Azkals Aim For History
SINGAPORE — After breaking the stranglehold of the traditional powers two years ago, the Philippine Azkals are seeking a breakthrough finals appearance when they collide with the Singapore Lions today in their AFF Suzuki Cup semis series here.
After a scoreless draw in Manila last Saturday, the Azkals and the Lions square off anew at 8 p.m. with the former determined to surpass their semis showing two years back which touched off Azkals-mania.
The Azkals are enjoying extra attention now but a victory here will surely heighten their popularity – perhaps to the level of some PBA stars.
Coach Michael Weiss expressed confidence that a “fresher” Azkals squad can shake off an on-and-off performance during the first leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as they seek a historic trip to the finals.
“The freshness of the team is coming back, they are very focused and we have to see that for this big match,” Weiss said during yesterday’s pre-match press conference at the playing venue. “It’s a big match, everybody is excited but we have to show some action on the field.” cash INcENTIVE
The group of companies affiliated with businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), led by wireless provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) pledged up to P3 million worth of performance incentive to the Azkals.
Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando B. Vea announced yesterday that the Azkals are guaranteed the P1 million if they win today.
Should the Azklas win against Malaysia or Thailand in the finals, Vea said they will earn P2 million more.
Manny Pacquiao's stunning defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez has obviously put an added pressure on the Azkals to win.
“I’ll be lying if I would say we aren’t aware of the added pressure,” said Rob Gier, one of the stars of the Azkals' backline that has played superb defense since the group stage in Bangkok.
His Lions counterpart, the Serbian Radojko Avramovic, who joined Weiss in the same press conference, is looking for the same approach that saw his side attack more often in the 90-minute affair.
“I’ll be happy if (Singapore) shows the same spirit like in the Philippines and we hope to show the same game face against a strong opponent,” said Avramovic, who coached the Lions to two of three Suzuki Cup titles in 2004 and 2007.
The Lions did not have the so-called “punch” they showed during their friendly match in Cebu last month but Avramovic expects the Singapore crowd will give them the extra boost in their crucial match.
source: mb.com.ph
Azkals Face Herculean Task vs Lions
Singapore veteran Daniel Bennett believes the Philippine Azkals may have wasted their chance of gaining headway in their AFF Suzuki Cup semis showdown last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
For allowing them to escape with a scoreless draw, the Azkals, according to the naturalized defender from England, will have to pay dearly for it since a huge crowd – perhaps much bigger than the size that witnessed the first leg – are expected to come and support the Lions when they play at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
In Singapore, football is considered like a religion and the team’s star players are being worshipped like rock stars.
While he acknowledged Azkals’ toughness defensively, they will be hard pressed to repeat their magical performance in Thailand where it won two successive games against Vietnam and Myanmar.
“We knew it’s going to be tough (playing in Manila),” said Bennett. “They are a physical team but I think they know when they come to Singapore, it’s going to be tough.”
The Lions controlled most of the game as Aleksandar Duric and Shahril Ishak led the team’s fluid attack that saw them threaten Azkals’ lair several times.
But then again, goalie Ed Sacapano rose to the occasion and so were the team’s backline crew.
The Azkals left for Singapore yesterday and will hold practice today.
Tickets were sold on a limited basis to Filipino fans who will seat in one of the gallery sections of the venue.
Jerry Lucena, who missed the last two matches because of his club stint in Denmark, will rejoin the team for the crucial match with the Lions.
Lucena played the first two matches of the group stage held in Bangkok but was recalled by his Danish club Esbjerg after the dramatic 1-0 win over Vietnam on Nov. 27.
Source: mb.com.ph
Azkals reach semis
After the Philippines defeated Myanmar for the first time in their history, they will now meet Singapore in the semifinals, a team they have already beaten twice this year in friendly games. The Philippines finished second in the group, only dropping points to Thailand, who finished as group leaders, while Singapore topped Group B after victories against Laos and hosts Malaysia.
Defeating Myanmar - fitness and organization
Reaching the semifinals was no easy task for the Philippines. Drawn in the ‘Group of Death,’ Group A had the top four ranked South East Asian sides by the time the tournament kicked off. The key to progress in most competitions, though, is preparation, and the Philippines played more friendly matches and had more camps than any of their opponents.
Only eight players survived from the 2010 Suzuki Cup squad, as the rapid development and professionalization of the local league, the UFL, has lifted the quality of the sport in the country. All in all, five UFL clubs have representatives in the 2012 national team.
With the US training camp and the South East Asian and Middle East tours, the players were fit and ready to run for the full ninety minutes. With a deep bench, those few who did tire were replaced by players just as good.
After the game, speaking on behalf of the Myanmar side, assistant coach Tim Mying Aung said that compared to the Philippine side, “We [Myanmar] lacked fitness and football technique....They were tired.”
Indeed, after a fairly even first half, where neither side made any real scoring opportunities, the Azkals dominated the second half, a staple of their Suzuki Cup group stage, where all of the Azkals’ goals came in the second half. Phil Younghusband grabbed his first goal of the Suzuki Cup, controlling a perfectly flighted Jason De Jong pass, though the impact substitute was Angel Guirado, who changed the game after coming in early in the 35th minute, hitting the post before wrapping up the win in injury time.
The Azkals concept
After the game, Azkals coach Hans Weiss first congratulated the team and noted, “We have now worked on good communication within the team and we found a concept of how to break down teams like Myanmar and also Vietnam....With one move [our players] can decide matches.”
Jason De Jong, who provided the assist for the first goal, noted that the team has been built from the defense upwards. “With Rob [Gier] and Juani [Guirado] in the defense they couldn’t get through. And with me cleaning up the second ball where are they going to go?” he said.
Indeed that strong Azkals backline has kept two clean sheets in the three Suzuki Cup games and four clean sheets in the last six matches.
Myanmar could find no way through the defense, trying to work the channels to avoid the strength and height of Gier and Guirado, but there they only found more misery when confronted by Carli De Murga and Dennis Cagara. De Murga put his body on the line more than a few times during the game and Cagara stood out to the point of being this writer’s man of the match. In keeping Myanmar's star player frustrated all game, and starting the Azkals’ attacks with some sublime passing, Cagara not only shut out Myanmar but put the Azkals on the counter attack.
No more long balls
Another key element in the transition of the Azkals has been the shift away from the long ball. Philippine football used to be dependent on hoofing the ball upfield to an attacker on the counter, but over the last two years, the Azkals have started to play some real, quality football.
That work started with the previous coach Simon McMenemy, but Weiss has taken the Philippines to another level in that regard. All their goals in the group stage came from open play. Passes from Patrick Reichelt, Jason De Jong, Carli De Murga, and two from Angel Guirado particularly carved open the opposition’s defense and presented the chance to score for the Azkals’ five goals so far.
The new quality of passing and build-up play has meant that the Azkals have only failed to score three times in their 21 games so far in 2012, those being in goalless draws with Cambodia and Bahrain, and the 2-0 loss to North Korea.
‘The best is yet to come’
Speaking of the transition, Weiss was very happy with the Azkals’ performances but added that there was still more to come from the Philippines. “[We are] very happy because we felt a bit of pressure....But the team mastered this pressure and it shows the [that their] maturity has come a very long way.
"The best is yet to come.”
The German coach was full of praise for his side and their progress since he took over, saying, “We got out of a very strong group....Since I have taken over, we have made a lot of history.”
Sitting next to him at the press conference, Angel Guirado and Phil Younghusband were both full of praise for the progress of the Azkals too.
After opening the scoring for the Azkals, Phil Younghusband spoke of his relief in finding the net, saying that “as a striker you’re judged on goals and get your confidence on goals....I’m just happy to get to the semifinals. I feel recently I’ve been working hard and tracking back and Coach Weiss has really helped me in that respect...eventually it does pay off and on a personal level it does feel good [to score].”
With the core of the side based in the UFL now, training together every week to improve the team chemistry and cohesion, the Philippines has the resources to continue that progress and continue to rewrite history.
On to the semis
The Philippines will host Singapore on December 8, before flying to Singapore for the second leg on the 12th. In the other semifinal match, Group A winners Thailand will face Group B runners-up Malaysia. Their games will be played on the 9th and 13th December, with the aggregate winner facing the winner between the Philippines and Singapore. - RAF / AMD, GMA News
PH Azkals Beat Vietnamese Again
Another win for the PH Azkals once again. Let's rejoice and thank them for giving us another reason to be proud that we are Pinoys.
