Azkals targeting Long Teng triumph

Source: Daily Inquirer

MANILA—The Long Teng Cup may not be as prestigious as the Suzuki Cup, but national team manager Dan Palami said there won’t be any letup for the Azkals when they vie in the four-nation tournament in Taiwan.

The Azkals have started preparing for the tournament last week with Fil-German goalkeeper Roland Mueller among the notable additions to the training pool.

The Azkals are also slated to hold a week long training camp in Bacolod starting September 8. They will play three exhibition matches during the camp, including against national club champion Global FC at the Panaad Stadium.

“This is our best chance to win a tournament,” said Palami of their chances in the Long Teng Cup.

The Azkals wound up third in last year’s tournament, which they used as a warmup for the biennial Suzuki Cup Asean Football Championship. The semifinal finish in the 10-nation Suzuki Cup paved the way for the Azkals rise to prominence.

“We will try to balance with putting up a strong team and at the same time give exposure to our young players,” said Palami.

Hong Kong looks serious in its title defense as it is reportedly sending its senior squad in the tournament won last year by its Under-23 squad. Chinese-Taipei and Macau are also vying in the tournament.

Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock and Rob Gier will be among the notable absentees for the Azkals in Taiwan as they are focused on their commitments in Europe.

Etheridge is the second-choice keeper at Fulham and hopes to make his English Premiere League debut this season.

Manny Ott is also doubtful to make the Long Teng Cup squad as he is still awaiting clearance from his club, Ingolstadt II.

“We want to maintain good relationships with the clubs of our players so if the tournament is not that important, we would rather not force them to be released,” said Palami.

Mueller, who returned to Germany yesterday, will rejoin the Azkals on Sept. 25, a few days before the Azkals leave for the September 28 to October 4 tournament.

Palami also told the Inquirer that a Fil-Spanish defender Carlie Olaivar De Murga is arriving on Monday to train with the Azkals.

The 22-year-old De Murga, who was recommended to the team by Fil-Spanish striker Angel Aldeguer, plays for Racing Club Portuense in the Spanish third division.

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France youth squad GK Alphonse Areola shows Azkals interest

Source: Daily Inquirer

MANILA—A highly-rated 18-year-old goalkeeper currently playing for France’s youth squad has expressed interest in joining the Philippine football team.

Alphonse Areola, who plays club football for Paris Saint-Germain in the French first division, has been personally invited by Azkals manager Dan Palami to join the Azkals for future competitions.

Palami, who was in Paris to watch several matches of the Philippine Homeless World Cup team, said Areola is still focused on his duties with France but did not discount the possibility of joining the Azkals in the future.

The 6-foot-3 Areola, whose parents are both Filipino, is the first-choice keeper for the French Under-19 squad. He has been tipped as a future top-choice keeper for France’s senior side.

“We have really formidable goalkeepers in the team,” said Palami. Neil Etheridge is currently the No. 1 keeper in the squad, while Filipino-German player Roland Mueller, the second choice goalkeeper of German second division side Duisberg, has also agreed to join the Azkals.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Filipino-German striker Kevin Ingreso will beef up the squad next year after getting clearance from his club, Hamburg.

Weiss also revealed that the German Football Association (DFB) is sending a technical adviser in Krautzen Ekhardt in October to make an assessment on the current state of the sport in the country, especially at the youth level.

At the same time, the DFB, is also inviting local coaches Yanti Barsales and Edzel Bracamonte to undergo a three-week extensive coaching course in Germany as part of the assistance package that came with the hiring of Weiss.

Another German coach, Michael Kruger, who was part of the backroom staff of the Tunisia team that reached the World Cup in 2006, will be arriving this month to join the coaching staff for the Azkals Under-23 squad for the SEA Games.

Azkals sponsor Cortal SQR recently gave the team P500,000 for its campaign in the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan next month as well as the SEA Games in December. Cortal also gave the Philippine Homeless World Cup team financial aid of P200,000.

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Homeless World Cup - Another win for Philippines

Philippines won 8-2 against Switzerland today in Homeless World Cup in Paris.

They finished number 2 in group and advanced.

Philippines is now in Group B for the Secondary Group Stage alongside Mexico, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa and Ireland .

