday work out with an early morning jog at the pristine Santa Lucia Estate together with Greatwich, who is fresh from Philippine National Football Team Azkals win in Myanmar.

Greatwich hopped on a bus Tuesday night and took a five-hour journey to the city to finally meet one of the country’s pride in sports.

Few weeks after the Azkals high altitude training in Baguio City and Benguet, the pound for pound king came back to Baguio for his own high altitude training in preparation for his title defense on May 7 against Sugar Shane Mosley for the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.

This mountain resort has proven to be a fruitful training ground for national and international sports event for Filipino athletes.

This is the third time the Pacman is training in the city while the Azkals are also keen on continuing their training in Baguio for their future match up after qualifying in the Asian Football Cup recently.

During the visit of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri here, he announced his proposal of putting up a sports complex here in Baguio to be used as official training ground for the Team Azkals, the People’s Champ and all other athletes.

Zubiri said that the having a sports complex in Baguio would create better trainings to Filipino athletes and encourage the youth to engage in the field of sports.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s camp is set to leave Baguio by Friday evening and will fly straight to Los Angeles for the last five remaining weeks of the training where two other spar mates are on standby for the Sarangani representative at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, California.

PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=25519)

Maxxclip

April 6th, 2011, 09:28 AM

GATORADE engages Azkals into Sweat Test Program

Manila, Philippines – The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) recently conducted the Sweat Test Program to the members of the Philippine Football team, more known as the “Azkals", to ensure that all players are fit and properly hydrated before facing tight matches in the AFC Challenge Cup.

GSSI, Gatorade’s research facility, performs the Gatorade Sweat Test among various sports teams to check if the players are properly hydrated as they engage in sports. The information acquired is used by the team physicians to formulate proper hydration protocols and hydration plans which are customized for each athlete.

http://blogs.gmanews.tv/kapuso-mo-jessica-soho/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/sweattestazkals.jpg

Steve Romasanta, Marketing Director of Gatorade, explains that the Sweat Test results are essential in helping the Azkals be on top of the games. “We are happy to engage the Azkals in this program. The goal of GSSI is to help improve athletes’ performance through research. I am sure that the results of the test will help them develop their hydration plans to further improve their performance in the field."

The Gatorade Sweat Test team visited the practice of the Azkals at the University of Makati before the team departed for Myanmar to administer the sweat test. Each member of the team submitted a urine sample, was weighed in and underwent the sweat patching procedure while doing their basic routines during practice.

“It is important to maintain a properly hydrated body especially for athletes like the Azkals because they need enough energy to stay and last in the game. Dehydrated bodies often experience cramps and other muscle-related injuries which hamper their performance," said Nino Sinco, MSS, Athletic Trainer. “These athletes need to make sure that they are able to properly replenish the amount of fluid they lose while sweating. While water is a good refresher, sports drinks like Gatorade offer added nutrients to help the body maintain its energy," explained Sinco.

More than replenishment, Gatorade contains electrolytes and carbohydrates that provide the extra energy boost needed for athletes to be on top of their game. “The Azkals are indeed doing a fantastic job and they have successfully brought football into the consciousness of Filipinos. By engaging them into the sweat test program, Gatorade wants to contribute in helping them improve their game. Not many people are aware (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/216983//gatorade-engages-azkals-into-sweat-test-program) but proper hydration is significant to an athlete’s performance." Sinco added.

Team Captain Aly Borromeo, James Younghusband, Anton del Rosario, and Emilio “Chieffy" Caligdong were among those who underwent the Gatorade Sweat Test. Phil Younghusband, however, did not participate because of the injury he recently got after the face-off with Mongolia.

Gatorade, the world’s #1 sports drink, is the official sports drink of the Philippine Football Team.

Maxxclip

April 6th, 2011, 09:34 AM

Merchandise...

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh3u3natw31qfc5j7.jpg

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh3u41caWl1qfc5j7.jpg

Maxxclip

April 6th, 2011, 09:36 AM

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/soulflyRC510/DSC02686.jpg

Maxxclip

April 6th, 2011, 09:37 AM

http://callouscomics.com/resources/misc/IMG_0149_2.jpg

http://callouscomics.com/resources/misc/IMG_0154_2.jpg

Maxxclip

April 6th, 2011, 09:46 AM

No free tickets in Azkals home match vs Sri Lanka

MANILA, Philippines - Bad news for Azkals fans: there will be no free tickets in the Philippine football team's home match against Sri Lanka for the FIFA World Cup 2014 first round qualifiers.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) made the announcement on the ASEAN Football Federation's official website on Sunday, saying that it will have to raise funds to cover for the expenses of hosting the event on July 3.

"What is certain is that there won't be any free seating for the public," said PFF president Mariano Araneta, adding, "We don't know if we can get any subsidy from FIFA for the hosting and we have to rent for the said field and shoulder other expenses."

The PFF is considering 2 venues for the home game -- the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod. It has until April 15 to decide.

Araneta, Azkals team manager Dan Palami and coach Hans Michael Weiss made an ocular inspection of the 77-year-old Rizal Stadium last week. Except for some minor ground repairs, the 3 didn't see any major problems with the venue.

"We might just play there at around 4 p.m., so the lights would not have to be installed," Araneta said.

The Philippine Azkals will attempt to outpace the Sri Lanka Booters in their home and away matches to boost their chances of joining the FIFA World Cup.

They will take on their foreign rivals in Colombo on June 29 for the first leg before the home game on July 3.

abs-cbn (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/04/03/11/no-free-tickets-azkals-home-match-vs-sri-lanka)

lopsarong

April 6th, 2011, 02:35 PM

I love Team Azkals..Filipinos are surely proud of them so much..:) They serve as an asset for the Philippines..Good Luck guys!

off_side

April 9th, 2011, 03:19 AM

Daly City park Azkals’ newest field of dreams
Percy D. Della
Southpaw
First Posted 02:22:54 09/04/2011

SACRAMENTO, California—For Filipino-American players aspiring to be Azkals, the old Gellert Park in Daly City’s Serramonte neighborhood has become the newest field of dreams.

Skipper Aly Borromeo and defender Anton del Rosario, both Bay Area-based players of the Philippine national football team, are home to conduct tryouts for the Azkals at Gellert’s new-generation synthetic pitch this weekend.
Tryout times are at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Sunday in Manila) and 10 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Soccer moms won’t be pacing the sidelines, but Borromeo and Del Rosario expect the Gellert turf, with the look but not the smell of grass, to attract a crowd when the duo, along with volunteer college coaches give prospects the once-over.

When I last talked to Del Rosario, he said 30 players and counting had indicated interest in displaying their soccer skills and talents for the coaching panel to evaluate.

The prospects got the word about the tryouts, mostly by way of the social media—Facebook, Twitter, blogs and through “connections and affiliations in the Philippine football community” stateside, he said.

Despite the short lead time and lack of a drum beat in the conventional media, response to the tryouts has been very good, he reports. “I have been keeping in touch with all the registrants and updating them. It’s going to be great and exciting. I’m fascinated to see what kind of players the tryouts will bring.”
Although the Bay Area is a veritable gold mine for prospects, most of the interested players are actually from out of town and out of state—Canada, Virginia, New York, Illinois, Central and Southern California, according to Anton.

The main camp will be in Daly City, a predominantly Filipino-American enclave, after the tryouts in New York and Los Angeles were scuttled. “There were at least eight (prospects) from the East Coast looking forward to the tryouts in New York. But we have asked them to fly to San Francisco instead so we can assemble the players at Gellert Park,” said Del Rosario.

“A lot of the pool consist of freshman and sophomore college players. The mean age is 18, 19, 20 but we have players ranging from 16 to 29,” said Anton, himself a collegiate player before he joined the Azkals while in hiatus in Manila.
Although he did not mention any standouts by name, Anton said the prospects have very impressive backgrounds “and I’m looking forward to seeing how they produce on the pitch.”

The Azkals, who are resting after qualifying for the Asian Football Federation Challenge Cup next year after an impressive performance in Myanmar last month, have an eye on talents “15 to 23 years of age, because they will be the future of Philippine football,” he said.

“As for the whole tryouts, anybody who is better than what we have deserves the opportunity to play with us. We will be comparing the players to the players currently on the squad, and if several happen to stick out we will be interested (in these players).”

Members of the Azkals get no hefty salaries. They receive only modest allowances and plane fares to join the tournaments where the Azkals may be playing at any given time.

“Playing for flag and country is really all that matters to all of us on the team,” said Del Rosario, who’s well aware of the reality that players from overseas suit up for their national teams all the time.

The Azkals may not get the big bucks but they are recognized and treated like matinee idols in a country where football is enjoying a resurgence of massive proportions.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Daly-City-park-Azkals-newest-field-of-dreams.html

Maxxclip

April 9th, 2011, 03:44 AM

The first & future Azkals

Finally, Filipinos realize the futility of trying to compete in basketball. Vertically-challenged but wily, the Filipinos are, pound-for-pound, better suited for football than basketball. This has been made clear by the triumphs of our national team. The Azkals’ success has seen them move up dramatically in Asian and world rankings; spawning football fever in the only country in Asia that has yet to fully embrace “the greatest game in the world.”

http://www.totalbarca.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/3.1-245x250.jpg

Sure, half the team are Fili-fors (Filipino-foreigners) but at least they have Filipino blood. We do not have to resort to “naturalizing” players like we do in basketball…or what the Indonesians did with that fellow who put those two goals against us in last year’s AFC semis.

The Younghusbands, Neil Etheridge, team captain Aly Borromeo, Jason de Jong, Anton del Rosario and the rest of our scrappy national team seem to have come from nowhere and people wonder, why only now? Did football (or soccer, as it is called in America) just blossom because of the fashionable rise in the sport among fuppie (Filipino yuppie) families in the last decade?

The truth is that football has a long history in the Philippines — 115 years give or take a year. Also, Philippine football has produced world-class players as far back as the 1920s — one player, in fact, made it all the way to FC Barcelona!

I stumbled upon these fascinating bits of information from two sources on the history of Philippine football. The first is an article from a brittle copy of the National Almanac and Guide of the Philippine Islands published by Puya and Minton in Manila in 1926, and the other source is the Internet. I typed in “famous Filipino football player” and got the name of Paulino Alcantara from several sources. Alcantara is a product of a Spanish father and an Ilongga mother and is considered one of FC Barcelona’s greatest players.

A Game Played By Half-Mad Foreigners

http://anythingpinoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/paulino-alcantara-riestra.jpg

The article from the almanac section on sports was headlined “A history of soccer football in the Philippine” and was written by Ignacio De Ycaza. He paints a colorful picture of the sport’s progress in the first quarter of the 20th century. I excerpt freely:

“Soccer football was introduced in the Philippines by English sportsmen, members of the Manila Club, two or three years before Dewey fought the battle of Manila Bay (this puts the introduction of football to around 1895). This sport was at first looked upon with a great deal of suspicion by the Filipinos, who considered football as the gamboling of half-mad foreigners.