BANGKOK — The Philippine football team relived the magic of 2010 as it downed the very same team that launched the Azkal-mania to keep its semis bid alive.
Chieffy Caligdong stood tall for the Azkals again as he fired a curling shot in the 85th minute to power the Philippines to a 1-0 win over the former SEA Games champion in an all-important AFF Suzuki Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium here.
A disappointment in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to host Thailand, Caligdong came in as a substitute for James Younghusband with about 15 minutes left before stoppage time in the hope of injecting some late game magic.
InterAKTV file photo/Roy Afable
And the diminutive Air Force veteran didn’t disappoint.
Caligdong received a cross to the left wing off a galloping Angel Guirado from the center before hitting what appeared to be an effortless shot thayt blew past a diving Vietnamese goalkeeper Duong Hong Son into right side of the net.
The winning goal of the 30-year old Caligdong enabled the Azkals to repeat over Vietnam, almost two years after the stunning 2-0 victory in front of 40,000 spectators in Hanoi.
Their first match since that epic night was witnessed by a sparse crowd inside the 80,000-seat stadium but the outcome ended in similar fashion, frustrating a Vietnam team that entered the match hoping to avenge that painful setback.
More importantly, the win enabled the Azkals to revive their hopes of securing one of the two semifinal berths after gaining the much-important three points.
The Filipino booters, whose coach Michael Weiss sat on the sidelines to serve a one-game suspension for his sending off against Thailand, need to win on Friday against Myanmar at the SCG Stadium in Nonthanaburi, which is about a 37-minute drive from the Thai capital.
Azkals Patrick Reichelt Loses 3 Teeth In Practice
BANGKOK — The Philippine Azkals are so eager to redeem themselves following an opening day defeat to the host squad that their practice session last Monday ended with Patrick Reichelt losing three teeth.
One of the players who played well in their 2-1 defeat to the Thais, Reichelt collided with bull-strong Angel Guirado in one play.
Misagh Bahadoran, one of the team’s reserves and a dentistry graduate at Centro Escolar University, said Reichelt is now in stable condition after being treated in a nearby hospital.
Despite the incident, Reichelt was expected to start for the Azkals against Vietnam, which was being played at presstime at the Rajamangala Stadium.
There were initial concerns that Reichelt may miss the match after playing well as a substitute. He entered the match in the midway point of the second half and set up the Paul Mulders goal in the 77th minute on a cross from the right wing.
His trickery and speed have been on display since the friendly match against Cambodia in September.
In the Philippine Football Peace Cup match against Guam, Reichelt scored in the 80th minute on a leaping header for a 1-0 win.
Reichelt is the latest of the team’s "walking wounded".
Phil Younghusband sustained two cuts in the first half while Juani Guirado is still hurting after being elbowed by Teerasil Dangda in the second half.
Guirado suffered a busted lip.
Source: MB.com.ph
Azkals 22-man Suzuki Cup roster
After their epic win against the Singapore football team, the Philippine National football team Azkals released their 22-man roster for the 2012 Suzuki Cup. They already posted their list of players on Azkals official website. The following names are included in the list of goalkeepers, attackers, defenders, and midfielders who will join Azkals journey to 2012 Suzuki Cup.
Goalkeepers
• Roland Muller
• Ed Sacapano
• Ref Cuaresma
Defenders
• Ray Jonsson
• Rob Gier
• Juani Guirado
• Dennis Cagara
• Carli De Murga
• Jason Sabio
• Jeffrey Christiaens
Midfielders
• James Younghusband
• Jerry Lucena
• Paul Mulders
• Chieffy Caligdong
• Demit Omphroy
• Jason De Jong
• Angel Guirado
• Patrick Reichelt
• Marwin Angeles
• Chris Greatwich
Attackers
• Denis Wolf
• Phil Younghusband
PH Azkals Clashes with Singapore Lions
Azkals test worth versus Singapore Lions Thursday night
The Philippines gauges its readiness for the AFF Suzuki Cup today when it clashes with Singapore in the first international friendly to be played at the spruced-up Cebu City Sports Center.
The test match slated at 7 p.m. against the three-time Southeast Asian champion Lions comes just nine days before the Azkals open their campaign in the Suzuki Cup in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Singaporeans are also in the final phase of their preparations for the biennial tournament, although they will be playing in Group B against host Malaysia, Indonesia and Laos.
Aside from sharpening their play in preparation for matches against Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar in Bangkok late this month, the Azkals are also aching to prove that their morale-boosting 2-0 away victory over the Lions two months ago was no fluke. It was the first victory by the Philippines against Singapore in 40 years.
Singapore, however, will come in with a more formidable side than the one that played at the Jurong West Stadium last time with 42-year-old Aleksandar Duric returning to lead the line.
The Serbia-born naturalized player, who missed the previous meeting with the Philippines due to injury, has been a scourge for the Azkals, scoring twice in two meetings with the Filipinos.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss remains confident that his players can get the job done, despite the absence of several Europe-based standouts, including Stephan Schrock who was the Man of the Match in the upset of the Lions last September.
“Singapore will be coming in with a full squad, but we are strong now and we are in a position not to look at the top players of the opponent but rather look at our own strengths and go for the occasion,” said Weiss, who will also use the match in determining his 22-man lineup for the Suzuki Cup.
Among the Europe-based players, Cebu-born Ray Jonsson and Rob Gier are the only players available for selection with Ed Sacapano also starting in lieu of Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller, who have club commitments.
The Azkals go into the game on the back of a 1-2 loss to Kuwait side in an encouraging performance that came after they held powerhouse Bahrain to a scoreless draw last month.
Whatever the outcome, Weiss said the Azkals had prepared well for the Suzuki Cup.
“The preparations have been fantastic. I couldn’t have been more satisfied,” he said.
Source: sports.inquirer.net
Azkals eye higher ranking in AFF, SEA
“We hope to be No. 1 in Southeast Asia before the end of the year,” said Azkals team manager Dan Palami.
In the October world rankings released by the Fifa, Phl is at 147th overall, its best standing ever, and third among ASEAN nations behind Thailand (139th) and Vietnam (140th).
The Azkals are poised to rise further when the Fifa publishes its new rankings on Wednesday, largely due to their scoreless draw against fancied Bahrain in a friendly last Oct. 12.
According to projections by the Football Rankings website, Phl is likely to move up to 143rd with projected ranking points of 184. This will propel the Azkals to No. 2 in the region, next only to Vietnam (projected at 139th). Thailand is projected to slip to 152nd.
Palami had marvelled at how over the last two years the Azkals have kept themselves busy and scaled new heights in the Fifa world rankings, where the country once stood at low 195th (September 2006).
“We’re at a catching-up phase with our neighbors in Southeast Asia. If you look at the calendar of the Azkals, we’re one of the busiest teams but this has allowed us to develop the team further,” he said.
“In 2010, we were 33rd in Asia; now we’re 22nd and poised to be 21st. We were No. 9 or 10 in Southeast Asia, now we’re No. 3 and hopefully in the next release of the Fifa world rankings, we’ll be No. 2. Again, it will be our highest ranking,” he added.
The Azkals aim to at least make the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup set Nov. 24-30 in Bangkok, where they are bracketed with Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar.
“Hopefully with the Suzuki Cup result we hope to achieve, we’ll open doors to stronger tournaments for the Azkals and result to better ranking for us,” he said.
Palami wants Azkals to be the best in Asia
The Philippine Azkals have gone a long way since their inception several years ago.
On September 2006 the country fell to 195th on the Fifa World Rankings, its lowest ever. Because of the Azkals program the country has climbed to 147th, its highest ever ranking, as of October, 2012.
From No. 33 in Asia the country is now No. 22 and most importantly the Philippines is now the No. 3 team in Southeast Asia behind only Thailand and Vietnam.
The Azkals have made huge strides. But according to Azkals team manager Dan Palami, the 42-year-old businessman from Tacloban who started bankrolling the national team two years ago, the best is yet to come because apparently they have loftier goals than just ruling the Southeast Asian arena.
“We hope to become number one in Southeast Asia by the end of the year. After Southeast Asia, we’ll set our sights on Asia. We’ll just try to make it one (goal) at a time,” he said.