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Football fed focuses on coaches' training

Source: Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Aside from beefing up the Azkals team with high-level players, the Philippines Football Federation is also looking to enhance the skills of local coaches to boost the overall development of the sport in the country.

Coach Michael Weiss reported that during his recent vacation in Germany, he has made arrangements with the German Football Association (DFB) for four Filipino coaches to attend a C license course in Koblenz.

“We can send four coaches from the Philippines, amongst them Yanti Barsales and Edsel Bracamonte, to go for a three-week intensive C license course from the German FA in Koblenz,” Weiss said.

At the same time, the DFB also agreed to bring a technical adviser – Krautzen Ekhardt – to the Philippines by October to assess the grassroots and youth development programs here, in preparation for a longer program.

“He will go to all the provinces and check football centers and schools, and make analysis, present it to the PFF and DFB in order to bring a (long term) technical adviser for two to four years starting next year,” Weiss said.

While in the country, Ekhardt will also help the Phl Under-23 team scout its opponents in the coming Southeast Asian Games.

Another veteran German mentor in Michael Kruger will come over to join Weiss’ coaching staff for the SEAG campaign, helping in the transfer of technology to local coaches along the way.

“This is good news for Phl football because we need to lift the level of coaches, and grassroots development, too,” said Weiss, whose Azkals crew is set to compete in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei next month.

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Azkals attack stronger than evers

Source Inquirer.net

MANILA—From the looks of it, scoring isn’t going to be a problem for the Philippine football team.

As the Azkals turned their preparations for the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers up a notch in Duren, Germany, skipper Aly Borromeo and star striker Phil Younghusband believe the team’s attacking play is at its strongest.

The Azkals are toughening up for the first round qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 29 and July 3. The winner of the tie will meet powerhouse Kuwait in another two-leg tie in late July.

“I think going forward we are very confident at the moment,” Younghusband said in a message to the Inquirer. “We have a lot of speed and good technical ability.”

Borromeo, the acknowledged leader in the squad who spent time as striker early in his international career, agreed.

“Attacking-wise, we’re more of a threat than ever,” said Borromeo, whose last goal came in the 2009 Suzuki Cup Qualifiers in Cambodia.

Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Aldegeuer Guirado’s creative play at the middle has also proven to be a boon for the Azkals.

Guirado’s pace and trickery were in full display in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Myanmar in March and he seems to have continued his excellent form in the 4-1 win over Duren selection last Wednesday.

Aside from Younghusband’s return to form and the threat presented by his older brother, James, and Chieffy Caligdong on the flanks, the Azkals have been boosted by the presence of Filipino-Germans Stephan Schrock and Manuel Ott and Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders.

“We have players who can create something out of nothing with a pass or a skill,” Phil Younghusband said. “The understanding improves each time we play together.”

“We just need to work on cohesion,” Borromeo added.

The Azkals were scheduled to play the Under-19 team of Bonner Friday night in their second test match.

Meanwhile, Mulders, whose father died early in the week, will return to the Azkals camp on Monday to play in the two remaining test matches against FC Ingolstadt and Darmstadt.

“Paul has found a new appreciation of the game as his father was a big influence in his life and football career. With that said he will be playing in Sri Lanka and Manila,” Mulders’ adviser, Jerrold Alcantara, said.

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Philippine U23 Team starts training today

AS the senior team of Philippine Football is down to its last week of preparations for the World Cup first round match, the Southeast Asian Games bound team will start preparing for the biennial games today.

The under-23 coaching staff will work on finalizing a 23-man team out of the 47 hopefuls. The coaching staff will be led by team manager Dan Palami, coaches Norman Fegidero and Rolando Pinero and goalkeeper coach Michael Casas.

The team has yet to finalize the venue for the practices but they are looking at Alabang Country Club to host their training every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Palami, who will arrive today from Germany after being with the senior team, will meet with the players and staff to sort out plans for the SEA games preparation.

However, the training pool will not yet be complete as those who are based in the province and outside the country will be missing the first day of training. The team is expected to be completed within the week.

Among the familiar names in the 47-man team are Simon Greatwich, Christopher Camcam, Yannick Tuason, Jerry Barbosa and Paolo Pascual.

“I expect a lot of new faces and a lot of competition,” said Cebuano goalkeeper Pascual.