“But a few members of the younger generation, being highly imitative by nature, very soon began to follow, as closely as possible, the principle or fundamental ideas of the game. …As there were not enough players in the entire city to form two regular teams, they were forced to practice by matching the fire forwards against five members of the defensive line of the same team.

“Some boys that had been sent to college in Hong Kong, China, returned home and taught their friends a little bit about the fine game of soccer or association football. (Within) a year more there were two or three embryonic soccer teams in Manila..”

“(Then) the Spanish-American War broke out, and those two or three little football teams were disbanded and scattered to the four points of the compass. The heads of the different families to which these boys belonged decided to abandon the city, either to save themselves and their families from the bombardment they expected at any moment, or to cast their lot with the Filipino troops outside the city limits.”

The First Official Game

Ycaza continues …”When peace reigned again, and the Americans began to inculcate in the Filipinos their love for all athletic games and sports, these first football teams, whose members had by this time passed from childhood into adolescence, were reorganized and trained.”

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8586/alcantara.png
Paulino Alcantara with Juan Gamper, the founder of FC Barcelona

“Five or six athletic clubs sprang up almost over night. Among them were the Manila Sporting Club, the Paris Club, and the Manila Jockey Club. These organizations specialized in soccer and actually came to play a very creditable game. (On of these was)…the Sandow football team (which) came into existence in 1906 with some promising new players …”

“The first official football match in the Philippines was held in Manila on the 15th of October, 1907, in celebration of the opening of the Philippine Assembly. The trophy for this contest, a beautiful silver cup donated by the Hon.William H. Taft, then Governor-General of these islands, was won by the Sandow team; which developed into developed into the Sandow Athletic Club in 1909, and branched out into further athletic activities.”

More clubs soon followed, narrated Ycaza. “ “In 1910 the Bohemian Sporting Club was organized and began to train football players with such ability that in a couple of years’ time it became one of the most formidable Filipino soccer teams in the islands, and the most dangerous rival of both the English team called the Nomads, and the Sandow Athletic Club.”

The First Championships

Ycaza outline the quick ascent of the game.” “In 1920 the Circulo Social Deportivo was organized and produced a football team which rapidly graduated from the junior to the senior category. It kept persistently at the heels of the Bohemian Sporting Club and almost neck and neck with the Aurora Athletic Club in the race for the annual football championship of the Philippines…”

“To further propagate the love for this fine sport and to regulate the football championship contests, which take place every year among the various athletic clubs of Manila, all the football teams belonging to such clubs within the city limits banded themselves together and organized the Philippine Amateur Football Association. This Association held its first championship in 1921 under the auspices of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation.

“Casino Español showed interest in soccer football and several matches were played between teams of that organization, to select a team from amongst the members of the club . In 1922 the Casino team and made a very good showing although it could not wrest the championship from the Bohemian Club ...”

The First Azkal

One of the first “local” boys mentioned by Ycaza went all the way to the top of the sport. Paulino Alcántara Riestrá was born in Iloilo City on Oct. 7, 1896. The Spanish, English and French were already in Iloilo at the time because of sugar. In all probability Paulino was introduced to the sport before his father moved the family back to Spain after the turn of the century.

According to sources on the Net, “ Alcantara was a Filipino/Spanish footballer who played for FC Galeno, FC Barcelona, Bohemians of Manila, the Philippines and Spain. Alcántara was (and still is on record) the youngest player to play and score for FC Barcelona in a competitive game. He played for the club between 1912 and 1927, scoring 357 goals in as many matches and remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.”

According to the site All Thigs Pinoy, “Alcántara was the first Asian-born footballer to play for a European club and will go down in history as the greatest Filipino footballer of all time.” The site reports, “He grew up in Barcelona and initially played for FC Galeno before he was soon spotted by Joan Gamper and signed up for FC Barcelona. He made his senior debut at the age of 15 years, four months and 18 days on Feb. 25, 1912 against Catalá SC in the Championat de Catalunya. FC Barcelona won 9-0, and Alcántara scored the first three goals of that match. He went on to help the club win a Copa del ReyChampionat de Catalunya double in 1913 and a Championat de Catalunya in 1916.”

Alcantara’s fascinating story continues, “In 1916 Alcántara’s parents returned to the Philippines and took their son with them. There he continued his studies in medicine (probably the UP or the UST) and played for Bohemians of Manila. He was selected to play for the Philippine national football team in 1917 to represent the country in the Tokyo Far Eastern Championship Games, where he would lead the country to a 15-2 demolition of host country Japan. He also represented the Philippines at table tennis. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona had failed to win a major trophy in his absence and the club pleaded in vain with his parents to allow him to return to Spain. However, he contracted malaria in 1917 and apparently refused to take the prescribed medication until he was allowed to go back.”

International Play And Retirement

“After returning to Spain with FC Barcelona …the club reached the Copa del Rey final but lost 5-2 to Arenas Club de Getxo. In 1920 the club won another Copa del Rey/Championat de Catalunya double with Alcántara scoring in the 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa final. …This marked the beginning of one of the clubs golden eras and saw them dominating both the Championat de Catalunya and Copa del Rey. …He retired from active play at the age of 31 and became a doctor. On July 5, 1927, FC Barcelona played against Spain in a testimonial in his honour. He later served as Barca’s club director from 1931 to 1934.

“In 1920, Alcántara, Zamora, Samitier and Sesúmaga were all chosen to represent Spain at the Olympic Games that year. However, Alcántara chose to stay at home to take his final medical exams. He eventually made five appearances and scored six goals for Spain between 1921 and 1923. He made his international debut on Oct. 7, 1921 at the age of 25 against and scored both goals in a 2-0 win.”

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5WUssoGobepx10k1-VhiOURRbqOt-KuZno25KjiWUgHQZxMFNHw

Alcantara retired from the sport a few years later apparently to practice medicine. The site says he came back to the club in the ’50s and to the service of Spanish football, “In 1951 Alcántara was one of three selectors, along with Félix Quesada and Luís Iceta, that coached Spain for three games against Switerland, Belgium and Sweden.” Alcantara passed away in 1964.

Future Azkals

It should be suggested to Senator Frank Drilon that Alcantara be made a provincial hero of Iloilo. I am helping the good senator with a design for the Iloilo River esplanade — a possible venue for a memorial, although a world-class stadium would be more appropriate.

I started playing football in the ’60s because it was the default game over at Don Bosco. Those Italian (Salesian) fathers and brothers played a mean game — even in their sotanas! My classmate was Bert Honasan, who would go on to play for the Philippines and be named Mr. Football of 1977. I was not as good but still played it all the way up to college intramurals for the College of Architecture at UP Diliman (Bert was our coach).

Philippine football lost its steal in the ’80s and ’90s. The Nomad and Ugarte fields were the urban venues but Ugarte disappeared in the early Eighties. The lack of venues is part of the problem but mostly it was this unexplainable fascination for basketball.

http://www.blaugranas.com/media/galeria/25/8/3/9/4/n_f_c_barcelona_paulino_alcantara-1034938.jpg

Our youngest Juancho now plays for his school, Keys, and they join others in the 8-10 year group. He is a striker and I’ve seen him make a couple of great goals. All the kids are a sight to see, fearless and inspired. They all now want to be Azkals. Who can blame them? And who knows, among them may be the next Younghusband or even the next Alcantara.

http://web1.manilatimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Azkals.jpg

philStar (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=674377&publicationSubCategoryId=85)

off_side

April 10th, 2011, 04:25 AM

Fil-German ready to play for Azkals
By Francis Santiago
April 10, 2011, 3:25am

Filipino-German Stephan Markus Schrock, a highly-touted right back who plays for the German second division side Greuther Fürth, has recovered from his knee injury and looks ready to play when the Philippine Azkals begin their ambitious quest to qualify in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 24-year-old Schrock, who planed in the country last month to process his passport, was last seen attending the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night while in crutches. But his fast recovery, he said, now allows him to jog and stay fit in time for the World Cup qualifiers this June.

"My recovery is much faster than I and the doctors first thought," Schrock, whose Filipina mother is from Cebu told the Bulletin in an e-mail yesterday.

"I do jogging for 10 days now although I have to build up some muscles around the right knee because I lost a lot of them in the last 12 weeks of my injury."

A self-confessed Manny Pacquiao fan, Shrock has been playing for Greuther Fürth for 10 years now, seven years as a pro with a total of 153 games in the second division. He also played more than 30 games for Germany’s Under-18 and -20 national football teams and was a member of the U-19 squad when the team ranked third in the European championship.

The injury kept Schrock from playing side-by-side with the Azkals in their Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup games in Myanmar, but with his fast recovery, he said he may join the team’s early preparation for its first-round qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 29 in Colombo.

The Philippines will host the second match of the home and away series on July 3 at either Rizal Memorial Stadium or Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano Araneta said they are eyeing a Middle East camp for the Azkals’ World Cup preparation, which could be held either in Qatar or UAE beginning June 7.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/313534/filgerman-ready-play-azkals

off_side

April 13th, 2011, 12:57 PM

Phl Azkals mull WC buildup in Germany
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated April 13, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - With a training camp in Qatar and Australia no longer feasible, the Philippine Azkals are eyeing a stint in Germany as part of their preparations for their 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup with Sri Lanka.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said team manager Dan Palami and the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss are working out a possible session in Germany for their planned foreign training on June 7-17. This after Qatar and Australia could not guarantee available teams for tune-up matches.

“I’ve instructed Dan and coach Michael to check if we can get teams to play for tune-up games if we go to Germany,” Araneta told The STAR.

The Azkals were originally looking at Qatar for their buildup for June 29 away game and July 3 home match with Sri Lanka. Australia was another possible training site.

“Mukhang malabo na yung sa Qatar because according to their football federation, there are no teams available that time. It will be useless if we go without playing practice games there,” Araneta said. “As for Australia, it’s winter in June and off-season so there will be no teams, too. So we have to find another place,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PFF and Philippine Sports Commission will ask the Department of Public Works and Highway for an evaluation on the “structural integrity” of the Rizal Memorial stadium, one of the possible sites for the Azkals’ home game.

“If it’s structurally feasible, then there’s a chance that we’ll hold the game here,” Palami said after a meeting with PSC officials yesterday.