The Azkals have indeed arrived. But because they’ve established their credibility the tradeoff is that opposing teams now scout more and prepare much harder before they play against the Azkals.
“Our neighbors no longer consider us underdogs. We have to live up to expectations not only for our fans here in the Philippines, but also in the competitions. We’re no longer coming in as a surprise team. All the other teams are paying attention to us now,” said Palami.
Success has not come easy and problems abound and not just on the pitch. It is not a secret that the Azkals have been involved in a lot of issues and controversies several times. Palami is always there to take up the cudgels for his players.
“More than anybody else, I know the boys will never do such things to destroy the team. It was just that they were often misunderstood. Now I know they are more sensitive to what is happening to the team,” Palami said.
Palami said it was a difficult to handle a team in a sport that was not popular nationwide. He was aware that the entire country basked in the success of basketball and was not very fond of football. This did not deter the president of the Leyte Football Association who took on the challenge of managing the Azkals.
“Nobody wanted my job before, especially when the team kept on losing matches. But then somebody had to take the chance. So I took on the challenge. I’m finding out what I can do for the team,” Palami said.
Palami accepted the responsibility of handling the team and assembled a mixture of talent for the Azkals, getting the services of Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta, and the Fil-foreign football players: the Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, Neil Ethridge and Robert Gier.
He then gathered several sponsors to supply and clothe the team. From then on, even though he had a day job as manager of his own company, Palami never turned his back on the Azkals.
“I’ll never forget how it was when we all started, when the players, myself and the management were all trying to build the dream. It’s nice to recall those moments and then you realize where you are now. You tell yourself that everything turned out well,” Palami said.
The team has matured according to its team manager. Right now it is preparing for the upcoming Suzuki Cup in Thailand this November 24.
The team’s development now can be compared to a grade-schooler who is ready to take on his high school life according to Palami.
“We are now about to graduate elementary. To improve we have been playing as a team against high school teams like Bahrain and Kuwait,” said Palami of the improved competition his team now has to face.
Azkals just had their 10-day training stint in the Middle East against Bahrain and Kuwait which according to the team manager, only shows that they’re on the right track.
“We are now ready to fight. I can see the progress of the team from before. We can see the quality of players that we have. Some members of team of 2010 are no longer here but we are thankful for their contribution,” said an optimistic Palami despite the Azkals 2-1 loss to Kuwait and the scoreless draw with Bahrain.
The following weeks will be tough for the Azkals. After losing the Younghusbands (who have since committed to return to the program) for a spell the team faces more uncertainty with players like Neil Ethridge, Roland Muller, Stephan Schrock and Angel Guirado possibly missing more games.
Despite the handicap, the Azkals are hoping to reach a whole new level when they see action in the Asean region’s premier football competition. They will play in the 2012 AFF Cup, also known as the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup. This will be the ninth edition of the Asean Football Championship, the football championship of Southeast Asia which will be co-hosted by Malaysia and Thailand and will be held Nov. 24 to Dec. 12, 2012.
However, if the past few years have shown anything it is that Dan Palami has a sound program in the Azkals who have improved consistently through the years and that aspiring to be the best football team in Asia is not just an empty pipe dream but an achievable, realistic objective to aspire for.
source: manilastandardtoday.com
Palami: Azkals stronger now
THE PHILIPPINES will have a “much stronger side” than the one that made the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup two years ago when the tournament kicks off Nov. 24 in Bangkok.
This was the assessment of Azkals manager Dan Palami, who said the depth of the side has improved significantly following the influx of new talents over the past two years.
“We’re a much stronger team now,” Palami said at yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Mabini in Manila. “We have a lot of offensive options, unlike in 2010 when our focus was really defending and counter-attacking.”
But Palami said there’s no guarantee that the Azkals’ will have an easier path in the Suzuki Cup with teams like Thailand and Vietnam—two teams in the Azkals’ group which failed to meet expectations two years ago—aching to bounce back.
“We’re no longer coming in as a surprise team,” said Palami. “All the teams are paying attention to us now.”
The Azkals, who narrowly lost to Indonesia in the last four two years ago, are coming off a 10-day camp in the Middle East last week, where they showed up powerhouse sides Bahrain and Kuwait. A couple of local mini-camps have been lined up for the team, before a friendly match with Singapore on Nov. 15 in Cebu City caps the Azkals’ preparations.
Palami attended the forum sponsored by Smart, Outlast Battery and Pagcor with players Marwin Angeles, Misagh Bahadoran and Demitrius Omphroy.
The team still has concerns with the availability of players, particularly goalkeepers Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller and star midfielders Stephan Schrock and Angel Guirado.
source: sports.inquirer.net
Azkals set mini-camp for S'pore 'friendly'
MANILA, Philippines - Although currently with their respective clubs, members of the Philippine Azkals based in Manila will regularly get together for a “mini-camp” and play tuneup matches against local clubs prior to their Nov. 15 international friendly with Singapore in Cebu.
“We’ll gather them in a mini-camp, for say, three days, probably house them in a hotel, so they can be together as a team and develop camaraderie,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said.
“The plan also calls for them to play against local teams, against UFL teams, in preparation for Nov. 15 in Cebu,” Araneta added.
The friendly with the Lions – actually a second engagement this year following their initial meeting last Sept. 7 in Singapore that saw a monumental 2-0 triumph for the Azkals – serves as Phl XIs’ send-off home game before plunging into action in next month’s AFF Suzuki Cup in Thailand.
The Azkals came off a productive 10-day training camp in the Middle East, battling higher-ranked Bahrain to a scoreless draw and yielding a fighting 1-2 setback to fancied Kuwait before breaking up to rejoin their respective clubs.
Meanwhile, Phl will host the AFC Women’s U-16 Championship Qualification Round 1 from Nov. 7-11 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The national sides of powerhouse nations Australia, Thailand and Myanmar will come over to play, along with host Philippines, in the Group C of the qualifiers to the 2013 Asian U-16 tilt.
“These are strong teams but I think it will be their U-14 teams. And I think before, our team beat Austria and drew with Thailand before in the U-14 in AFC so we’ll give them a good fight,” said Araneta.
Phl just hosted the Qualification Round 1 for the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship at Rizal, which was topped by Myanmar with Chinese Taipei beating the hosts for the runner-up honors and the second and last berth to the next stage.
“It was a successful hosting, even if we did not qualify to the second round. We just need more exposure for the team because some of the players were released late by their schools, due to exams. We can see that they gave it their all, we gave Chinese Taipei and Myanmar a good fight, it’s just that they lacked match fitness, having limited time to practice together,” Araneta said.
Phl U-19 started the tourney with a 2-0 win over Hong Kong but dropped a 0-4 loss to Myanmar. Needing no less than a win against the Taiwanese to advance, the Pinays suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the last day to bow out for good. – Olmin Leyba
source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
Azkals lose to Kuwait in Fifa friendly
MANILA, Philippines—Returning key players gave the Philippines a boost but it wasn’t enough as the Azkals yielded to Kuwait, 1-2, in a Fifa international friendly late Tuesday night (Manila time) in Kuwait.
Phil Younghusband, who was back in the lineup after missing the Peace Cup and the Bahrain friendly, picked up where he left off as he struck the Philippines lone goal off a penalty kick after a handball called against Kuwait.
Fil-British Neil Etheridge kept the Azkals in the game with a slew of fine saves in the first half including a double save in the 27th minute.
Bader Al-Mutawa opened up the scoring for Kuwait in the 35th minute off a powerful strike before Younghusband equalized in the 60th minute.
Coming out sharp in the second half, the Philippines got good looks but the quicker Kuwaitis held their ground.
Demitrius Omphroy had a shot on goal but didn’t get a clear hit on the shot after Patrick Reichelt’s attempt went over.
Kuwait, ranked 112, struck again in the 70th minute after a questionable penalty called against Juani Guirado.
The Azkals, who are on a build-up for the AFF Suzuki Cup, held Asian powerhouse Bahrain to a scoreless draw last Saturday but just couldn’t slow down the relentless Kuwait side.
source: inquirer.net
Azkals in full force for Middle East friendlies
GAINING momentum for the AFF Suzuki Cup this coming November, the Philippine Azkals will try the mettle of Bahrain and Kuwait on October 12 and 16, respectively, hoping to fine tune the team's strengths and weaknesses.