Fil-Belgian Jacques Van Bossche and Fil Austrian Robert Rixter are set to arrive today to be reunited with the team. Some overseas players joining the team are Jason de Jong, Ahmad Islam, Patrick Hinrichsen, Mark Drinkuth, James Rochlitz and OJ Porteria.

By Cheska D. Geli

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper

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Simon Greatwich heads 2011 SEA Games football aspirants

Source: Cedelf P. Tupas (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA—The Philippines is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the Southeast Asian Games as it bids to land a first medal in the men’s football competition slated in the Indonesian cities of Palembang and Jakarta.

With five months to go before the Games, the Under-23 squad began training yesterday at the PhilSports pitch with 20 aspirants showing up led by veteran international Simon Greatwich as well as former national team players Yannick Tuason, Mark Ferrer, Chris Camcam, David Basa, Jerry Barbaso and the returning Matthew Hartmann.

In the runup to the biennial competition, the Under-23 squad will also see action in a five-nation pre-SEA Games tournament next month in Jakarta.

Aside from the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia are also fielding teams in the tournament, according to Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

The team is awaiting the arrival of veteran German coach Erich Rutemoller, who will serve as team consultant as Azkals coach Michael Weiss focuses on the senior squad now training in Germany for its
World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka.

Acknowledged by Weiss as his mentor, the 66-year-old Rutemoller served as assistant coach of the German national team from 1994 to 2004.

Rutemoller, who also has experience coaching the German age-group sides, is arriving in Manila on Saturday.

Highly touted midfielder Mark Hartmann, who scored a curling free kick for the United Football League All-Stars in the 4-3 win against the Azkals in an exhibition game early this month, is also part of the pool.

Gerardo Valmayor, Deo Segunnial, Raymark Fernandez and Stephen Permanes, all standouts of UAAP champion University of the Philippines, have been invited to the tryouts.

The core of the Negros Occidental side that won the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup, including MVP Aldrin Dolino and top scorer Joshua Beloya, are expected to beef up the team in the next few weeks.

Filipino-Germans Manny Ott, Patrick Hinrichsen and Mark Drinkuth, who are training with the senior side in Germany, are also part of the pool.

Gerardo Valmayor, Deo Segunnial, Raymark Fernandez and Stephen Permanes, all standouts of UAAP champion University of the Philippines, have been invited to the tryouts.

The core of the Negros Occidental side that won the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup, including MVP Aldrin Dolino and top scorer Joshua Beloya, are expected to beef up the team in the next few weeks.

Filipino-Germans Manny Ott, Patrick Hinrichsen and Mark Drinkuth, who are training with the senior side in Germany, are also part of the pool.

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Azkals up close: Paul Mulders

Source

MANILA, Philippines – Born in a country where football is played with passion, Azkals midfielder Paul Mulders said it's his destiny to play the sport.

“In Europe, football is like the number one sport," the 5'11" Filipino-Dutch told abs-cbnNEWS.com. "[There] you just race with the ball.”

Mulders, the newest addition to the Azkals line-up, was born in Amsterdam to a Filipina mother and a Dutch father.

He said he started kicking the ball at age 3.

He grew up to become an offense-oriented player, making it into the pro ranks by entering the Dutch first division league.

Aside being a member of the Philippine Azkals, Mulders also plays as a midfielder for Alles Door Oefening (ADO) Den Haag. He previously played for Dutch clubs like AGOVV Apeldoorn, FC Omniworld and Cambuur Leeuwarden.

Mulders said he looks forward to representing the Philippines.


Personal Information

Name: Paul Mulders
Birthday: January 16, 1981
Birthplace: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Age: 30
Position in the Azkals team: Attacking midfielder
Hobbies: I like to hang out with my friends and see movies when I have time.
Start of football career: I started playing the game because in Europe, football is like the number one sport.



Where's your mother/father from?
My father’s Dutch, from Amsterdam, and my mother is from Isabela.

What made you decide to join the Azkals?
I think it’s a nice opportunity to play with the Azkals. I'm proud to play for them and I think my mom is also proud that I play for them. It’s a nice experience.

If you weren't a football player, what would you be doing instead?
If I’m not a football player, probably I would have started my own gym.

What’s the best think you like about football?
Just having the ball with you. It’s a nice thing.