Cracks in same areas of the bleachers section have been noted in the decades-old facility and officials want to know if it can host an expected 20,000 fans. “We have to be sure about their safety,” Araneta said.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=675805&publicationSubCategoryId=69

thescene

April 13th, 2011, 05:24 PM

The PFF will formally announce tomorrow, Rizal Memorial Stadium as the venue for the home leg of our tie vs. Sri Lanka in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Rajah_Soliman

April 13th, 2011, 06:47 PM

Phl Azkals mull WC buildup in Germany
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated April 13, 2011 12:00 AM

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said team manager Dan Palami and the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss are working out a possible session in Germany for their planned foreign training on June 7-17. This after Qatar and Australia could not guarantee available teams for tune-up matches.

saan daw mag-tetraining sa germany???? ifo-foster ko ang isa sa kanila :rofl:

Fil-German ready to play for Azkals
By Francis Santiago
April 10, 2011, 3:25am

Filipino-German Stephan Markus Schrock, a highly-touted right back who plays for the German second division side Greuther Fürth, has recovered from his knee injury and looks ready to play when the Philippine Azkals begin their ambitious quest to qualify in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

here's another one:
David Alaba – Filipino youngest player in Austrian football team ..

read this: http://www.aapress.at/?p=443

IMPRESARIO

April 13th, 2011, 08:21 PM

^^si Coach at si Dan Palami daw pwede mong i-host. :nocrook:

Rajah_Soliman

April 13th, 2011, 08:32 PM

^^ ayaw ko sa kanya... mukhang malakas kumain... masisira ang budget ko :bash: :lol:

yoong torwart na lang ;) mukhang nagdidieta, pakakaiinin ko lang ng pancakes ko :lol:

http://footbowl.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/neil.jpg

Maxxclip

April 15th, 2011, 04:04 AM

The PFF will formally announce tomorrow, Rizal Memorial Stadium as the venue for the home leg of our tie vs. Sri Lanka in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

it was formally announced yesterday....

PHILIPPINE Football Team-Azkals team coordinator Patrick Ace Bright on Thursday confirmed that the July 3 first qualifying match between the Azkals and Sri Lanka for the of the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Bright, who was in Panaad Park and Stadium Thursday with Azkals stalwarts Ian Araneta, Roel Gener and reserve keeper Paolo Pascual, said that despite Panaad’s successful staging of the February 9 match against Mongolia, the people in Manila also deserve that privilege for a live viewing of the game.

The Azkals will play a home and away game where the June 29 match will be in Sri Lanka.

“This will not be the last time that the Azkals will play here in the Philippines. We still have an upcoming match against Kuwait and we look forward to bringing the game back here in Panaad,” Bright said.

He also added that having the game in Manila will also allow their team to transport its logistics easily.

Meanwhile, PFF president Mariano Araneta said in an interview that Panaad Stadium was also considered as a probable venue for the match against Sri Lanka. However, he explained that PFF also wanted to hold the match in Manila, which has not hosted an international match for quite some time.

The last significant football tournament held at Rizal Memorial Stadium was the 1991 Southeast Asian Games where the Philippine Team reached the semifinals.

On the other hand, Philippine Olympic Committee chairman and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Advisory Council member Monico Puentevella said that, since Manila is the capital of the Philippines, "we should give Manileños the chance to see the Azkals, too."

“I hope we don’t threaten the games here with the 30 percent amusement tax the next time it will be staged here. The Azkals will surely generate millions with this game in Rizal,” he said.

To recall, shortly before the February 9 match between the Azkals and Mongolia in Bacolod City, the Bacolod City Council passed a resolution charging the organizers with a 30 percent amusement tax on the tickets sales of the match. However, upon request of the PFF, the City Council later waived the tax.

sunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/sports/2011/04/15/azkals-play-home-match-rizal-memorial-stadium-150540)

Maxxclip

April 15th, 2011, 11:35 AM

Football league eyes fresh talent in Dumaguete

MANILA -- The search for the country’s next batch of football stars continues as the Philippine Football Federation-Suzuki Under-23 Cup goes to Dumaguete City for the Visayas leg slated April 15 to 19.

The Visayas is easily dubbed as the “football country” as it is the breeding ground for football players.

“If you look at the homegrown players of our current national team, with the exception of David Basa, all are products of the Visayas region,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta who hails from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo and who once donned the national colors.

Among members of the fancied men’s national team Azkals, Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Roel Gener are from Iloilo while Paolo Pascual is from Cebu.

Dick Emperado, president of the Negros Oriental Football Association said that the return of the national tournament can be only good for the Visayan stock if not the Filipino people.

“It is a chance to showcase the homegrown talent. It is also chance for the locals to represent the country when we compete in the Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia later this year,” he said, who once played for Silliman University.

Some of the current players in top varsity leagues National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) come from the Visayas.

La Salle’s rookie striker Al Bustamante and forward Federico Rabaya are from Dumaguete.

The University of Santo Tomas has a sizeable contingent from Iloilo including former rookie of the year Christian de Juan, Fidel Kue, Ronald Batisla-Ong and Shirmar Felongco, who was recently voted as the best midfielder in the UAAP.

UST’s head coach, Marjo Allado, who also hails from Barotac Nuevo, will be coaching the Iloilo squad.

Meanwhile, Luzon and Mindanao qualifiers will be held simultaneously on April 28-30 in Laguna and Davao City, respectively. The National Capital Region, which has two teams, automatically head into the home-and-away semifinal match.

The championship game is scheduled on May 15. -sunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/04/15/football-league-eyes-fresh-talent-dumaguete-150572)

Maxxclip

April 16th, 2011, 06:16 AM

Phl Azkals mull WC buildup in Germany
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated April 13, 2011 12:00 AM

“I’ve instructed Dan and coach Michael to check if we can get teams to play for tune-up games if we go to Germany,” Araneta told The STAR.

German training for Azkals

MANILA—The 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying match against Sri Lanka may be more than two months away, but Philippine football team manager Dan Palami yesterday said preparations have already begun with the decision to have the Azkals train in Germany.

Palami said the Azkals will train in Germany for two weeks starting June 12 in preparation for the first leg showdown with Sri Lanka on June 29 either in Colombo or in Kalutara and the return leg five days later at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/images/articles/azkals11_1026_1212.jpg

The training camp could be the toughest yet for the Azkals as Palami, with the help of the German Football Association (DFB), is eyeing at least five tuneup matches against several German clubs, including a team playing in the second division.

“We’re not treating Sri Lanka lightly that’s why we will have the best possible preparation,” said Palami. “We should still prepare and play like we haven’t achieved anything.”

The Azkals reached the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup for the first time last December and qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup main tournament this year after finishing second in their group in Yangon, Myanmar.

Palami is confident that he can have all of the players available for the training camp as well as for the two matches against Sri Lanka.

Stephan Schrock and Dennis Cagara are among the key additions to the squad which already boasts of Aly Borromeo, Phil and James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Ian Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Roel Gener, Simon Greatwich, Jason Sabio, Jerry Lucena and Angel Guirado.

Schrock, an aggressive rightback, whose team Greuther Furth is close to cracking the German Bundesliga, has promised to join the squad for the Sri Lanka match.

Palami said Jason de Jong, the Filipino-Dutch midfielder, who has fallen out of favor with coach Michael Weiss, will be given another chance as long as he joins training camp and explains his absence during the second leg of the Mongolia match and the group stage in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission has approved the proposal of San Miguel to install grandstand seats and the LED scoreboard at the Rizal Memorial for the Azkals-Sri Lanka clash.

In return, San Miguel is asking branding on all VIP seats, on the stadium scoreboard, non-camera facing banners and streamers on the stadium.

“That really is our target, to improve the standard of the stadium so we can also host other big events in the future,” said PSC commissioner Chito Loyzaga at the SCOOP sa Kamayan weekly session.

The Rizal Memorial Stadium, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, has not hosted an international football match since the 1991 Southeast Asian Games, where the Philippines reached the semifinals.

“It’s about time we play in Manila,” said Palami. “This will be a litmus test if the popularity of football has gone beyond the Visayas region.”

Unlike the match against Mongolia last February 9 when tickets were free, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the PFF will be selling tickets for the match through a third-party firm.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/German-training-for-Azkals.html)

off_side

April 16th, 2011, 10:15 AM

German training for Azkals

MANILA—The 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying match against Sri Lanka may be more than two months away, but Philippine football team manager Dan Palami yesterday said preparations have already begun with the decision to have the Azkals train in Germany.

Palami said the Azkals will train in Germany for two weeks starting June 12 in preparation for the first leg showdown with Sri Lanka on June 29 either in Colombo or in Kalutara and the return leg five days later at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/images/articles/azkals11_1026_1212.jpg

The training camp could be the toughest yet for the Azkals as Palami, with the help of the German Football Association (DFB), is eyeing at least five tuneup matches against several German clubs, including a team playing in the second division.

“We’re not treating Sri Lanka lightly that’s why we will have the best possible preparation,” said Palami. “We should still prepare and play like we haven’t achieved anything.”

The Azkals reached the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup for the first time last December and qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup main tournament this year after finishing second in their group in Yangon, Myanmar.

Palami is confident that he can have all of the players available for the training camp as well as for the two matches against Sri Lanka.

Stephan Schrock and Dennis Cagara are among the key additions to the squad which already boasts of Aly Borromeo, Phil and James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Ian Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Roel Gener, Simon Greatwich, Jason Sabio, Jerry Lucena and Angel Guirado.

Schrock, an aggressive rightback, whose team Greuther Furth is close to cracking the German Bundesliga, has promised to join the squad for the Sri Lanka match.

Palami said Jason de Jong, the Filipino-Dutch midfielder, who has fallen out of favor with coach Michael Weiss, will be given another chance as long as he joins training camp and explains his absence during the second leg of the Mongolia match and the group stage in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission has approved the proposal of San Miguel to install grandstand seats and the LED scoreboard at the Rizal Memorial for the Azkals-Sri Lanka clash.

In return, San Miguel is asking branding on all VIP seats, on the stadium scoreboard, non-camera facing banners and streamers on the stadium.

“That really is our target, to improve the standard of the stadium so we can also host other big events in the future,” said PSC commissioner Chito Loyzaga at the SCOOP sa Kamayan weekly session.

The Rizal Memorial Stadium, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, has not hosted an international football match since the 1991 Southeast Asian Games, where the Philippines reached the semifinals.

“It’s about time we play in Manila,” said Palami. “This will be a litmus test if the popularity of football has gone beyond the Visayas region.”

Unlike the match against Mongolia last February 9 when tickets were free, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the PFF will be selling tickets for the match through a third-party firm.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/German-training-for-Azkals.html)

:okay::okay::okay:

Jeffreyw

April 17th, 2011, 04:40 PM

Vice Ganda to Join the Azkals?!

http://www.azkals.com/imgs/azkals_vice.jpg

http://www.azkals.com/topic/vice-ganda-to-join-the-azkals

Vice Ganda is the latest Filipino showbiz celebrity in publicly expressing his/her interest in joining the Philippine National Football Team, or most popularly known as the Azkals.

You must have heard of Derek Ramsay who told the media that he would like to join the Azkals. Another ABS-CBN actor Jake Cuenca, also wants to join the Azkals. Daniel Matsunaga desires to be an Azkal as well. Matsunaga is Heart Evangelista’s Brazilian boyfriend, and is a good futsal player.

Although, Vice Ganda does not have a football background, but he had a bit of experience in handling “balls” during his younger days. Balls, I mean basketball, the sport that his father forced him to play.

According to the local football experts, Vice Ganda can play the goalkeeper and central defender position because of his height.

But Vice says he can play any position. ‘He loves to be a striker, Phil Younghusband needs an intimate striker partner. The central midfielder, so could get closer to James Younghusband. As a central defender, because Aly Borromeo can freely ride on his back in case he wants to chase pacy opponents.