Coach Michael Weiss' wards will play two tough and higher ranked teams but our Azkals are on roll and in high spirits going in these two crucial matches. This time however, the Azkals will be playing with Phil and James Younghusband who rejoin the team after missing the Philippine Football Peace Cup last month.
What are we going to expect in the Middle East friendlies? Here's a guide:
Mix It Up. Coach Weiss enjoyed the performance of his new recruits in Matthew Uy, Demet Omphroy, and the emergence of Denis Wolf as the Azkals' main striker in the Peace Cup. This time, he will test the chemistry of the team by merging his mainstays in Angel Guirado, James and Phil, Ray Jonsson, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena among others.
Will the team blend in this short span of time? We think coach Weiss has something up his sleeve that will surprise Mid East contenders in Bahrain and Kuwait. This is a scheduled FIFA friendly and we expect Bahrain and Kuwait will make it hard for our team but the Azkals are gearing up and we anticipate a battle in the Gulf.
Azkals Confidence. The Philippine Azkals are enjoying its strongest performance in years in FIFA standing by ranking 147 in its latest card. However, Kuwait (rank 112) and Bahrain (rank 115) are way above us. Their rankings show how competitive these teams are.
If we can recall, Kuwait eliminated us in the second round of the World Cup qualifying last year ending our hopes of progressing for a better finish. This time, they will be facing a different Azkals line up that has matured through time and played with much intensity in its previous games.
Do we see some upsets in the making? Yes. Our team has evolved and definitely our opponents are wary with the way the rising Azkals are playing. Two quality victories will surely catapult our ranking further.
Old Reliable. Chieffy Caligdong will play a vital role in these matches, as he will act as the team's ultimate leader, the glue the binds the squad to perform better. The team will look for his field guidance and leadership.
As team captain, he will be coach Weiss' voice in the pitch. Chieffy will definitely live up to expectation and much more. His mere presence commands respect and this should be the way our team should play: with pride for the glory of our country. (Junjun Carballo/Contributor)
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on October 11, 2012.
Azkals healthy, complete
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals expect a near full-strength squad for their Middle East training camp and friendlies against Bahrain and Kuwait, with Europe-based pros and the Younghusband brothers beefing up the side that ruled the recent Philippine Football Peace Cup.
Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara, Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders, Fil-German Roland Muller, and Fil-Icelandic Ray Jonsson are slated to meet up in Dubai with the local-based Azkals led by Chieffy Caligdong, Carli de Murga, Denis Wolf, Jeff Christiaens and Patrick Reichelt for their Oct. 7-17 Gulf gig.
Phil and James Younghusband, who were not called up for the Peace Cup campaign, will rejoin the PH XI team that is slated to mix it up with Bahrain on Oct. 12 and Kuwait on Oct. 16 as part of preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup.
"The Peace Cup was meant to be a testing ground for local-based Azkals. Now we take it a notch higher by mixing that with professionals in Europe and form a stronger team. Hopefully we get the right mix just in time for the Suzuki Cup," Azkals manager Dan Palami said during the recent launch of Global FC's programs.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss has called up 26 players for the Middle East camp, including new Fil-Am recruits Demit Omphroy and Matthew Uy, and the Guirado brothers, Angel and Juani.
About 90 percent of the players, according to Palami, has confirmed participation in the trip on the eve of their departure, including Phil and James who had already formally told management they were accepting the call-up.
Palami also sees no problem with local clubs as the United Football League has a standing agreement with the Philippine Football Federation for the release of players for PH team during Fifa friendlies.
Palami's own club, UFL champ Global FC, is lending a number of players to the Azkals like Misagh Bahadoran, Marwin Angeles, Reichelt, and latest additions Wolf, Omphroy and Uy.
"It has always been a big problem for Global every time we have players leave for the national team duty but our contribution to country comes first before the club," said Palami as he also announced the club's plans to hold international training camps and friendly matches against foreign clubs and establish Global FC Academy intended to be a "hub of excellence."
Global FC has tapped Hinko of One Above Management, a UK-based sports consultancy firm to help achieve these goals and at the same time “professionalize” the structure of the club similar to big clubs all over Europe.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Azkals Sans Younghusbands: Fresher, Better?
MANILA, Philippines - Not many gave them a fighting chance, but the Philippine national football team proved their mettle as they crushed Chinese Taipei on Saturday, taking home the Philippine Football Peace Cup -- their first international title in 99 years.
It's no mean feat considering that the team, dubbed Azkals by fans, played minus most of their star players including the celebrated Younghusband brothers.
Azkal's Coach Michael Weiss heaped praises on the team during the post-game press conference hailing them for their "spirit" and their "hunger."
Weiss also differentiated the current team lineup from its past incarnation, noting how they have "evolved" into a "fresher," "better" team compared to the Azkals contingent of three years ago.
He went on to urge fans "not to pine" for that old team as most of them "will not play anymore.”
He then took a seeming dig at the Younghusband brothers, whom he was reported to have mentioned in past interviews as supposedly having made themselves scarce during training sessions and matches to the detriment of the team.
"This team is now without prima donnas... people who think they already have achieved something in football,” he said.
But in a separate interview with GMA News, current Azkals captain Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong said that the Philippine Football Federation's (PFF) "conflict" with the brothers could still be resolved.
“Maa-ayos at maa-ayos din iyan,” Caligdong said.
Meanwhile, PFF technical director Aris Caslib, clarified that the brothers remain in the pool of players from which the PFF draws for competitions.
“Nandiyan pa silang dalawa," Caslib said.
The statement differed from the hazy stance of the PFF's Marketing and Communications Department last week, which painted the brothers as being in limbo relating to their involvement in the team's future.
"We cannot answer whether this is a permanent or temporary separation with the national team," Ebong Joson, head of the PFF communications was quoted as saying in news reports.
The exclusion of the brothers from the team lineup that played at the Peace Cup was, according to Joson, about “certain economic and non-economic" privileges that the brothers were asking for.
"We just cannot match it," he was quoted to have said in a report.
The Younghusband brothers have downplayed the charge in a separate press conference reiterating that their non-inclusion in the lineup for the Peace Cup was due to them being "late" in making known their availability to the team. The duo stated that they remain devoted to the National Team and would even play for the team for "free" if need be.
The brothers hope to be allowed to return to the national team.
"We're hoping in the next games we can get the call-up again. If we get the call-up, we'll be there," said Phil in a separate report on GMA News.
"We'd be there in a heartbeat," James added.
Azkals Gear Up For Bangkok Tourney
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals want to build on the success of their title victory in the recent Philippine Football Peace Cup as they head into the final stage of preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup set for November in Bangkok, Thailand.
Coach Michael Weiss hopes that positive vibes earned from the four-nation tournament will be carried into the next eight weeks when the Azkals hold a training camp and play friendlies before the Suzuki Cup.
“We are now entering the final phase of our preparation for the Suzuki Cup and those matches will see much, much better competition and stronger opponents so it's important that have many matches and that's the main purpose of playing this tournament,” Weiss said after the Azkals defeated Taiwan, 3-1, on Saturday to claim the Peace Cup title.
Lined up for the Azkals is a training camp in the Middle East which will be highlighted by friendly matches with Bahrain on Oct. 12 in Manama and Kuwait on Oct. 16 in Kuwait City.
They will also play Singapore on Nov. 15 in Cebu City in a rematch of the Filipinos' 2-0 win in the Lion City two weeks ago thanks to an opening goal by Chieffy Caligdong.
From there it's off to the Thai capital for the Suzuki Cup group stage where the Azkals battle the hosts, Vietnam and the top team of the qualifying round. The two top teams in the group will make it to the semifinals.
The team's buildup and sharpness will also be determined on the availability of key players for the Suzuki Cup.
Absent from the Peace Cup were ace goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and Stephan Schrock, among others, due to commitments with their clubs in Europe, and brothers Phil and James Younghusband due to differences with Azkals management and the Philippine Football Federation over monetary and commitment issues.
source: http://mb.com.ph/
Demitrius Omphroy Appears In Justin Bieber’s Video
The 23-year-old half-Filipino athlete is seen four times in the music video, more prominently at around the 1:40 mark, where he’s shown standing beside a blonde girl. He’s also the same guy seen inside a car with his love interest a little past the video’s third minute.