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New faces beef up Azkals in Myanmar

Source: www.malaya.com.ph

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 hil 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.

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Azkals switch to attack mode

Source: Daily Inquirer

MANILA—National Football coach Hans Michael Weiss will be bringing a more attack-minded side to the AFC Challenge Cup group qualifying stage in Rangoon, Myanmar starting Monday.

With the impending absence of star striker Phil Younghusband, Weiss added offensive depth by including strikers Angel Aldeguer, William Espinosa, Patrick Hinrichsen and Yannick Tuason and midfielder Ricardo Becite in the lineup.

Dropped from the squad were defenders Joebel Bermejo, Reymark Palmes, Jerry Barbaso and Kim Relucio and midfielder Peter Jaugan, who were informed of the decision by the German coach Wednesday night.

“I think this gives us the quality we need to move to the next level,” Weiss told the Inquirer upon the team’s arrival in Manila yesterday morning.

“Our new players give us better options.”

The Azkals, who resume training today at the University of Makati pitch before leaving for Rangoon on Saturday, suffered a blow with Younghusband forced to sit out the group stage because of a partial hamstring tear.

A source in the team said Younghusband would need at least three weeks to recover from injury.

“We made the changes we needed to do,” said team manager Dan Palami. “The experience in Mongolia only made the team stronger.”

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will return to the squad together with defender Rob Gier in a development welcomed by Weiss, but defensive midfielder Jason de Jong will again miss the group qualifying because of his commitment with his Indonesian club.

The Philippine Football Federation has given a $500 bonus 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.

Meanwhile, Araneta, along with Smart Communications officials Orlando Vea and Patrick Gregorio yesterday signed the Memorandum of Agreement sealing the P80 million sponsorship deal for the PFF for the next 10 years.

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De Jong won't join Azkals

Source: Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – 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.

De Jong, who missed the second leg of the pre-qualifying showdown against Mongolia last Tuesday, said his commitments with his club, Persiba Balikpapan, in the Indonesian Super League has prevented him from joining the team in Myanmar’s biggest city, where the Philippines will play the host (March 21), Palestine (March 23) and Bangladesh (March 25) in a single round eliminations.

Team coordinator Patrick Ace Bright broke the sad news about 20-year-old De Jong.

De Jong was able to play in the first leg of the series against Mongolia in Bacolod City.

“Hindi siya pinayagan ng club niya sa Indonesia,” Bright said yesterday.

Star striker Phil Younghusband will also miss the Azkals’ Myanmar campaign after pulling his hamstring last Tuesday against Mongolia.

The return of a key player and addition of promising recruits, though, could offset de Jong and Younghusband’s absence in the tournament.

The Azkals need to win at least two of their three matches in Myanmar to make it to the main draw next year.

Bright said goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and Rob Gier have confirmed their return to the Azkals, while five new players will be added to beef up their line up.

They will have two new strikers in Fil-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado, who will fly in from Spain today, and Fil-German William Espinosa Guiridon plus Fil-German John Patrick Hinrichsen, whose mother is from Pagadian City, and David Basa and Yannick Tuason.

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Neil Etheridge Through the Ranks

Neil Etheridge has made the leap from Academy goalkeeper to international performer in the blink of the eye.

The gifted stopper joined Fulham as a 15-year-old hopeful, but quickly became one of the Club’s brightest talents. His performances caught the eyes of the England youth selectors, but having represented his country of birth at Under-16 level, it has been his mother’s home nation where he has arguably made his greatest impression.

Having won his first full cap for the Philippines in 2008 during the AFC Challenge Cup, Enfield-born Etheridge has been catapulted to star status.

“It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” explains Neil. “There is a lot of interest whenever I go back there and it’s funny because over here I live a quiet life – not too many people recognise me if I’m honest.

“But in the Philippines they’re crazy for the team - you get mobbed. Obviously, because I’m part of the set-up at a Premier League club, that’s massive for them. The fans want to hear all about it – and that’s nice.

“I try and take it all in my stride, and as a result I’ve had to grow up very quickly. It is like living two different lives. It was difficult to get my head around at first, but it’s a fantastic experience to be part of.”