Vice Ganda, added that manning the goalpost is the task that he loves to do the most , and openly admitted that he would right away grab the chance to literally play alongside Neil Etheridge. Literally. Yup, two goalkeepers in one goal.

Vice Ganda is surely an asset whatever field that he would set his foot into. The Azkals fans would support him/her all the way.

Do not believe the above article. It’s just a spoof.

Ady001

April 17th, 2011, 05:10 PM

:okay::okay::okay:

Sana naman hindi sila lindulin :ohno:

Askal82

April 17th, 2011, 06:11 PM

amigo32

April 18th, 2011, 01:08 AM

Naku, wag na Inday:D gusto mo lang makasama ang mga cuties:D baka di pa sila maka goal pag anjan ka sa harap nila:D

Maxxclip

April 18th, 2011, 01:36 AM

3 Azkals power Air Force binge

MANILA---National team standouts Ian Araneta, Yanti Barsales and Chieffy Caligdong were on target as Air Force Rider drubbed Green Archers Orient Freight, 5-1, yesterday to grab top spot at the start of second-round play in the United Football League at the University of Makati pitch.

Araneta, who scored for the Azkals in the 3-0 rout of Bangladesh in the AFC Challenge Cup in Myanmar last month, struck twice in a two-minute span in the first half after Caligdong opened the scoring for Air Force, which notched its fifth victory to jack up its record to 17 points.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/images/articles/feat3UFL18_1219.jpg

Loyola Meralco earlier held erstwhile leader Global Smartmatic to a 1-1 stalemate, opening the door for Air Force to take the lead for the first time.

It was Global’s third straight draw, dropping last year’s second division champ to second with 15 points after opening with four straight victories.

Loyola moved up to fifth with six points in the league backed by LBC.

Hoping to make a late push for the title, Loyola acquired brothers Mark and Darren Hartmann, as well as Japanese midfielder Tako Yashioka during the transfer window.

And the change immediately paid off as Yoshioka struck the opening goal off a free kick from the right three minutes into the match.

Global equalized two minutes into the second half. Misagh Bahadoran looked to have handled the ball, but no call was made and the Fil-Iranian striker rifled home a shot from outside the box.

Caligdong broke the ice in the 16th minute, getting in behind the Archers’ defense before beating keeper Martin Villaflor. But Green Archers equalized five minutes later through Enrique Romero-Salas.

Araneta’s two quick goals—the first created by Caligdong from the left and the other a follow up on his saved effort—settled the outcome.

Barsales and Aubrey Amatolo completed the rout with a goal each in the second half.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/3-Azkals-power-Air-Force-binge.html)

off_side

April 18th, 2011, 11:16 AM

Bacolod beats Iloilo to claim top spot in Visayas Regionals

by Rick Olivares

In an intense battle between regional rivals and tournament favorites, Bacolod took the pole position in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 Cup with a 1-0 win over Iloilo at Cimafranca Field in Dumaguete City.

Bacolod midfielder Jovin Bedic sent a low cross from the right wing that Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz was able to corral. Only he lost possession as the ball spiraled away from behind. Bedic’s teammate Jay Baguioro quickly raced in before Muñoz could recover to slam home a shot in the 44th minute of the match.

It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo match with elbows, nasty tackles, and harsh words thrown around. “It’s a real rivalry. Whether elementary, high school, collegiate or club game…. Grabe. Matindi. We expect nothing less from them and vice versa,” said victorious head coach Norman Fegidero.

Eight yellow cards were issued with one red card.

The match was temporarily stopped in the 70th minute when Iloilo assistant coach Richard Bedia was thrown out by referee Vladimir Villacora for dissent. The Ilonggo coaching staff vociferously complained about a series of calls that went against their side.

Iloilo dominated first half action with superb control in the midfield by Francis Gustilo and Shirmar Felongco. But the goal by Baguioro on the quick counter saw Iloilo unravel faster than the wifi connection at Cimafranca Field.

The Bacolod coaching staff noticed that the Illongo players were getting tired and wilting under the scorching heat that Fegidero sent more attackers to try one sneak one through the three defensive backs of Iloilo. “It worked,” succinctly said Fegidero who also coaches West Negros University. “We tried to score more goals. That was my instruction but Iloilo is not so easy to beat.”

“Our goal was to qualify. Now we’ve done that, we now try to top the group.”

Bacolod: John Mendoza, Lemuel Unabia, Carmelo Tacusalme, Jet Diel, Janrick Soriano, Jake Morallo, Jay Baguioro, Gino Palomo, Abelardo Solinas, Jovin Bedic, Aldrin Dolino

Substitutes: Ralph Layumas, Joshua Beloya, Anton Tongson, Willy Mangubat, Jimmy Malaloan, Michael Pacite, Jurex Replentes

Coach: Norman Fegidero Jr.

Iloilo: Wilson Muñoz, Rhante Bayquin, Neckson Leonora, Ronaldisla-Ong, Francis Gustilo, Shirmar Felongco,

Jenver Vergara, Glester Sobremisana, Romeo Martinez, Chester Braga, Jomar Lestingio

Substitutes: Fidel Kue, Christian de Juan, Nicholas Leonora, John Paul Caro, Joel Bedia, Michael Porres, German Doronilla

Coach: Marjo Allado

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2011/04/bacolod-beats-iloilo-to-claim-top-spot.html

Maxxclip

April 19th, 2011, 06:47 AM

PH Azkals to visit Cebu May 25 to 31

The Philippine national football team famously known as the Azkals will be visiting Cebu City from May 25 to 31.

This was relayed by Cebu Football Association (CFA) president Richard Montayre and confirmed by Azkals team manager Dan Palami.

Palami said the Azkals will be here for a team building and not for a training camp.

“We will be having a lot of physical activities and of course train a bit but this is more of a team building rather than a training camp,” Palami said.

According to Palami, this will be the first time that the whole team will be together after a long while.

Palami said they are in the process of preparing a letter to officially inform the CFA about their visit to Cebu although he stressed that this is an independent activity for the Azkals.

“This is more for the team's camaraderie, for the team to get to bond,” Palami said.

Montayre, for his part, said that they would try to see if the Azkals would be willing to either do a clinic or a meet-and-greet at the malls since they have their own activities.

Palami said he is still undecided on where the team will be staying.

The Azkals qualified into the 2012 AFC-Challenge Cup after beating Bangladesh, 3-0, in Myanmar.

They finished at the second spot with five points coming off the win against Bangladesh and draws against Palestine and Myanmar.

inq (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/sports/view/20110419-332019/PH-Azkals-to-visit-Cebu-May-25-to-31)

off_side

April 20th, 2011, 03:35 AM

PFF to build artificial turf at Philsports
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ

THE Philippine Football Federation intends to build an artificial pitch at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City using funds coming from FIFA’s Goal Project, according to PFF president Mariano Araneta Jr.

Araneta said the PFF has held initial talks with the Philippine Sports Commission, which has control over the Arena, and has received an encouraging response.

The pitch will replace the football field at the arena being managed by the PSC.

"We have had initial talks with PSC commissioner Chito Loyzaga, who oversees football, and they are offering the PFF the Philsports football field where the federation can construct the artificial pitch," Araneta said in an interview last Monday. "The PSC’s terms are favorable and on a long-term basis."

Through its Goal project, which provides funds for football infrastructure such as fields and facilities, FIFA has earmarked $500,000 for the artificial pitch, Araneta said, adding the accessibility of the Philsports Complex to mass transport is important to the project.

Araneta added that future financial aid from the Goal Project will be used to refurbish existing dormitories at the government sports agency-administered facility, which will serve as the quarters of the PFF national teams.

"We only need to renovate the existing dorms at Philsports, which the PSC are also offering, using funds from future Goal Project subsidies and these will become the quarters of our national squads, including the Azkals," he said.

Araneta said this is another reason why the PFF is inclined to accept the PSC deal, which will be submitted to FIFA for approval.

An artificial pitch requires minimum maintenance and allows play in virtually all weather conditions.

"Moreover, the FIFA will give new funds to replace the artificial pitch after 10 years, the usual life span of this turf," he said.

El Shaddai spiritual leader Mike Velarde had earlier offered a prime lot in Paranaque as venue for the artificial turf but Araneta said the PFF is more inclined to accept the PSC offer.

"We would like to thank Brother Mike for offering his lot to further boost football, which shows his faith in the future of the sport in the country," he said.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/apr20/sports4.html

off_side

April 25th, 2011, 05:51 AM

Azkals boost coaching staff
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 12:21:49 25/04/2011

MANILA—The Philippine football team is strengthening its coaching staff with the hiring of Swiss World Cup veteran Pascal Zuberbuhler as goalkeeper coach for the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers.

The Azkals will play Sri Lanka on June 28 in Colombo while the second leg is set at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 3.

The winner of the showdown will meet Kuwait on the third week of July.

A teammate of Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge at Fulham, Zuberbuhler is expected to link up with the PH squad in Duren, Germany, where the Azkals will undergo a two-week camp starting June 12.

The 40-year-old Zuberbuhler brings with him an impressive resume as a player, having been capped 51 times by Switzerland, which he represented in the European Championship in 2004 and 2008 as well as the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

“We’re not taking any chances that’s why we tapped him for the World Cup qualifiers,” said team manager Dan Palami. “His experience as a player will help our squad of goalkeepers get to the next level.”

Aside from Etheridge, the Azkals have three other goalkeepers in their pool, including Eduard Sacapano, who saw action in the 1-2 defeat to Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup, and teenagers Christopher Camcam and Paolo Pascual.

The 16-year-old Camcam is currently in Germany attending a training camp, which was facilitated by Azkals coach Michael Weiss.

Edzel Bracamonte, one of the members of the Azkals coaching staff, has been helping out in training the goalkeepers in previous tournaments.

“Zuberbuhler will not just train our goalkeepers but also our coaches,” said Palami. “It will be a transfer of technology.”

Etheridge has been quick to vouch for Zuberbuhler, saying he is known at Fulham for his professionalism and work ethic.

“Zubi (Zuberbuhler) has been more of a father figure guiding me,” said Etheridge.

Zuberbuhler, who spent the early part of his career with Grasshopper Zurich where he played for 187 times, actually signified his interest to join the Azkals coaching staff through Etheridge, who recently signed a two-year deal with Fulham.

http://inquirer.net/sports/articles/Azkals-boost-coaching-staff.html

off_side

April 25th, 2011, 05:59 AM

Phil ready to join Azkals in training
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ

STRIKER Phil Younghusband is now "70 percent" recovered from a torn right hamstring and should be ready to join the national men’s football team fitness camp that kicks off early May, according to conditioning coach Joseph Malinay.

"Phil is 70 percent fit and he will be ready to join our fitness camp next month," said Malinay, who was tasked by team manager Dan Palami to monitor the rehabilitation of the popular 24-year-old forward.

"He is still undergoing treatment with St. Luke sports doctor Randy Molo but everything is on track," Malinay added.

Younghusband suffered the injury during the second leg of the Azkals’ Asian Challenge Cup qualifiers against Mongolia in Ulan Bator last March 15 which they lost 1-2. They still managed to reach the group stage in Myanmar a week later with a 3-2 aggregate score.