Photos during the shooting of “Boyfriend” were posted in Omphroy’s Facebook fan page.
Omphroy, born in the US to a Filipino mother and a Panamanian father, was diagnosed a few years ago with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease, that, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is “a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.”
Having played for the Toronto FC before joining the Azkals, Omphroy noted himself as the first player in the history of the Major League Soccer (MLS) with MS.
In an interview with the New York Times last year, Omphroy said that he has grown more cautious of his health and diet.
“It’s very uncertain what your body could end up making you deal with. I don’t know if something could randomly happen or when I’m going to have an episode. You just can’t predict it,” he said about MS.
As seen in his personal Tumblr blog, Omphroy aims to spread awareness about the illness.
“In the end, my goal is to help find a cure to a disease that I have to deal with on a daily basis,” he said in one of his posts last year tackling his initiative, Art4MS Online Auction.
Aside from being an athlete, Omphroy lists himself as a singer, actor, and artist.
Fil-German Stars For Azkals
With his mother watching him in action for the first time in five years, Reichelt made it a perfect moment by scoring a header off a defensive lapse by Guam's Scott Leon Guerrero to give a sparse Azkals crowd something to cheer about.
Behind the heroics of Reichelt, who came in for Ian Araneta in the 65th minute, the Filipino booters avoided what could have been a lousy draw to take the early lead in the four-nation tournament.
Earlier, Yang Chao Sun scored on a penalty kick in the 90th minute to help Taiwan force a 2-all tie with Macau.
The breakthrough goal of the Fil-German began when Jeff Christiansens booted a long corner to Jason Sabio, who then attempted to score a long header.
Guerrero was able to deflect the shot into the air but as he watched the flight of the ball, Reichelt made an alert move by leaping over the Macao defender for the only goal of the match.
"It's a dream come true," said Reichelt, whose Filipina mom came to Manila as part of her two-week vacation to watch her son play.
The match, however, saw an inconsistent, sometimes sloppy play from the Azkals, who also entered the tournament minus charismatic brothers Phil and James Younghusband due to monetary and commitment issues.
Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Denis Wolf and Carli de Murga blew a number of chances to score, highlight a night where the Azkals attempted 10-of-19 their shots on goal.
"I'm happy with the result. I'm not happy with the game but I think we can be better," said coach Michael Weiss.
‘PFF cannot meet Younghusbands’ demands’
The Philippines opens its campaign in the four-nation Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup against Guam at Rizal Memorial Stadium tonight with the specter of Phil and James Younghusband’s absence hanging over the national side.
The Azkals will be without two of their key players who were dropped from the lineup because of “commitment issues and economic and non-economic demands.”
National coach Michael Weiss remains upbeat even without the Fil-British brothers, who have accounted for 33 goals since they made their senior debuts in 2006.
“We have prepared well and there is good spirit in the team,” said Weiss, whose squad will be looking to end a 99-year wait for an international title.
The Azkals will be seeking a repeat win against Guamanians whom they crushed, 3-0, last June in Bacolod.
Philippine Football Federation communications head Ebong Joson revealed there “are certain economic and non-economic demands from the Younghusbands which we cannot meet.”
Without giving specifics, Joson said the PFF cannot even afford half of what Phil Younghusband “counter-offered” in the contract they gave in exchange for full commitment from national players until the 2012 Suzuki Cup in November.
But the brothers, in a separate press conference, said they were ready to accept the offer, although they have yet to sign the contract.
“We will even play for the national team for free,” said James.
Another tricky issue on the contract, James said, was their involvement on promotional activities of the team, which they cannot totally commit to.
The Younghusbands have a myriad of activities apart from the national team as they are also under contract with UFL club Loyola Meralco. They also run their own football academy aside from their commercial endorsement deals.
“They have performed but now they’ve overstretched a little bit too much,” said Weiss, noting that the two players have missed training sessions and matches in lieu of other commitments.
“They made a promise (of being there) and I said I cannot tolerate that you are not in the team most of the time.”
The German coach added: “We only asked for their total commitment from September to November.”
Weiss was noncommittal when asked if he was ready to give the brothers another chance after the Peace Cup.
“We’re still ready to play for the national team,” said the brothers.
Phil, James Dropped From Azkals
The Philippine Azkals will try to win the Philippine Football Peace Cup which starts tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial Stadium without charismatic brothers Phil and James Younghusband.
Both brothers, arguably two of the team's most popular players, have mysteriously been left out for the week-long tournament after the Azkals released their official lineup yesterday.
Their absence, despite the event being a friendly, will certainly play a key role in the team's preparation and cohesion for the AFF Suzuki Cup group stage slated November in Bangkok, Thailand.
The move will be the latest of a series of absence by the brothers this year. They recently missed the friendly match against Laos in Vientiane (the Azkals lost 2-0) to commemorate the one-year death anniversary of their mother.
They were also absent when the Filipino booters played friendlies in the Middle East, Malaysia and Chicago this year, citing various commitments.
Curiously, both players were also benched in the first half of the Azkals' 2-2 draw against Indonesia in June.
"Having greatly benefited from Suzuki Cup 2010, we expect our players to work harder than ever this year. Unfortunately, not everyone in the team could assure us of this; a few have already signified their unavailability for some crucial activities leading up to the tournament," the Azkals also said.
Still, Weiss has lightning-quick left winger Chieffy Caligdong, Denis Wolf and Patrick Reichelt to lean on.
Philippine Azklas fall to Laos, 1-2
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines failed to follow up its impressive win over Singapore as it yielded to lower-ranked Laos, 1-2, in a friendly Monday night to wrap up its three-game Southeast Asian stretch at the National Stadium in Vientiane.
The Azkals, who blanked Singapore, 2-0, last Friday, gave up two penalties which Laos capitalized on with as many goals.
Rob Gier salvaged a goal late off a throw in by Jason Sabio in the 92nd minute.
Gier though, committed a foul inside the box which resulted to Laos’ first goal in the 52nd minute before another foul by Neil Etheridge gave Laos a 2-0 cushion.
Next up for the Azkals is the Philippine Football Peace Cup on September 25-29 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The Philippine Azkals drew Cambodia, 0-0, in their first friendly.
source: Mb.com.ph
Azkals Take On Laos
MANILA, Philippines — Perked up by their memorable 2-0 win over Singapore last Friday, the Philippine Azkals hope to close out their three-nation tour with a bang as they collide with Laos on Monday at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.
Led by Chieffy Caligdong and Stephan Schrock, the Azkals face the hosts at 7 p.m. at the Laotian capital in their first meeting since their 2-2 draw in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup qualifying stage.
In that match, the Filipino booters rallied from a 2-0 deficit with James Younghusband scoring the equalizer in extra time to force a tie. That feat eventually propelled the Azkals to the group stage where they clinched a semifinal berth – also a first for the country.
Coach Michael Weiss still considers Laos as a very dangerous team but with the way his boys played against the Singaporeans he expressed confidence of closing their three friendly games on a high note – even without brothers James and Phil Younghusband.
The Younghusbands immediately flew back home after their game to commemorate the first death anniversary of their mother.
Weiss was particularly happy with the brilliance displayed by Caligdong, Younghusband and Schrock.
Caligdong and Phil scored to help the Philippines beat Singapore, 2-0, at Jurong West Stadium in the Lion City.
The win over Singapore was the country’s first since 1972, thus making their feat the more impressive.
It was also a nice bounce back from Wednesday's scoreless draw with Cambodia where the Azkals blew a number of chances to score in the rain-drenched affair held in Phnom Penh.
Caligdong's eighth-minute goal set the tempo for the Azkals victory.
Younghusband tagged on one more to add some cushion to the lead – big thanks to Schrock’s gutsy effort.
source: mb.com.ph
Azkals Celebrity Look-Alike
I like to begin this post with my favorite Azkal player. For
me Phil Younghusband can replace Taylor Lautner as Jacob in Twilight if they're
going to remake this movie. Their face features are very identical and I think
there may be other celebrities who look like him besides Taylor Lautner. Maybe
you know some celebrities I am not that familiar with. You may list down the
names of celebrities who you think Phil has much resemblance with. Tell us also
who can be the celebrity look-alike of the other Azkals members so we can post
it here in our blog.
Azkals rue draw with Cambodia
PHNOM PENH—Unable to finish off countless chances, the Philippines failed to get a reward for its hard work and settled for a scoreless draw against a stubborn Cambodia side Wednesday night at the wet and slippery National Olympic Stadium here.