Consequently, Etheridge has seen parts of the world that few in his situation would witness. Running out against the likes of Brunei, Bhutan and Tajikstan is a far cry from the Surrey confines of Motspur Park.

At 21, he has 19 caps to his name and looks set to become an important player for the Philippines for many, many years to come.

“That’s not a bad amount of international caps for someone my age,” says Neil. “I’m seeing places that I never thought I would see and at the recent South East Asian Games I played in front of a crowd of more than 100,000.

“We did really well to reach the semi-final, the furthest the country had gone in a very long time, so it was a special moment not just for myself, but the whole nation. It was an unforgettable experience for us.

“To play in front of that many people was mind-blowing, and I’m sure that when the day comes that I make an appearance for the First Team, it will be something that will have stood me in good stead.

“Football in the Philippines is on the up and a lot of time and money has been invested. The game means so much to the people, and already the hard-work is showing results. We have lots of new coaches and facilities, and that’s very positive.

“I like to think that I have become a key member of the squad, and I want to be part of the journey for as a long as I can. I look forward to being involved and helping the team – it’s exciting.”

Etheridge was initially on the books of SW6 rivals Chelsea in his early teens, and whilst he admits that his opening education there taught him a lot, he cites his six years at Fulham as being the most beneficial.

“It’s at Fulham where I have made my progression,” reveals Neil. “I’ve learned a lot here and I feel, particularly in the last 18 months, that I have come on leaps and bounds. I feel more confident and a real part of the First Team squad now.

“It’s difficult when you first come up from the Academy – it takes a little while to assert yourself. I’ve worked my way up through the scholarship and I’m very proud of that. It wasn’t that long ago that I was playing for the Under-18s, although it does feel like a long time now.

“I try and keep in touch with the players I came through with - it’s only Matty Saunders and Matthew Briggs that remain here from that group now. That just shows how fine the line is at this level and you just don’t know where this game will take you.

“As a result I’m determined to prove my worth and hopefully be a part of things here as well. You have to adapt quickly and show what you can do – for a goalkeeper sometimes that can be extremely difficult.”

Having spent part of the 2008/09 season out on loan at Isthmian League Division One South club Leatherhead, Etheridge has maintained a regular place in Billy McKinlay’s Development Squad starting XI.

His advancement has also seen Mark Hughes name him on the bench for 10 of his First Team squads as David Stockdale moved up to fill in for the absent Mark Schwarzer – an indication of the regard in which Etheridge is held.

“I may not have played, but I still look back on that period at the start of the season and then at the turn of the year as pivotal moments for me,” he says. “It was just such a rewarding experience to be part of the squad on matchday.

“I got to go to grounds like Anfield and, of course, walk out behind the team at Craven Cottage. At this stage of my career I can’t ask for much more. Training with the First Team every day is one thing, but traveling with the Manager and the players on the day of the game is what it’s all about.

“It was another surreal experience, but one that was also very, very enjoyable. It goes without saying that I want more of the same.

“It would mean a lot for myself, my family and my country.”

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Guirado off to Myanmar

Source: Philippine Star

Fil-Spanish recruit Angel Guirado will arrive tomorrow from Spain to join the Philippine Azkals, who will leave Saturday for Myanmar to play in the four-team group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup on March 21, 23, and 25.

That’s the word from Guirado’s aunt Gloria Garcia who said the Azkals’ latest discovery will be ready to suit up if coach Michael Weiss calls his number. Guirado, 26, has a Filipina mother Angela Aldeguer and Spanish father Juan.

A striker, Guirado is expected to fortify the Azkals’ frontline and provide more scoring sock. He has played for Cordoba and Estepona in Division II and Deportivo Ronda of Division III in the Spanish league.

Although born and raised in Spain, Guirado has a special place in his heart for the Philippines. On his first visit to Manila six years ago, he brought back a Philippine flag to Spain. And two weeks ago, Guirado was here to try out for a spot on the Azkals roster. He wears football boots with a miniature Filipino flag hand-painted on each shoe.

“My husband who is from Malaga and I visited Spain with my sister over 30 years ago,” related Garcia whose son Caloy is an assistant coach with Rain Or Shine in the PBA. “My sister stayed behind while my husband and I went back to Manila. She later married a Spaniard, Juan Guirado, who works in the tourism industry in Malaga and they have three children, Juan Luis, Cristina and Angel.”