As a result, Younghusband was sidelined during the Myanmar competition where the Filipino booters finished second behind group champion Palestine to earn a ticket to the main tournament next year.

Since then, the younger of the Younghusband siblings on the national team– the other being midfielder James—has been undergoing rehab under the watchful eyes of Malinay, who saw Phil’s performance in last week’s Smart Club competitions as a positive sign in his recovery.

"He (Phil) told me that he wasn’t really pushing himself in the tournament. Laru-laro lang. But it’s a good indication that he’s regaining his shape," he said.

In his first outing for a local club, Younghusband scored the opening goal in Rizal’s 10-0 romp over Laguna last Wednesday to cap the team’s four-game sweep of the North-South-Central Luzon cluster eliminations of the Smart Club Championship.

Malinay said the coaching staff hopes the striker would be "80 to 90" percent fit when the fitness camp opens "and 100 percent ready when we begin our World Cup qualifying series against Sri Lanka on June 29."

After a five-day respite, Younghusband will resume his rehab tomorrow as he continues with his agility and flexibility workouts, Malinay said.

Malinay said national coach Han Michael Weiss, who is in Germany to scout and recruit more team hopefuls, is set to return on April 28. On his arrival, the venue for the training camp will be decided.

The Alabang Country Club inside the plush Ayala Alabang subdivision in Muntinlupa City and the International School of Manila at the Fort in Taguig City are being eyed as possible sites of the camp.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/apr25/sports1.html

Maxxclip

April 26th, 2011, 02:21 AM

Football body finds airline sponsor for Azkals

The Philippine Football Federation found yesterday a sponsor that will shoulder the national team’s airfare to its training site in Germany and Sri Lanka, where it will play its first World Cup qualifying match on June 29.

The team’s plane tickets for both trips cost a total of P5 million, according to PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who declined to name the airline sponsor.

Araneta said the federation is doing everything to help Azkals manager Dan Palami secure funds for the squad, which needs P15 million to compete in the first two rounds of the qualifiers.

“We’re confident we can raise funds for the team, together with Mr. Palami,” said Araneta.

The Azkals will play the first leg against the Sri Lankans in Colombo on June 28. The return leg is set July 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

In preparation for the duel with Sri Lanka, the Azkals will undergo a two-week camp in Duren, Germany, starting June 12.

Araneta said they will wait for the seating layout that will be made by San Miguel Corp., which is funding the installation of grandstand seats, before announcing the ticket prices for the game.

He said the target is to start selling tickets a month before the match.

inq (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Football-body-finds-airline-sponsor-for-Azkals.html)

off_side

April 26th, 2011, 05:07 AM

Panaad Stadium to host Group B games on May 15-20
Comment| More | By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

NEGROS Occidental’s Panaad Park and Stadium will be busy this month of May as it hosts the PFF-Suzuki U-23 National Cup Group B elimination matches are set to kick off on May 15-20, 2011.

This was confirmed yesterday by Ceres-Negros Selection assistant coach Ramon Janeo.

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According to Janeo, Red Avelino of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) disclosed this information to him after the Negros team topped the Visayas Regional finals in Dumaguete last week, sweeping all four teams in the region at Siliman Ball Park.

The huge 11-0 victory of the Negros Selection over Leyte Football Association (FA) sent a strong message that Negrense booters remain to be among the country’s best. They also disappointed their Iloilo rivals on a 1-0 victory with J Baguioro’s goal in the 44th minute of the match while Negros blanked Cebu and Dumaguete, 3-0 during their first and second assignments in the tournament.

Comprising the Ceres-Negros Selection mentored by former national men’s team head coach Norman Fegidero are John Robert Mendoza, Lemuel Unabia, Carmelo Tacusalme, Janrick Soriano, Jose Emmanuel Diel, Jimmy Malaloan, Jake Morallo, Anthony Tongson, J Baguioro, Ralph Layumas, Joshua Beloya, Joven Bedic, Abelardo Solinas, Gino Palomo, Willy Mangubat, Jurex Replentes, Aldrin Dolino and Michael Pacite.

Working beside Fegidero are assistant coaches Janeo, Ronnie Tornilla, Simon Hulleza, Ali Go, Carlo Torbela and Michael Casas while Leo Rey Yanson serves as team manager.

Janeo further said that among the teams which will play at Panaad grounds will be the winners of the April 28-30 scheduled matches for the Luzon and Mindanao clusters.

Those vying for positions to represent National Capital Region (NCR) and Luzon are the Baguio City Benguet Football Association (FA) and Laguna FA in the North, Central and South Luzon cluster while Naga City-Camarines Sur FA and Oriental Mindoro FA will battle it out in the Southeast Luzon cluster. The right to earn a slot for NCR or Luzon will be based on the team’s ranking after the April 28-30 games which will be played at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Laguna.

On the other hand, among the teams to slug it out for the top two spots in the All-Mindanao Finals are Davao FA, Cagayan de Oro (CDO)-Misamis Oriental FA, North Cotabato and Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog FA. Matches will be played at Tionko field in Davao City.

Davao advanced to the All-Mindanao Finals by topping the Southern Mindanao eliminations with a total of six points after winning its two matches in the three-team field while CDO controlled North Mindanao as North Cotabato and Zamboanga took the Central and West Mindanao, respectively.

The staging of the PFF-Suzuki U-23 Cup is a partnership of the PFF and Suzuki Philippines to tap the wealth of talented booters in the country.

The top teams that will make it to the finals will clash in a home and away championship match, after which the winner will be crowned as the PFF-Suzuki U-23 Champions.

Moreover, these two top teams will possibly serve as a pool where majority of the players to compose the next ‘Azkals’ will come from and will represent the country in the upcoming 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/sports/2011/04/26/panaad-stadium-host-group-b-games-may-15-20-152067

Maxxclip

April 27th, 2011, 06:23 AM

Azkals beef up for 2014 Fifa World Cup

MANILA -- The Philippine National Football Team is forging its strongest team in Philippine football history for its 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier versus Sri Lanka. Azkals team manager Dan Palami said this is the best preparation for the Azkals. Palami admitted that Sri Lanka is better than Bangladesh but assured they will have stronger lineup now.

Danish Superliga player Dennis Cagara, Fil-Germans Stephan Schrock and Manny Ott, and two players from the tryouts conducted by Aly Borromeo and Anton Del Rosario in San Francisco, California, will buff up the lineup. Forward Phil Younghusband will be back in the lineup after not included in the AFC Challenge Cup in Myanmar due to injury.

The Azkals will spend almost P15 million for the two qualifying legs against Sri Lanka. Palami said that with this value, the Azkals will need more sponsors.

Trainings will start May 9 at Alabang Country. In June 12-26, more intense training will be done in Germany, as the Azkals will face German football clubs.

sunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/04/27/azkals-beef-2014-fifa-world-cup-152293?nocache=1#comment-26731)

off_side

April 27th, 2011, 09:49 AM

‘More than a fair chance vs Sri Lanka’
Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 01:38:26 27/04/2011

MANILA---With a stronger squad that will be toughened up in Germany, Philippine football team manager Dan Palami likes the Azkals’ chances against Sri Lanka in the first round of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers in June.

“With our preparation and the quality of our players, it’s safe to say that we will have more than a fair chance against Sri Lanka,” Palami said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue in Manila.

“Sri Lanka is better than Bangladesh, but we will also have a lineup stronger than what we had when we played Bangladesh,” added Palami, the man credited for the Azkals’ rise. The Azkals blanked Bangladesh, 3-0, in the AFC Challenge Cup in Myanmar last month.

The Azkals battle Sri Lanka on June 29 in Colombo, before returning to Manila for the second leg on July 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The winner advances opposite Kuwait.

“There will be a 150 percent improvement in our lineup,” Palami said, noting the inclusion of Stefan Schrock, Manny Ott, Dennis Cagara and two more United States-based players who shone in the tryouts held by skipper Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario early this month.

With the Azkals needing P15 million for their World Cup campaign, Palami said they will be launching a campaign dubbed “We Believe” to attract more support for the squad.

“We’re hoping that more people will support our team because we really need it now,” he added at the weekly forum sponsored by Smart, Pagcor, Outlast Battery and Accel.

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/More-than-a-fair-chance-vs-Sri-Lanka.html

off_side

April 27th, 2011, 10:12 AM

Azkals to field stellar roster vs Sri Lanka
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated April 27, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals team is leaving no stone unturned even if they feel they have “more than a fair chance” against Sri Lanka in their upcoming 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers first round match up.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami said during yesterday’s PSA Forum that the squad is preparing to form the best possible lineup and has set an intensive training program highlighted by a camp in Germany for their June 28 away game and July 3 home game against Sri Lanka.

He said the new additions are Fil-Danish fullback Dennis Cagara, Fil-Germans Stefan Schrock and Michael Ott, and two Fil-Ams from the US, whom co-skipper Aly Borromeo said could well be starters for the team. Fil-Danish midfielder Jerry Lucena and Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado, who both suited up in the Azkals’ AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers campaign, will be back, according to Palami.

The Azkals will begin training on May 9-23 at the Alabang Country Club, then head off to Cebu City for a team building camp on May 25-31, and hold practice at the Rizal Memorial pitch. They will hold camp in Duren, Germany for two weeks (June 12-26) with five tuneup games with second and third division German clubs up, before heading to Colombo for the first leg.

Palami said the Azkals also tapped Fulham FC’s Swiss goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbuhler to beef up the coaching staff and help train the goalies.

“I think with the way the team’s being formed, the quality of players coming in and the training we’ve prepared, we we will have more than a fair chance against Sri Lanka,” Palami said.

He reported they’ve been studying tapes of Sri Lanka’s latest games and felt good about the Azkals’ chances.

“Sri Lanka is better than Bangladesh,” Palami said, referring to the Bangladeshis whom Phl beat 3-0 in the Challenge Cup. “But we will also have a stronger lineup than when we played Bangladesh. There will be a 150 percent improvement in our lineup.”

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=679962&publicationSubCategoryId=69

off_side

April 28th, 2011, 03:15 AM

Azkals’ prospects of landing SEA Games football medal high, says Palami
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:23:00 04/27/2011

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines could end its long wait for a men’s football medal in the Southeast Asian Games late this year in Indonesia.

Dan Palami, the Azkals manager who also serves as chair of the national teams’ committee of the Philippine Football Federation, is confident that the Under-23 squad in the SEA Games will put up a creditable performance.

“So far, we achieved what we set our sights on, like in the AFF Suzuki Cup and in the AFC Challenge Cup,” said Palami, who bankrolled the national team when support was hard to come by two years ago. “I hope our luck will continue and our success is tangible when it comes to the medal.”

Some members of the senior team are eligible for the SEA Games including goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Yannick Tuason, David Basa, Jason de Jong and Manny Ott.

The standouts from the ongoing Suzuki Cup Under-23 Championship will also be considered for team.

Several more prospects have emerged for the Under-23 side after Azkals coach Michael Weiss scouted players with Filipino lineage in Germany during the Nagold Blitz Football Tournament last week and Azkals captain Aly Borromeo and Anton Del Rosario held tryouts in Daly City, California early this month.