Ranged against a team that needs to go through qualifying for the AFF Suzuki Cup, the Azkals were unlucky not to grab a late winner as they continued their buildup for the biennial tournament.
Phil Younghusband bungled an effort from eight yards in the 13th minute, Jason Sabio shook the crossbar with a header, before Patrick Riechelt was denied by the post six minutes from time.
While the outcome was similar to their last meeting, the Azkals looked the more threatening side this time, particularly in the second half where they carved out chance after chance in heavy downpour.
“We should have won the match very clearly but there were chances that we couldn’t take advantage of,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss, whose side had 18 attempts on goal with 11 on target.
Except for a near goalkeeping mishap from Neil Etheridge when he miskicked a clearance in the 63rd minute and a half chance on the breakaway from Khem Borey, the Azkals were hardly troubled by the home side that was buoyed by a crowd of about 8,000.
Carli De Murga and Rob Gier needed to produce last-ditch tackles in the first half to prevent a couple of chances for Cambodia.
Younghusband was substituted in the 65th minute, making way for Denis Wolf, who also had three chances, including a clever turn from just outside the box before forcing a save from the Cambodian keeper Su Yatai.
Coming in for Jerry Lucena at halftime, Reichelt made an instant impact on the right wing on his international debut, but was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when his shot hit the post in the 86th minute.
The Filipinos face Singapore Friday for the second of their three-country swing with Fil-German Stephan Schrock, fresh off his Bundesliga debut, back in the fold.
Azkals test progress versus Cambodians
PHNOM PENH—The Philippines’ buildup for the AFF Suzuki Cup makes a stop in this quaint city by the Mekong River, evoking memories of the long and tough grind the Azkals went through two years ago.
The Filipinos face an old foe in the Cambodians at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in a friendly at National Olympic Stadium here.
It will mark the first clash between the two sides since they played to a scoreless draw in the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifying in Vientiane, Laos.
While the Azkals advanced to the main tournament because of the standoff, the Cambodians were stalled on goal difference.
“We barely survived them last time, so it’s going to be interesting how far both teams have progressed since then,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.
The Azkals will be armed to the teeth with Europe-based Neil Etheridge, Paul Mulders and Jerry Lucena playing.
James Younghusband is suspended for the game by the PFF Disciplinary Committee.
Coach Michael Weiss and Palami, who were both slapped with two-game bans for a “failure in leadership” during the incident that led to the complaint of AFC match commissioner Cristy Ramos, have also appealed their sanctions.
Nonetheless, Weiss believes his team is in good shape.
“The team should be in a very good condition,” said Weiss, whose team will visit Singapore on Friday and Laos on Monday.
source: mb.com.ph
Azkals leave Monday for 3-country swing
With suspensions on its coach and one of its key players looming, the Philippine football team leaves for Cambodia today to start a three-country swing in preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup in November.
German coach Michael Weiss will still travel with the Azkals as he files an appeal to rescind a two-match suspension meted by the Philippine Football Federation Disciplinary Committee for a "failure in leadership" during the Philippines-Malaysia friendly last February.
James Younghusband, who skippered the team in the match, is also expected to appeal the decision that rules him out from the match against Cambodia on Wednesday.
The committee had earlier cleared Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado from the sexual harassment complaint filed by Football Confederation match commissioner Cristy Ramos, but still sanctioned members of the side for what it described as "breakdown in discipline" during the prematch inspection.
"I don't get the point so much because first of all the people in the locker room have been given the tasks to look after the team in case I'm absent," Weiss told the Inquirer. "We are a team that works well so there's no necessity for the coach to be with his players all the time like a kindergarten teacher."
The Azkals, whose members conducted a clinic yesterday at Philsports in Pasig as part of the launching of the 1 Goal for Peace program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process, face Singapore on Friday and Laos on Sept. 10. Cedelf P. Tupas
source: mb.com.ph
Azkals lend support to peace talks, initiatives
Azkals lend support to peace talks, initiativestting a boost from the men’s national football team, the Azkals, which will dedicate all its games in September for peace.
Azkals team manager Dan Palami said they will hold a football clinic at the kickoff dubbed “1Goal for Peace” at the PhilSports Complex on September 2, in support of National Peace Consciousness Month.
“We are actually dedicating all our games this September for peace,” Palami said, according to an article posted on the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process website.
At Sunday's clinic, the Azkals are expected to share their skills with some 100 underprivileged children on the basics of the sport, as part of the peace month celebration.
Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo said the team players, who are preparing for this year’s Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup, will take part in the peace month, as new Ambassadors for Peace, through teaching football which he said is a “great avenue” to promote peace.
“Just like (in playing football as a team), if you want to promote peace you need to work together, you put aside the differences," he said.
“In the peace process no one’s the same. (But) it’s really about finding a way to explore everyone’s uniqueness to increase the welfare of everybody. With football, being part of the team…we need to add on the strengths of each other to maximize the welfare. Just like when we are trying to promote peace or resolve conflict, we have to do the same,” Azkals Jason Sabio said.
Palami said observing peace month is an avenue to “raise awareness of the situation of peace problem here in the Philippines.”
He said the team “is happy to be a part of this” celebration and hopes that “we can finally see an end in the conflicts that we have in the Philippines.”
“1Goal for Peace is the kick-off ceremony for Peace Month. The OPAPP said September has been declared as the Peace Consciousness Month since 2004.
Meanwhile, OPAPP spokesperson Polly Michelle Cunanan said the OPAPP has lined up several activities this month “to mainstream the peace process and promote" the peace process to the general public.
For her part, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said the government is glad in getting the support of the Azkals, who are much admired by Filipino youth.
“I am, and I’m sure the country is thankful to the Azkals and the PFF for their support to achieve peace in the country,” she said.
OPAPP leads the annual festivity of peace month with the theme “Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan.”
It urges different sectors, including government agencies, private and civil society organizations, to contribute in achieving a just and lasting peace for the country.
The “1Goal for Peace” event will be spearheaded by OPAPP and the PFF, and will see participation by various peace process stakeholders to drive home the message that peace building requires hard work, collective efforts, and support of all members of the Philippine society.
Peace fair
During September, a peace fair will be held in partnership with the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR), together with non-governmental organizations including the Asian American Initiative, Generation Peace, PNoyPinay, and Muslim Alliance for National Advancement.
The peace fair will gather Muslim and Christian children to give them the opportunity to know each other and participate in fun activities.
Other activities in line for Peace Month include:
- a massive “I Am for Peace” campaign involving famous celebrities launch on September 14 - KaPEACEtahan, the Peace Month’s main event on September 21, a cultural and gala program showcasing peace process milestones coinciding with the International Day of Peace - simultaneous “I Want Peace” Concerts on September 28 in key cities in the country - “Peace Lens” photo exhibits in various malls in Metro Manila throughout the month - “Teem up for Peace”, a golf fundraising tournament on September 28.
Several online contests will also be held via http://opapp.gov.ph/peace-month-2012. —ELR, GMA News
Azkals cleared of sexual harassment charges, but draw suspensions
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee has cleared players Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy of the sexual harassment charges filed by FIFA official Cristy Ramos, according to reports, but slapped the two with one-match suspensions for a "breakdown in discipline".
“Cristy Ramos verdict out: PFF Disciplinary committee finds the players innocent of the sexual harassment charges, pls RT” tweeted longtime football supporter Craig Burrows Friday afternoon.
More about this news here.
Source: Yahoo! PH Sports
Neil Etheridge Futbol Magazine May 2011
If you have been following Azkals team for the some time now you may have already seen this photo where Neil Etheridge was featured as 2011 coverguy of the year finalist on Futbol Magazine May 2011 issue. I havent seen the actual magazine yet. Anyway, I like Neil's photo in this shot!
Guirado remains active as Azkal
"Just like what we're doing with players based in Europe, it's a matter of communicating with his club and getting permission to release him for his Azkals duties," said Philippine Football Fedeation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta.
Fil-Spanish Guirado signed a one-year deal with Federation Cup champ Salgaocar for the 2012-13 I-League competitions after playing for Global FC – the reigning league titlists in the United Football League that is chaired by Azkals manager Dan Palami. The I-League plays its season October through May, which runs smack into November's AFF Suzuki Cup.