What apparently impressed Weiss about Guirado was his work ethic. He arrived from Spain on a morning flight and in the afternoon, showed up for tryouts. Guirado played four days straight with the Azkals, never complained and did everything that Weiss asked him to do.

“Angel is very disciplined,” said Garcia. “He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke. Before he goes on a holiday, his Spanish coaches weigh him. When he comes back, they check his weight and if he has gained pounds, he pays a penalty. During the season, he doesn’t go out at night. If he does and gets caught, he pays a penalty. They’re very strict in Spain and Angel doesn’t mind. He’s careful not to gain weight especially when he visits Manila and hangs out with his cousins.”

Guirado said one of his advantages as a player is he’s quick for his height (6-2) and that’s because his weight (195 pounds) is just right.

* * *

If the Azkals hope to advance to the eight-team Challenge Cup finals, they’ve got to play at a level higher than what they showed in the home-and-away qualifying series against Mongolia.

In the rematch in Ulan Bator last Tuesday, the Azkals groped for form without defenders Rob Gier and Jason de Jong and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. It’s not certain if Etheridge can join the team in Myanmar although Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta earlier mentioned that he would rather the Fil-British keeper play the three matches in Myanmar than the closer in Mongolia. It’s also not certain if other recruits Jerry Lucena and Stephan Schrock will be available for Yangon.

The Azkals carved out a 2-0 win over Mongolia, concentrating more on defense than offense, in the opener in Bacolod last month but lacked cohesion in losing a 2-1 decision in the rematch last Tuesday. The absence of key players was clearly a factor. Despite the loss in the second match, the Philippines advanced due to a higher aggregate score.

Mongolia’s two goals could’ve been averted. The first came when the Azkals’ backline froze, literally and figuratively, as Doronov Lumbengarav booted in a goal in the 21st minute. Lumbengarav broke loose ahead of the defense without the ball and should’ve been called for offside. The Azkals, anticipating the call for offside, didn’t bother to stop Lumbengarav.

The second was another heartbreaker. Jason Sabio clearly pushed Garidmagnai Bayasgalan from the back inside the box and the call was obvious. Bayasgalan’s penalty kick was stopped by Eduard Sacapano but the ball bounced off the keeper’s hands, allowing the Mongolian to score unmolested. Again, the Azkals’ defenders had no reaction to the loose ball which went directly to Bayasgalan. In basketball, it was like a player getting an easy layup from an offensive rebound off a teammate’s missed free throw with nobody boxing out. Was it a case of shivers from the freezing weather? Was it the absence of Gier and De Jong? Was it a lapse created by a false sense of security after James Younghusband put the Azkals in front, 1-0, in only the fourth minute?

* * *

The Azkals flew in last night from Mongolia and fly out for Myanmar on Saturday. It’s a gruelling grind but that’s the price to pay if the Azkals hope to make an impact in Asian football.

Four teams are bracketed in Group A of the Challenge Cup – the Philippines, Bangladesh, Palestine and host Myanmar. In March last year, the FIFA rankings of those four teams were Myanmar No. 142, Bangladesh No. 160, the Philippines No. 170 and Palestine No. 174. Today, the rankings are the Philippines No. 151, Myanmar No. 161, Bangladesh No. 174 and Palestine No 178. On paper, the Philippines is favored to sweep its group.

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 on Saturday.

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Azkals heavily armed for Myanmar

Source: Philippine Star

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.”

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An ordeal like no other for Azkals

Source: Daily Inquirer

ULAN BATOR---Nestorio “Boogie” Margarse has been with the national team long enough to experience the difficulty of traveling abroad for international matches.

But none of those experiences could have prepared him for the nine-hour travel the national booters popularly known as the Azkals went through as they motored from their training camp base in Gotemba City, Japan to Narita Airport, a day after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the northern part of the country.

For Margarse, an unused substitute in the 1-2 defeat to Mongolia in the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup prequalifying here, the experience in Japan turned out to be the more strenuous task than playing here in the Mongolian capital.

The Azkals saw first hand the trail of devastation in Japan and the images still lingers for Margarse.

“We were like porters,” said the 34-year-old Margarse, recalling the experience where the Azkals shuffled through four trains carrying around boxes of equipment through the subway of Tokyo.