The Philippine team finished second in the four-team tournament, finishing with a win, a draw and a loss against Under-19 squads from Stuttgart, Reutlingen and Nagold.

Weiss said among the standout players were Patrick Reichelt, a striker from the Cottbus second team, who scored five goals in the tournament, and central defender Oliver Poetschke. Also impressing Weiss was Kevin Ingreso, the skipper of Hamburg’s Under-19 squad.

“I might invite them to come to Manila to our camp,” Weiss said in an e-mail.

Del Rosario said the players that impressed in the US tryouts that could beef up the Under-23 squad were OJ Porteria and James Rochilitz.

http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20110427-333299/Azkals-prospects-of-landing-SEA-Games-football-medal-high-says-Palami

flip2_0

April 28th, 2011, 07:42 AM

By Noel S. Villaflor
Footnote
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

THIS is how the Football Village would look, said Cebu Football Association (CFA) president Richard Montayre, as he showed me a slide show of the project’s renderings on his laptop.

I bumped into Montayre at a campus football field yesterday morning in Lahug where several mainstays of the Cebu Under-14 team were training with members of the Subangdaku Football Club. We were just a few blocks away from one of two possible sites for the football village, the Capitol property in Barangay Apas. (The other site, which real estate developer Aboitizland has offered, is half an hour’s drive away in the bustling town of Liloan.)

The site development plan showed a modular layout of austere-looking buildings standing alongside nearly two dozen football pitches of different sizes.

The proposed football village, which would be funded mainly under the FIFA Goal Project, would utilize 15 hectares in all, but the main complex would use up only 10 hectares. The remaining five hectares would be open for parking space and other income-generating projects such as hotels.

Within the 10 hectares would be an administration building, two dormitory buildings, a 40,000-seater football stadium, two other international standard football pitches, six medium-size training fields, six small training fields, a covered futsal stadium, four outdoor futsal courts, and three beach football courts.

Montayre will seek formal approval of the project with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Board of Governors (BOG) when they meet in Davao City this weekend.

While the football village will be in Cebu, Montayre said other footballers from the Visayas and Mindanao will stand to benefit from the project, which will include a football school for young footballers with great potential.

“One of the plans is to admit young footballers from different FAs to the football school and house them in the dormitories. We will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) on the matter,” explained Montayre, the PFF grassroots committee chairman.

After the BOG meeting, Montayre will meet with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to discuss the football village proposal (which would be built at no cost to Capitol should they accept), as well as the planned football grassroots tournament, the Governor’s Cup.

Under the proposal, the Governor’s Cup would involve football teams from the 51 component towns and cities of the Province.

To make this possible, the CFA needs to train sports administrators, coaches and referees from each of the 51 local government units (LGUs).

Montayre said the training will be patterned after a program they held at Catmon town last January, where 15 coaches and referees joined the two-day seminar.

According to a Jan. 24 article of Sun.Star Cebu sports scribe Edri K. Aznar, the Catmon training was “part of CFA’s Asian Football Confederation Vision Asia project, where they will be touring different municipalities in Cebu to help establish football clubs. The clubs, in turn, will compete in the planned Governor’s Cup this summer.”

The whole program sounds like a massive undertaking, but Montayre explained how the grassroots program will be implemented.

First, they have to “break” Cebu into four training areas.

“We have identified Balamban town in the northwest and Bogo City in the north as training areas,” Montayre said, adding that the CFA will meet on May 14 with the sports administrators from the LGUs to identify the two other training areas and flesh out details of the program.

From each LGU, the CFA plans to train three coaches, three referees and two sports administrators, who will then be responsible for organizing their respective local clubs.

After the training, the newly formed teams will have one month to prepare for the week-long Governor’s Cup, which will have three possible categoriesa: Players 10, Under-12 and Under-14.

Should it push through, the Governor’s Cup might just serve as a blueprint for the country’s grassroots football program.

(nsvillaflor@gmail.com)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 28, 2011.

off_side

May 4th, 2011, 03:58 AM

Tondo-born Fil-Swede eyeing slot with Azkals
Tuesday, 03 May 2011 18:52 Rick Olivares / Columnist

THE Philippine men’s national football team looks to add another player of mixed lineage to the roster with a Filipino-Swede set to attend tryouts in Manila.

Gustav Ernst Elon Cajayon Sjoberg, 29, will arrive on Sunday.

Born in Tondo, Sjoberg is one of few Filipinos of mixed heritage to be invited to a training camp that begins on Monday as the team preparares for the World Cup Qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 28 and July 3. Sjoberg’s mother, Elizabeth Cajayon, is from Manila.

The six-foot-four Sjoberg plays striker for Lindo Football Club in the Swedish Second Division and has played in three international cups—Dana Cup, Brondby Cup and the Amsterdam Cup.

Lindo placed third in the first two cups and beat opponents such as the Honduran National Team, Dutch team Ajax, Danish eleven FC Alsborg and English club Peterborough United.

Since 2009, he has scored 38 goals in 58 matches for his club.

Because of financial problems, Lindo FC has been relegated to the Swedish football system.

It was while on vacation in Manila last December as the Azkals were in the midst of their historic run in the 2010 Suzuki Cup that Sjoberg learned about the Azkals. Sjoberg visits the Philippines every two years.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/10652-tondo-born-fil-swede-eyeing-slot-with-azkals

If this guy lives up to the hype , I can imagine a 4-3-3 formation with three 6-footers up front : 6-0' Younghusband , 6-3' Guirado , 6-4' Sjoberg. EXCITING !

off_side

May 8th, 2011, 02:28 AM

Negros XI prevail over NCR, 2-1

Battle-tested Ceres-Negros Selection team beat the National Capital Region, 2-1, to assert its presence in the Group A quarterfinals of the PFF-Suzuki Men’s National U23 Championship at the Panaad Park and Stadium football pitch in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City yesterday.

In what could be a preview of the final game, the Negros Selection stunned the NCR Team with its opening goal in the 6th minute from striker Fil-American Joshua Beloya, who received a cross from Michael Pacete from the left wing.

Even with the presence of national team Askals members Yannick Tuason and David Basa, the Negrenses took control of the first half and aggressively attacked the NCR side as they executed good passes and tight defense.

Negros had another opportunity to score in the 32nd minute as Jovin Bedic skillfully received the shot from the corner then eluded NCR’s goalkeeper Patrick Deyto, the UAAP Season 73 best goalkeeper, to send the ball in for the Ceres-Negros team’s second goal.

“It was not an easy victory for us as the NCR squad was equally tough and they have a very good goalkeeper. Although we only had several days of practice, the players were able to play together as a team,” Negros Selection coach Norman Fegidero Jr. said.

But even as he lauded his players for coming out strong in the first half and scoring two goals, Fegidero said he was not satisfied with the team’s performance in the second half which allowed the NCR to score in the 74th minute, courtesy of Raymark Fernandez.

“There were some lapses on the defense and we yielded several opportunities to the NCR,” Fegidero said.

Coach Hans Smit of the NCR also expressed disappointment over his team’s failure to convert several chances to score in the second half.

Unlike the other quarterfinalists, who competed in the regional qualifying round, members of the NCR team were selected based on their performance in club and collegiate competitions in Manila.

Fegidero said playing in the regionals proved to be an advantage as the players are now familiar with each other and are more prepared for the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile in the opening game, Luzon top team Masbate FA prevailed over Mindanao’s No. 2 team, Dipolog, 1-0 to register a win in the quarterfinals.

Masbate’s David Fornea scored the game’s only goal in the 5th minute.

Dipolog coach Reginald Jukes said they lost to a better team and the PFF-Suzuki Cup tournament is a good exposure for his players.

It is the first time, he said, for his team to play in a higher level of tournament and he is looking forward to the match-up against the NCR and the Negros Selection.*NAB

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2011/May/07/sportnews1.htm

off_side

May 8th, 2011, 02:39 AM

Phl Azkals to get 'feel' of home turf
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated May 07, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals hope to immediately use the Rizal Memorial pitch to fully capitalize on the homefield advantage in the facility, site of their July 3 home game against Sri Lanka in the 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifiers.

According to team manager Dan Palami, the plan is to hold practices at the refurbished pitch for a week from May 16 to 22 before heading to Iloilo for a friendly game and Cebu for their team-building sessions in the last week of May. By June 1, they intend to resume practices at Rizal Memorial right until their leave for Germany on June 12 for a two-week training camp.

“We’re hoping that by the 16th, we could already do our practices at Rizal Memorial, so we can familiarize ourselves with the pitch and get a general feeling on the area,” Palami told The STAR yesterday. “We really want to take advantage of the home game by getting practices in the stadium.

The Azkals are scheduled to play Sri Lanka on hostile grounds first, on June 29, before they host the second match on July 3 in Manila.

The football pitch at the decades-old Rizal Stadium has already been renovated by the facility’s owner, the Philippine Sports Commission through an agreement with De La Salle University, but would still need some work to make international standard.

“The pitch is not 100 percent ready. Our guys will be doing another inspection by tomorrow; we’ll be bringing flaglets para makita ang areas na dapat pa ayusin; mataas pa ang grass (We’ll inspect the pitch again and see what needs to be fixed as some of the holes are covered by the grass),” he said.

Overall, more work has to be done for Rizal Memorial to make it ready for the WC qualifiers. This includes fixing and marking the seats at grandstand and bleachers area, repairing the restrooms, putting up temporary dressing rooms for the two teams, match officials, and the secretariat, and improving the VIP lounge.

“They really should start now para ma-ready yung grandstand by game time,” Palami said.

After a one-month break, the Azkals will resume training on May 9 at the Ayala Alabang Country Club, where they will be encamped for a week before testing the pitch at Rizal Memorial.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=683506

Sky Harbor

May 9th, 2011, 04:20 PM

Speaking of home turf, does anyone know where I can buy tickets for the home game? I hope to buy when I get back from China, and if it's within my budget, I can finally watch a soccer game! :tongue2:

off_side

May 19th, 2011, 05:47 AM

"El Clasico" -- Pinoy style
by Rick Olivares

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFzxd-mvIKY/TdI4HOntAWI/AAAAAAAAOak/MQBiUh1wamQ/s640/resized+PFF+Suzuki+U23+Cup+logo.jpg

After a month of intense football action, the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup is down to two teams – Bacolod and Iloilo.

To the country at large, it might seem a battle between two nearby cities. In truth, think Ateneo-La Salle or Crispa-Toyota. That’s how intense it can really get even if some of the protagonists on the sidelines tried to downplay it by using “safe” words.

“Mainit,” described Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado with a sly smile. Eventually he conceded: “It can get rough at meron din trash talking. Bragging rights talaga yan pagdating sa football.”

“Matagal nang rivalry yan,” added Iloilo assistant coach Jessie Sazon. “Dati rati pa yan and from every age level yan.”

“Intense,” chimed in Aly Go, assistant coach for Bacolod. “Walang magpapatalo diyan.”