"Angel is a tall player with good physical presence and competent skills; he will give me lot of options as a striker," Salgaocar head coach Karim Bencherifa said of the 6-foot-2 Azkals forward, as quoted by Goal.com's report on the team's announcement of Guirado's acquisition over the weekend.
Guirado has yet to formalize his move to India, according to Araneta.
"So far, we haven't seen a request of transfer," said the PFF chief, referring to a requirement for all players playing in PH to secure before heading elsewhere.
The Azkals are gearing up for the Suzuki Cup group stages in Bangkok in November. The Pinoy booters just wrapped up their training camp in the US and look forward to playing friendlies on the road against Cambodia (Sept. 5), Singapore (Sept. 9), and Laos (Sept. 10) and the four-nation Paulino Alcantara Cup in Bacolod against Guam (Sept. 25), Macau (Sept. 27) and Chinese-Taipei (Sept. 29).
A training camp in Bahrain from Oct. 8-18 is also in the pipeline with a match against the Bahraini national team set on Oct. 12 and a second friendly with another Middle East nation being arranged.
Azkals smoked 3-1 by Chicago Inferno
The Premier Development League’s Chicago Inferno were clinical with home pitch advantage, as they romped to a 3-1 victory over the Philippine national team. An early goal from Chad Haworth and first half brace from Drew Jeskey put the Inferno in a commanding position at halftime before the Azkals pulled a goal back in the second half through Carli De Murga.
First half
Missing several key players, including the Younghusband brothers who were at the press conference for the Clear Dream Match, the Philippines looked out of sorts playing in the US. Not only were several integral players missing in the attack and midfield, only two defenders were chosen in the back four, with Jason De Jong partnering Jason Sabio in the heart of the defense with Carli De Murga on the right and Jeffrey Christiaens on the left.
The Chicago Inferno took the lead in the seventh minute through Haworth, who picked up a poor clearance from Jason Sabio and rifled the ball into the top corner from twenty yards out. Just seven minutes later and the Inferno had doubled their lead, as Jeskey latched onto a long ball and lobbed Ed Sacapano, who was in no man’s land.
With the Azkals playing long ball football in the early stages, they couldn’t break down the Inferno defense and resorted to long shots, with Denis Wolf firing just over moments later. The Azkals then began to start passing the ball around more and looked better for it, but still couldn’t find the final ball. Lacking bite upfront, the Inferno took full advantage and added another goal to their lead, with Jeskey’s second of the game on the 32nd minute, via a freekick from the edge of the area that was fired in low and touched in.
Second half
Losing three to nil, Coach Weiss made a few substitutions at halftime, bringing in Matthew Uy, Demit Omphroy and Patrick Reichelt in for Marwin Angeles, Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta. A natural left-back, and with Jeffrey Christiaens as a left winger at left back, it was surprising then to see Matthew Uy in the center of midfield with Chris Greatwich.
Positioning appeared to be big problem for the Azkals, who lacked their usual fluidity. It took until the 63rd minute for the Azkals to threaten the Inferno goal again as a long ball upfield was headed at goal by Reichelt, but was too close to the goalkeeper to worry him. The Azkals pressed throughout the half but couldn’t create a clear-cut opportunity.
To try and change the game, OJ Porteria replaced Misagh Bahadoran in the 68th minute to bring another striker on and the Azkals pushed high. But it was Carli De Murga – after the cameramen finally managed to get a shot of the goalscorer – who pulled a goal back for the Philippines. A great cross from Patrick Reichelt on the 73rd minute found the overlapping full back at the back post unmarked and he clipped the ball into the back of the net on his first touch.
De Murga left the pitch moments later, however, as Marvin Angeles took to the pitch to replace him, before Denis Wolf again shot wide on the 80th minute from inside the area as the Azkals failed to find the back of the net for a second time.
It’s a friendly
The biggest encouragement for the team will be that this is a friendly. Often criticized for not making substitutions and experimenting with the lineup, Coach Weiss was at least trying out different players in different positions. The Philippines also had more shots on goal, with nine total shots and seven on target. With just four shots on target, Chicago was clinical in their attack, but with the better chances, none will doubt they deserved to win the game.
One of the reasons for the loss is that the defense is not normally the place to make changes and experiment with players out of position. That will be the biggest concern for the Philippines, who had only two defenders in the back line despite having four defenders on the pitch in the second half. The left back position has usually been a problem for the Azkals, with Jeffrey Christiaens, Paul Mulders, Jason Sabio and Juani Guirado all being played out of position there over the past year in the absence of Ray Jonsson and Denis Cagara.
And given the difference in height and strength between the American and Filipino players, long ball football was never going to be the most fruitful way for the Azkals. This game perhaps most showed the difference players like the Younghusband brothers, Guirado brothers, Paul Mulders, Stephan Schrock, Lexton Moy, and others make to the team.
The next test for the Azkals will be against the US Virgin Islands who are ranked 178tg in the world, 28 places below the Philippines. On paper the Azkals should roll over their next opposition, but lacking key players, this is not the same team who went on to finish third in the Challenge Cup. To avoid an upset they will now need to regroup, before they take to the pitch anew, on August 18, 7am, PHL time.
Powerade Run4Gold - Let's Support the Philippine Team
Show your support the Philippine Team in the 2012 London Olympics by uploading videos of yourselves running from the left to the right of the screen. For every video submitted, Powerade will donate P100 towards this worthwhile cause!
Here are the mechanics for Run 4 Gold:
1. Like Powerade ION 4 on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/powerade)
2. Go to the Run 4 Gold Tab and you will be directed to the promo application.
3. To participate, simply upload a video on Youtube and show yourself running from left to right for 15 seconds.
4. You can submit as many videos as you wish as long as each video you submit is unique.
5. Write a message for the Philippine Olympic Team. Message should not be more than 160 characters.
6. Powerade Philippines reserves the right to disapprove or delete offensive or obscene entries as well as those that do not follow the rules without prior notice such as:
a) Videos that are longer than 10 seconds
b) Videos with offensive or obscene visuals and messaging
c) Not complying with the theme and instructions of the contest
d) Users are not allowed to use parts and parcels of video clips, footages or images from copyrighted materials such as videos, movies, television shows, pictures, etc.
7. All videos will be pre-screened just to make sure that no violation is made. You’ll be notified within 24 hours if your video is approved or disapproved. Once approved, it will be embedded directly to the application. If your video has been disapproved, you will have to upload another video.
8. We will notify you on Facebook once your video has been uploaded.
9. For every video uploaded, we will donate P100 towards our goal of reaching one million pesos for the first ever Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist.
10. Powerade Philippines has the right to reproduce, exhibit, publish, or use all entries for promotional or publication purposes without remuneration of any kind effective 15 months from the announcement of
winners. Non-winning entries will not be used for promotional or publication purposes by Powerade Philippines without the permission of the contestant. Due acknowledgement will be given to the contestant every time a video is used.
All video snippets will be collated to become one long video run for gold for our athletes, which will be released around the time of the London Games.
Let's spread the love to our own team. Philippine Athletes are definitely making us proud!
Thanks Powerade
This is a late post but we just want to acknowledge the generosity of Powerade for giving us this gift! Thanks to Gary and Lorelei too for making it happen!
Azkals squad roster for US camp released
The Philippine Football Federation has named the following players to participate in the United States training camp where they will face both Chicago Inferno and U.S. Virgin Islands as part of their preparation for the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup this November.
The Philippine National Football team, also known as the “Azkals,” has released their 24-man squad for their training camp in the United States
Full Azkals Squad for US Training Camp:
Goalkeepers
Ref Cuaresma
Paulo Pascual
Eduard Sacapano
Defenders
Robert Gier
Aly Borromeo
Carli De Murga
Jason Sabio
Matthew Uy
Demit Omphroy
Roel Gener
Midfielders
Marwin Angeles
Marvin Angeles
Misagh Bahadoran
Chieffy Caligdong
Jeffrey Christiaens
Jason De Jong
Anto Gonzales
Christopher Greatwich
Nestorio Margarse
Patrick Reichelt
Angel Guirado (to be confirmed)
Forwards
OJ Porteria
Denis Wolf
Ian Araneta
Chieffy Caligdong Named Globe Ambassador
Not only that Azkals have proven that they are more than the pretty faces people see on the screen they were also successful in making Football popular in the Philippines. Today, we no longer cheer for basketball or other popular games we often see in the streets of the Philippines but we have found a new love with Football through the PH Azkals team.