“But we know it was just a small problem compared to what had happened to Japan as a country. We will never forget the experience. It also strengthened the bond in the team,” added Margarse, a member of the Philippine Army, who was part of the national team from 1997 to 2000 before returning to the squad two years ago.

Azkals German coach Hans Michael Weiss dedicated the match against Mongolia to the victims of the earthquake.

But unknown to many, though, the Azkals were lucky enough to escape the wrath of the natural disaster that destroyed establishments and claimed thousands of lives.

Had the Azkals booked with the Japan Football Association for a training camp, they would have ended up at the J-Village in Fukushima or another facility in Sendai. Both were two of the hardest-hit cities by the earthquake

But several Japanese teams have booked the facilities ahead of the Azkals, prompting the JFA to move them to Gotemba City in the southern part of Japan.

More than the experience in Japan, one more player – Ray Jonsson – had one more remarkable tale before making it to this cold Mongolian capital.

Jonsson was barred from leaving for Mongolia twice from Beijing because he didn’t have a Philippine passport with him. Jonsson stayed at the airport in Beijing for 30 hours, before he finally left for Incheon South Korea where he managed to get a flight to Ulan Bator.

“I wanted to go back to Iceland,” said Jonsson, who left Iceland Saturday. “But I also wanted to play for the country.”

As fate would have it, Jonsson arrived in Ulan Bator midnight last Tuesday and played a key role in limiting the Mongolians from scoring more goals.

His supposed flight from Beijing – the one where he was barred from taking - to Ulan Bator was cancelled.

“I think right now, we just have to count our blessings that the team made it to Ulan Bator and we were able to play the game,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

“I think it was really destiny for this team to advance to the next round,” said team manager Dan Palami.

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Etheridge back, but ace striker doubtful in Myanmar

Source: Daily Inquirer

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.”

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PH Azkals to miss Phil in Myanmar

Source: Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Coach Hans Michael Weiss said injured striker Phil Younghusband won't be able to join the Philippine Azkals when they battle the Myanmar football squad at the start of the AFC Challenge Cup group stage hostilities in the military-ruled Myanmar on March 21.

The star striker, 23, pulled his hamstring in the second half of the team’s 1-2 loss to Mongolia in the rematch of their series in the chilly Ulan Bator Tuesday, thus making it impossible for him to play in the next stage.

The Azkals, who will arrive today along with Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano Araneta and team manager Dan Palami, progressed to the group stage despite the loss owing to their superior aggregate tally, 3-2, in the home-and-away series, counting their 2-0 win in Bacolod City.

Holder of 13 international goals for the Philippines, the Filipino-British’s absence will be greatly felt, but the German coach was quick to name able substitutes who are already listed in the roster for the group stage.

“Phil will be out for Myanmar, but we have new players coming in. Of course, it’s sad he will not be there, but we have good options – William Espinosa and Filipino-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado,” Weiss said in an e-mail to the Bulletin.

Guirado, 26, who plays for the Spanish Division III club Deportivo Ronda of Malaga, has impressed Weiss no end when the attacking midfielder practiced with the team recently. Espinosa was raised in
Laguna, but learned football in Germany where his surname was legally changed to Gueridon although his passport still carries Espinosa.

Weiss sees promising results in Myanmar especially with the return of goalie Neil Etheridge although Chris Greatwich will continue to be absent.

“Etheridge will play and chances for the group stage are good. We have strong opponents (but) with all good factors coming together, we can qualify for the best 8,” Weiss said.

The Azkals will be part of Group A where they will face the host, Palestine (March 23) and Bangladesh (March 25). The top two squads after the single-round tourney qualify for the eight-nation main draw in 2012.

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Azkals promise to make up for disappointing loss

Source: ABS CBN NEWS

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

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Azkals yield but book AFC berth

Source: Philippine Star

Azkals yield but book AFC berth
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 16, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (46) View comments
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The Azkals in action in file photo during their match with the Mongolians in Bacolod last month.
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ULAN BATOR – The Philippine Azkals escaped the big freeze of Mongolia and headed to tropical Myanmar, snatching a berth in the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup despite a 1-2 setback to the Blue Wolves at the MFF Football Center here yesterday.