Bacolod (6-1-0) is coached by Norman Fegidero Jr. A fearsome striker for the national team and air force in his day. That attacking philosophy and strict adherence to discipline has been imbued to his team as they have lead the tournament in goals. In seven matches, Team Bacolod has scored 31 goals and given up only five.

Their best defense is a strong offense despite goalkeeper John Robert Mendoza who has made a strong case for best keeper of the tournament. Their troika of strikers is non-pareil in Joshua Beloya who is leading the tournament with 13 goals, Jovin Bedic and Aldrin Dolino who each have five goals to their name.

Although they boast of a deep bench, Bacolod has shown an alarming trend of fading in the second half. Their saving grace has been pulverizing foes in the first 45 minutes. They have scored 19 goals in the first half and 12 in the second. But in their last three matches (if you take away the rout against overmatched Dipolog) they have scored no goals and given up three against NCR, Masbate, and Davao. Their defense, the crossbar and posts, Mendoza’s goaltending, and luck have only prevented opposing teams from racking up more goals. If you consider the final 35 minutes of their match against Dipolog, they gave up a goal and the lads of coach Reginald Jukes found their attack despite missing four key players who were unavailable for the game.

“Maybe it’s overconfidence. Maybe it’s other teams adjusting to us,” postulated Fegidero. “We have to find a way to correct this.”

Bacolod will catch a break against Iloilo (5-1-1) which will be without two key players in midfielder Francis Gustilo and defender Neckson Leonora. Both will miss their home match on account of two yellow cards. Like Bacolod, Iloilo is an offensive juggernaut. They have scored 26 goals and surrendered only four. They also have two top-rated defenders in Ronald Batisla-Ong and Leonora. And that is where Allado has to be concerned. Leonora is out and Jenver Vergara was injured during the semifinals clash with NCR.

Iloilo has also been inconsistent. After blowing out NCR Team A in the Laguna group stages they struggled against Masbate before dispatching Davao. Against NCR Team B in their semis clash in Barotac Nuevo, it was the visiting team that played more attacking and creative football. The home side pulled through with a goal from a pair of defensive mistakes. “A win is a win,” said Allado. “But we have to really prepare kasi kulang kami (there was also some concern about midfielder Shirmar Felongco’s injury). Sigurado we will do our best. Rivalry yan.”

But Allado couldn’t resist one last dig at their rivals. “Kami Iloilo pride. Puro taga-Iloilo. Walang taga-labas.”

Allado, who coaches UST (while Fegidero coaches West Negros University), was referring to the no Bacolodnon players such as Jake Morallo who is from Dumaguete, Jovin Bedic who is from Barotac Nuevo, and Beloya who was born in Olongapo but recently moved to his mother’s hometown of Bacolod.

“Big game talaga,” he concluded as he turned and walked away.

The first game of the home-and-away series will be at the Central Philippine University football field in Jaro, Iloilo at 2:30pm on May 19 while the second match will be played at Panaad Stadium on May 22 at 6:00pm. The games will later be televised on ABS CBN.

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2011/05/el-clasico-pinoy-style.html

manila_eye

May 19th, 2011, 01:39 PM

Go Ilo-ilo!!!

off_side

May 20th, 2011, 05:08 AM

Bacolod takes crucial away win in Suzuki Cup Finals
by rick olivares/photo by jerome galunan

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr7braqXmb8/TdUvk5DugTI/AAAAAAAAOcI/Hf1kVCY2o8g/s640/Janrick+vs+Chester.jpg
Photo: Bacolod defender Janrick Soriano (who will also be playing for the Philippine Homeless World Cup team in Paris) sends the ball across the CPU pitch to a teammate as Iloilo's Chester Braga is too late to retrieve a forward pass.

JARO, ILOILO CITY -- If the first finals game of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Finals between Bacolod and Iloilo is any indication, then we’re headed for a fiery wind-up.

The two neighboring rivals battled through full time and two extension periods at the Central Philippine University football field that at times seemed more like a wrestling match. But after the smoke had settled, Bacolod left for Negros with a 3-1 win.

The marginal goal, remarkably, came from Joven Bedic, the Barotac Nuevo native who is playing for West Negros University and Norman Fegidero Jr. who is also Bacolod’s head coach.

Brutally knocked down several times over, Bedic, taunted by the home crowd, blasted a heater at the ninth minute of the first extension period from 25 yards out that Iloilo substitute goalkeeper German Doronilla was unable to punch out.

Bacolod, took the lead in the 13th minute when striker Aldrin Dolino’s blast from outside the box managed to skip right in at the far post as Iloilo keeper Wilson Muñoz looked helplessly away.

And Muñoz will watch helplessly from the bench in the Bacolod leg as he was given an automatic red card by referee Grant Rojas when he rushed out of the box to bat away Bedic’s shot.

Iloilo managed to draw level in the 54th minute when midfielder Glester Sobremisana converted a penalty shot after a handball by Bacolod defender Janrick Soriano.

Following Bedic’s goal in extension, Dolino, likewise knocked repeatedly knocked down by the rugged defense of Iloilo, scored his sixth goal of the tournament at the eighth minute of the second extension period.

Iloilo, missing Francis Gustilo and Neckson Leonora, activated Nicholas Leonora who last played in the Visayas Regionals, and temporarily sent injured midfielder Shirmar Felongco to stem the tide. But Bacolod broke Iloilo in extension with Bedic’s goal.

“It was a big win for us. A big away win,” said Fegidero. “We wanted to score more goals and this is crucial to us defending our home field in Panaad.”

“When Bedic temporarily went out, I told him, ‘Bumalik ka. Bumalik ka.’ And he made the difference with that goal.”

Iloilo head coach Marjo Allado remained optimistic despite the loss of the game and his starting goalkeeper. “We were able to have more attempts than Bacolod but were unable to finish properly. It’s not yet over. It’s going to be hard but hopefully, we can prepare for it.”

Iloilo will have Gustilo, Leonora, and Felongco back but there will be a gaping hole at the net with Muñoz out.

The final leg of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup is on Sunday, May 22 at 6pm at Panaad Stadium.

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2011/05/bacolod-takes-crucial-away-win-in.html

Maxxclip

May 20th, 2011, 03:56 PM

Tickets for Azkals vs Sri Lanka at Rizal Memorial won’t go for a song

MANILA, Philippines — Watch the Azkals in action—in prime seats at the Rizal Memorial Stadium—won’t come cheap.

The Philippine Football Federation released on Thursday the ticket prices for the Azkals home game against Sri Lanka on July 3 with the most expensive seats costing P3, 000 and the most affordable at P200.

Bonnie Ladrido, chair of the tie’s organizing committee, said they needed to price the 5,000 seats at the main grandstand at P3, 000 and P2, 000 to help cover the expenses incurred for renovating the Rizal stadium.

The tickets will go on sale starting June 3 through Ticketworld.

Ladrido, who is also PFF treasurer, said the federation would need to spend at least P6 million for the installation of the seats at the grandstand and the construction of the stadium’s dressing and media rooms.

Ladrido said the PFF would spend for the refurbishing of the grandstand after talks with San Miguel Corp. fell through.

“The prices reflect the fact that the PFF will be footing the bill for refurbishing the stadium,” Ladrido said.

Eight thousand tickets will be sold at P200 each, while 4,950 tickets will be sold at P300, according to Ladrido. The P200 ticket holders will be seated at the bleachers area behind the two goals, while the P300 rated tickets will offer seats near the middle of the non-covered bleachers area.

The P3, 000 tickets will be for the lower level of the main grandstand, while the P2,000 tickets is for the upper level.

Unlike in the Azkals’ home match against Mongolia last Feb. 9 at the Panaad Stadium, Ladrido said there would be no more open seating policy for the bleachers section.

“There is no need to line up too early to be guaranteed a seat,” Ladrido said.

inq (http://sports.inquirer.net/3032/tickets-for-azkals-vs-sri-lanka-at-rizal-memorial-won%E2%80%99t-go-for-a-song)

manila_eye

May 20th, 2011, 05:27 PM

^^ If fan girls can afford the Bieber concert they I'm sure these prices won't bother them. :naughty:

Igsuonnimo

May 21st, 2011, 03:39 AM

The last time I went to Rizal Memorial Stadium for a football match was SEA Games '91.

sea_gull

May 21st, 2011, 05:56 AM

The last time I went to Rizal Memorial Stadium for a football match was SEA Games '91.

Was that match the historic PHL win against Malaysia ? The hero in that game is now the coach of WNU and NEGROS/BACOLOD team in the PFF U23 National Finals in the person of Norman Fegidero.

off_side

May 24th, 2011, 08:50 AM

Negros routs Iloilo, cops Suzuki Cup title
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated May 24, 2011 12:00 AM

BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines – What was expected to be an exciting showdown for football supremacy turned into a one-sided affair as Negros Occidental routed rival Iloilo, 9-0, to rule the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup Sunday night in this football-loving city.

Fired up by the controversy that surrounded their 3-1 win in extra time in the first leg, the hosts pounced on the absence of key Iloilo players and bombarded their guests with goals after goals, bannered by the hat-trick of Gino Palomo, en route to a merciless rout and a 12-1 aggregate romp.

“The players deserve commendation, even though we didn’t have enough preparations, they were able to pull together, meet our pre-tournament expectations of winning the championship,” said coach Norman Fegidero Jr. in Filipino.

The two-leg finale between the two football powerhouses got embroiled in off-field controversy, making the rivalry all the more intense. The Ilonggos placed the Negrenses’ 3-1 first leg win under protest, citing rules on the implementation of extension periods in home-and-away duels.

The PFF initially upheld the protest, voiding the two additional 15 minutes played and reverting the count to its original 1-1 score at regulation.

The discussions stretched until the eve of the second leg, which eventually led to another PFF verdict that brought the final score back to 3-1, with the red cards slapped on Iloilo goalie Wilson Munoz and defender Rhante Bayquin and their subsequent suspension enforced for the second leg.

“That (brouhaha) actually lifted the morale of the players. We saw how Iloilo maneuvered to reverse the outcome (of the first leg). It gave our players the motivation to play with a lot more fire,” Fegidero said.

Negros Occidental immediately made their assault on Iloilo’s backup keeper Vince Braga, as Fil-Swiss Joshua Beloya connected off a free-kick from 30 yards at the sixth minute. Aldrin Dorino followed it up with a looper following a scramble in the 27th then Palomo volleyed against two defenders (38th) and later booted it home off a cross from Beloya (45th) to go into intermission with a 4-nil cushion.

Not even a change in goalkeeper (Jomar Lestiongo) could turn Iloilo’s fortunes as Palomo found the net anew five minutes into the second half and Beloya slotted in off a free-kick (70th).

Ralph Layumas then made back-to-back goals as Iloilo let him march into the goal nearly uncontested in the 79th and 80th, in what was seen by some observers as either an act of frustration or unsportmanship.

Jake Morallo wrapped up scoring for the hosts with a one-on-one drive to the goal.