Chieffy Caligdong were able to show the world that not only the good looking half pinoys can become popular on screen but he had shown that local talents has what it takes to play soccer. I think that's why Globe chose Chieffy Caligdong to become their sports ambassador.
Not only that the Azkals made football popular to the Philippines but most of their members can really become great models to our young Filipinos as well especially Chieffy. I hope that more businesses will support not only team Azkals but other local talents that are doing their best to be a great model and to do well in their sports. That way we will see less athletes who will decide to leave Philippines in search for greener pastures or for whatever reasons like what Chieffy shared in the article below.
Chieffy Caligdong has agreed to become a sports ambassador of telecom giant Globe in a move that will likely prevent the popular Philippine Azkals winger from leaving the country to join his wife abroad.
The pint-sized Caligdong formalized his partnership with Globe United during yesterday's press conference at the Legend Villas Hotel in Mandaluyong City attended by Globe CEO and president Ernest Cu and UFL club Green Archers United.
"It's a dream come true," Caligdong said in Filipino. "It's an opportunity to help (Globe) with its sports development program and we will be able to teach a lot of people."
As sports ambassador, the Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo-native will take part in football development programs of Globe and Green Archers United.
He will also "provide mentorship support" for the Archers team in the UFL. Globe recently forged a partnership with the club that finished ninth in the recent season.
There is also a chance that Caligdong may join the club following his impending discharge from the Philippine Air Force in December.
Team manager Monchu Garcia, however, is not closing the door on the possibility of the charismatic booter to don the Green Archer colors in the immediate future.
"We would be honored if he decides to join our team but he has to maintain his commitments with his current club (Air Force)," said Garcia. "But this three-way partnership is the first step towards developing and identify local talents."
The move may also signal Caligdong's stay in the country to remain as part of the Philippine Azkals.
Caligdong once said at the end of his UFL campaign with Air Force that he may decide to join his wife in the United States where she works as nurse.
Regardless, he will be available for the Azkals campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup slated late-November in Bangkok. They are bracketed alongside host Thailand, Vietnam and the top team of the qualifying round in Group A.
"They're saying that we're again in the 'Group of Death' and that presents a challenge," he said. "I feel that we're a strong team and the teams are trying to avoid us and I'm confident about our chances in the Suzuki Cup."
source: mb.com.ph/
Azkals T-Shirts American Boulevard
Surely there are a lot of Azkals fans who are going to search for Azkals tshirts and other products. If you’re a fan of our Philippine football team these are one of the chances to show how you love our Azkals. When I went to SM Trinoma sometime before I saw an Azkals t-shirt being sold in American Boulevard store. I later found out that the the azkals t-shirt sold in american boulevard is not an official shirt. But if you still want to show your support to PH Azkals team then you can buy one of those amblvd azkals shirt for only Php 499.
You can buy azkals t-shirt also in other american boulevard branches:
SM Bacoor
SM Sta Rosa
Alabang Town Center
Isetann
SM Fairview
SM Megamall
SM Dasmarinas
SM Manila
Trinoma
SM North Edsa
Alimall
SM Clark
La Salle
Robinsons Place
SM Pampanga
SM Bicutan
CEU
Festival Mall
Katipunan
SM Marilao
SM San Lazaro
If the AMBLVD branch near you does not have the design or product that you want then maybe it will be more convenient for you to visit their other american boulevard philippines branches or visit american boulevard website. You can also visit their American Boulevard Facebook page.
PFF mulls new date for 4-nation bash
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Football Federation is eyeing a late September schedule for the four-nation meet it is organizing in Bacolod City as part of the Azkals’ preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup.
PFF president Nonong Araneta said from the original slate of Oct. 12-16, the PFF is looking at new match dates of Sept. 25, 27, and 29 for the competitions that will feature Phl, Chinese Taipei and Macau and a fourth nation, possibly recent visitor Guam.
“We’re setting an earlier schedule to give way to the participation of the Loyola Meralco Sparks in the semifinals of the RHB Singapore Cup in the first week of October,” Araneta said.
The Sparks are bannered by two Azkals stalwarts, Fil-British brothers Phil and James Younghusband, and are set to face Singapore League powerhouse Tampines Rovers in the semifinals in October.
The four-nation meet in Bacolod will be this year’s version of the Long Teng Cup, an annual international bootfest among the Filipinos, the Taiwanese, and players from Macau and Hong Kong, previously held in Kaoshiung.
Last year’s champion Hong Kong had already begged off from the Bacolod tilt, according to Araneta, who added that they are looking at Guam to complete the roster.
“We’ve already written Chinese Taipei and Macau if they are available for the new dates and we’ll probably know their answer by this week,” said Araneta.
He added that the Guam Matao, who were in Phl last June 12 and dropped a 0-3 setback to the Azkals, will likely be invited to join this gig, having expressed interest to return to the City of Smiles.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
Thais, Viets wary of Azkals, too
My Say: I think one reason why they are wary of Azkals is because the Azkals team is very eager to prove their worth in the field that they also have what it takes to win against Thailand and Vietnam football team and since the last AFF Suzuki cup, the PH Azkals team is training very hard to improve their teamwork and their skills. Just take a look with Phil Younghusband who is very excited with the coming AFF Suzuki Cup instead of fearing their strong opponents. Not only that Azkals football team is really preparing hard for their upcoming battles by calling foreign-born players and even even Aly Borromeo is fit enough to play to boost the Azkals power.
MANILA, Philippines - If the Philippines is wary of Vietnam and host Thailand in the group stages of the coming AFF Suzuki Cup, the Vietnamese and the Thais are equally on guard against the Azkals.
"Philippines has called up many foreign-born players recently. Their national team has turned into a completely different one. Therefore, we must be careful," Vietnam coach Phan Thanh Hung said as quoted by football website GOAL.Com.
The Azkals shed off their doormat image in biennial meet's previous staging in 2010, pulling off a giant 2-0 upset over the then reigning holders Vietnam in the group stages en route to a breakthrough semis appearance.
Much of the leap in the Pinoys competitive level has been attributed to the heads up plays of the Phl pros based in Europe.
"In coming time, we are going to keep close watch on their moves such as which players are called up, where they are from and their strength and weakness," Phan added.
The Azkals, 2008 winners Vietnamese and three-time ASEAN titlists Thais are bunched together in Group A of the Nov. 24-Dec. 1 meet, along with the winner of the Qualifying Round.
To prepare for the Suzuki Cup, Phan said Vietnam has set two friendlies against Indonesia in September and a pocket tournament with Turkmenistan, DPR Korea, and Iran’s Olympic team in October.
Thailand's coach Winfried Schaefer is also cautious against both the Azkals and the Vietnamese side, saying their groupmates are "very strong and there are no clear favorites."
"I have seen both Vietnam and the Philippines play and they are very strong," the German mentor said in a report on Bangkok Post.
"We have to train really hard and prepare well for the tournament so we can put a good team on the field," he added.
The Thais, who last won the title in 2002, may have to cram up their preparations as according to the Asean Football Federation (AFF) website, the Thai Premier League will only finish some 25 days before the Suzuki Cup.
"The national camp starts on Nov. 5 and we have arranged for two matches then. Prior to the camp, we need to play more matches. If we do not have enough quality matches, it will be a catastrophe for the team," Schaefer told the AFF.
Reports have it that Thailand is eyeing to play Iraq in a friendly at home on Sept. 1.
The Azkals themselves have lined up extensive build-up in the next five months, including training camp in the US, a series of friendlies, and participation in the Nehru Cup in India.
source: abs cbn news
Phil Younghusband excited on AFF Cup
"It was the most difficult outcome that would have been possible, but if we want to show how far we've come and want to win the competition, we have to win the best teams," he told Goal.com.
Many Azkals fans are looking forward for the PH Azkals game and hoping that their favorite team will be able out do themselves and surpass their 2010's AFF Cup fourth place finish.
For this year's AFF match, The Azkals were drawn in Group A alongside powerhouse Thailand, Vietnam and the winner of the qualifying group which are being contested by neighboring countries, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Myanmar, Brunei and Laos.
Let's not forget to show our support once again to our favorite football team as they face their future opponents.
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