Dolino was adjudged MVP to lead three other teammates in the individual awards roster, Best Goalkeeper John Mendoza, Best Defender Camelo Tacusalme and Best Striker Beloya, a potential Azkal and member of the Phl U-23 team to the SEA Games who knocked in 14 goals in the meet. Iloilo’s Francis Gustilo took the Best Midfielder plum while Dipolog was accorded the Fair Play award.

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=689220&publicationSubCategoryId=69

boy muscovado

May 24th, 2011, 10:27 AM

PFF SUZUKI U23 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Negros vs. Iloilo

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http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/docdoms/IMG_8718.jpg
http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/docdoms/IMG_8707.jpg

boy muscovado

May 24th, 2011, 10:32 AM

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/docdoms/IMG_8721.jpg
Suzuki Cup Officials and VIP's

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/docdoms/IMG_8724.jpg
http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/docdoms/IMG_8728.jpg
Iloilo Football Association
1st Runner-up

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http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/docdoms/IMG_8738.jpg
Negros Occidental Football Association
Champion

Igsuonnimo

May 24th, 2011, 03:42 PM

Arsenal will be playing in Malaysia this come July for a friendly match.

Maxxclip

May 25th, 2011, 03:47 AM

Azkals in Cebu today for 1-week team bonding

The Azkals will be arriving today from Iloilo for their one-week team bonding here in Cebu City.

The Philippine national football team’s flight is expected to arrive at 10 a.m. According to Azkals team manager Dan Palami, the team will go directly to the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, where they will be staying until they leave for Manila on May 31.

Palami said they will be finalizing the schedule of their activities for their one-week stay in the city today once they get settled at the resort.

He said that the team’s administration officer Jojo Rodriguez was still finalizing the schedule as of last night.

Tentatively on the list of the Azkals’ activities is a commercial shoot tomorrow and Friday, a clinic for 12-years-old and below on Saturday organized by the Cebu Football Association (CFA) and mall visits to meet and greet fans.

According to CFA president Richard Montayre, the clinic will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Aboitiz Sportsfield in Subangdaku, Mandaue.

The Azkals will also be the guest of honor during the awarding ceremony of the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) 11th National Interclub Football Cup on Sunday afternoon at the University of San Carlos – Technological Center (USC-TC).

CAFC president Glenn Quisido earlier said that the Azkals will sign autographs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and afterwards will award the various category champions of the Interclub tournament.

Also in the list of activities is a dinner with Cebu government officials and a courtesy call to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

inq (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/9020/azkals-in-cebu-today-for-1-week-team-bonding)

carl_vilches21

May 25th, 2011, 05:07 AM

Arsenal will be playing in Malaysia this come July for a friendly match.

Baka matalo ulet sila. Buti nalang wala na si Mokhtar Dahari.:lol:

off_side

May 25th, 2011, 05:20 AM

How Bacolod became U-23 National Champions

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21vAbNyj2cI/Tds1nMd7jCI/AAAAAAAAOd8/wMeGq61XdGU/s640/IMG_2201.JPG

Story and photos by Rick Olivares

They arrived in shades, unsmiling at first then grinning with every recognized person in sight. They were very business-like. There was a sense of purpose to their stride. Were they not uniform in their tracksuits, they’d be mistaken for a battery of lawyers.

When they did smile, try if you can, to picture a shark smiling as it hurtles towards unsuspecting prey. That was how the coaching staff of the Negros Football Association appeared when they entered the Filomeno Cimafranca Field in Silliman University on the second day of the Visayas Regionals of the ongoing PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup.

Rome certainly wasn’t built in a day and so are these champions.

It was the 9th of April when Norman Fegidero Jr. of West Negros University, Ramon Janeo of the University of St. La Salle, and Carlo Torbela of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos received word that they were taking part in the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup. The problem was the tournament was already underway.

With five days before the Visayas Regionals of which they were automatically seeded into, the three college coaches together with Ali Go, coach of Dynamic Builders FC, asked, “Is that enough time to prepare?”

In years past, that answer would have been a “no.” But now, the answer was a resounding “yes.”

When it comes to collegiate football in Negros Occidental, the three universities all enjoy a fierce and acrimonious rivalry. When a team representing the province was needed for a tournament, if the coach was from La Salle, the other two schools refused to lend their best players. And it was the same for the others.

Enter Ricky and Leo Rey Yanson. The brothers once played football for La Salle Bacolod during their high school years. Although they had hung up their boots, their love for the sport never waned. In spite of their many business ventures, they had previously managed the Bacolod Open Champion Team in 2006 and the runner-up in 2007. They also had two football fields constructed – the Villa Valderrama Field and the North Field in Talisay – with two more under way (one beside Robinson’s Place and the other at Barangay Bubog).

The brothers brokered a deal for a unified Negros team under one coach. Of the four head coaches, it was Fegidero who held the highest coaching license. And the others deferred to the West Negros coach who also had a sterling record as a player and former national coach. “It is no problem on our part,” recounted Janeo. “Coach Nonoy has the credentials.”

Fegidero Jr. once played striker for WNU and later UNO-R after a brief stint in Manila playing for Ateneo-Swift and teaching in the Ateneo Football Center (he was recruited by the late Chris Monfort) in between. He once formed a strike partnership with former Rudy del Rosario who is now coach of the Philippine Homeless World Cup Team. The two with others like Adolfo Alicante and Elmer Bedia led the Philippines to a semifinals appearance in the football competition of the1991 Southeast Asian Games football held in Manila. Fegidero also coached the Azkals in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup but immediately stepped down citing too much interference from PFF Management and others not involved with the team.

Since that time, he has gone back to West Negros where he has built up a solid and winning program with the Mustangs. Fegidero’s love for the game brooked no compromise. He insisted on team discipline and an adherence to finishing one’s studies. He wasn’t averse to tossing players out of the lineup. Or even from their captaincy as evidenced when he installed Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong as team captain for the national squad in 2008 when he thought that Aly Borromeo wasn’t up to the task.

As for the players, Go added, “It wasn’t that hard because the players had represented the Western Visayas at one time or another. They just had to learn the system.”

An attacking 3-4-3 system was installed. “We are not sacrificing our defense,” said Fegidero. “We just want to score a lot of goals.”

When the team was at home, they were quartered in a building formerly owned by the Yansons where they would eat, sleep, and bond together. "No one could go out without securing permission," said Janeo. "We wanted them focused on the games and not anything else."

During the regionals, semifinals, and finals, they stayed in a hotel. Coaches were given specific duties that changed every now and then. The daily regimen from training to meals to rest was mapped out with Spartan efficiency.

John Robert Mendoza, Jose Emmanuel Diel, Jimmy Malaloan, Anton Tongson, J Baguioro, Ralph Layumas, Abelardo Solinas, and Aldrin Dolino were from La Salle while Lemuel Unabia, Janrick Soriano, Jake Morallo, Jovin Bedic, and Camelo Tacusalme were from West Negros. The contingent from UNO included Gino Palomo, Willy Mangubat, Jurex Replentes, and Michael Pacite.

“Mabilis kami nag-bond,” described Bedic of how quickly the team came together.

“Isa lang naman ang goal namin,” added Unabia, the 6’1” central back. “Kunin namin ang championship.”

While most players were very familiar with one another, the wild card was Beloya.

During practice in Panaad Stadium one afternoon, the coaching staff saw him playing with some of his friends and they were immediately impressed with his skills. They asked him to tryout for the team and the coaches became utterly convinced that he would be a worthy addition to the squad.

However on the second day of practice, Beloya did not show up.

“I couldn’t walk,” recounted the Fil-Am out of Switzerland who had gone back to his mother’s hometown of Bacolod just a few weeks before that fateful meeting in Panaad. “My muscles hurt all over because I was out of shape.”

The Olongapo-born Beloya grew up in the United States and later in Switzerland where he once played for FC Zurich. Undoubtedly, he was talented. “But we had to add some muscle to him,” said Janeo. “Meron siyang explosiveness. Kung na-train siya ng mabuti hindi natin alam kung ano pa ang kaya niyang gawin.”

Because of his unfamiliarity with his teammates there were some early misunderstandings. “Alam mo na -- Fil-Am kasi,” added Janeo. “Pero nung nakausap namin, he understood his role and also his teammates.”

Beloya became the breakout star of the tournament. Off the bench in Bacolod’s first two matches, he was soon inserted in the starting lineup where he flourished even more. He showed great range, exceptional quickness, and an ability to finish in and around the goal. By the tournament’s end, he was named Best Striker as he amassed an astonishing 15 goals in nine matches and was considered as an MVP candidate (it ultimately went to Dolino).

Fegidero’s team romped through the competition and only found themselves shut out of the tally sheet when they played Masbate to a scoreless draw in the group stages. They topped the Visayas Regionals and the Group Stages and beat Davao in the semis before setting a date with long-time nemesis Iloilo in the home-and-away finals. "We didn't expect to play this well," said Go. "I think it's just one of those things were everything just clicks together."

They previously clashed in the Visayas regionals – a bloody 1-nil battle won by Bacolod that at times resembled a gang war as tackles, elbows, and punches were intermittently thrown. "It was a typical Bacolod-Iloilo game," said Fegidero at that time.

As the two teams braced for a bruising finals battle, the acrimony spilled off the pitch.

Following a controversial 3-1 loss at the Central Philippine University football field in Jaro, Iloilo where the fulltime score of 1-1 was continued in extra periods, the home team filed a protest against the tournament officials who they accused of continuing the match. Bacolod countered by filing a protest against players who were added to the lineup when they had not seen any action throughout the tournament.

PFF officials initially reverted the outcome to 1-1 but as Bacolod threatened to walk out of the competition, Iloilo withdrew their protest and the game was played.

Team management and the coaching staff of Bacolod did their best to shield the players from the brewing controversy lest it affect their morale. Fegidero already had to contend with their power shortage in the second half of play and they didn't need any more distractions.

Bacolod had scored most of their goals in the first 45 minutes. Come the reset, they had displayed a frightening penchant for losing focus while their opponents began to play much better. In the group stages, they nearly drew with NCR while Masbate owned the second half. Against Dipolog, the Mindanao squad took it to them in the match’s final 30 minutes. Fortunately for them, Dipolog was without four of their best players.

Against Iloilo, Bacolod faded in the second half of their rivals’ home match. “We will address that,” promised Fegidero of the late meltdowns.

Hardly had the fans at Panaad Stadium warmed their seats when the game was over in the opening minutes. Following a brilliant Beloya strike from 30 yards out, Iloilo crumbled. They ceded four goals after 45 minutes. And by fulltime, it was a shocking 9-0. And the title, the first ever PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup, the first national football competition in years, was Bacolod’s.

During the victory celebration at Bar 21 along Lacson Street that continued until the wee hours of the morning, Fegidero and his coaching staff – sans their shades – sat, ate, and drank some beer. They smiled. Not the business-like manner in which they displayed at the start of the tournament. This one was of extreme satisfaction.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4KwWO2Xi0k/Tds0rFa0cZI/AAAAAAAAOd0/X1z7TfwELP8/s640/DSC09723.JPG
The victorious Negros team minutes before they received their U23 trophy at Panaad Stadium

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-bacolod-became-u-23-national.html