The Azkals advanced by virtue of a higher aggregate of 3-2, counting its 2-0 win over the Mongolians in the opener of their tie in Bacolod City last month.

President Aquino lauded the feat of the Azkals over the Mongolians.

“The Filipino people stand united in congratulating our Azkals on their 3-2 aggregate win against the Mongolian Football Team during the pre-qualifying playoff match for the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup,” he said.

“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,” Aquino said in a statement.

They fly home tonight and will leave on Saturday for Myanmar for matches against host, Palestine and Bangladesh in the group stage. The top two teams will advance to the Elite Eight.

“We lost but we advanced, and that’s what’s important for the moment,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong”Araneta over the phone.

“It was really tough for us to play under this condition. The weather was harsh, very harsh. We’re not used to this kind of a situation,” he told The STAR.

“We managed to get through despite the torturously cold condition. We would have wanted the win, but this will have to do. For now, it’s on to Myanmar,” said team manager Dan Palami.

James Younghusband broke the ice for the Azkals in the 3:11 mark of the first half. He was very close to the goal when he flicked it in following a miss by teammate Chieffy Caligdong from the left flank.

Mongolian goalie Ganbayar Tseveensuren lost control of the ball, and Younghusband, a midfielder, found himself at the right place to score the opening goal of the exciting match.

The Azkals celebrated like the match was over, many of them all smiles, pointing to the crowd. Azkals goalie Eduard Sacapano, in yellow, stormed down the field to join the celebration.

But it all turned out to be premature as the Mongolians equalized in the 21st minute, courtesy of their skipper, Lumbengarav Donorov, who scored from inside the penalty box.

Sacapano, a 31-year-old taking over the chores from the absent Neil Etheridge, deflected the shot with his hands, but not enough to prevent the Mongolians from scoring.

The Mongolian crowd, which filled most part of the 2,500-seat venue, celebrated after the equalizer, leaving the Azkals stunned that the Mongolian goal looked so easy to make.

The Mongolians took the upperhand in the 34th minute. It came via a penalty kick awarded to Garidmagnai Bayasgalan, off a foul by Jason Sabio.

Sacapano had the chance to redeem himself or even turn hero. He faced the Mongolian defender, and knew exactly where the ball was going, to the left, the moment it took off.

Sacapano blocked the ball with both hands, but it bounced off a couple of meters in front of him. Bayasgalan was there for the rebound, and the go-ahead goal.

The first half ended with the Mongolians, more used to the minus-six weather for the day, ahead. Azkals defender Anton del Rosario shook his head as he marched off the pitch.

In the second half, the Mongolians seemed to have slowed down, and yet the Azkals failed to score anew, looking more concerned with their defense.

The Azkals knew that they had the upperhand with their aggregate score, and that even if they lost the match, as long as it’s not by a margin of three goals or more, they would advance.

The Azkals had several cracks at the goal in the final half with Caligdong, Yanti Barsales, Phil Younghusband and even Aly Borromeo trying to get a free kick in from a mile away.

The Mongolians also kept on trying, and a couple of times came close to a third goal. On the 87th minute, another golden chance came up, but they blew it as well.

When the referee blew the final whistle, the Azkals were in no mood to celebrate, even if they had advanced to the next round. To them, it was still a bitter loss.

“Thank you to everyone who watched the game and supported us. We are very proud to be Filipinos and represent the Philippines,” said Phil Younghusband.

“Guys, (we’re) really sorry about the loss. Glad we qualified though. Worried I will miss the games in Myanmar,” added the striker who left the pitch late with a pulled hamstring.

He will remain a doubtful starter in the group stage, and it would all depend on the tests he’d undergo once the team arrives in Manila tonight.

“Thank you for all those whos supported and I apologize for the result. I Promise we will redeem ourselves in Myanmar,” said Del Rosario.

“Thank you everyone for the undying support. The game was difficult and we apologize for not winning here. We will bounce back,” said Sabio on his Twitter account.

Their coach, Michael Weiss, came to the rescue.

“Given the harsh condition and all the things that happened the past few days, I’m happy with the result. The players are disappointed but it’s time to refocus,” he told Araneta.

The German coach said it wasn’t easy for the Azkals to play under conditions entirely new to them, to most of them, and everything they had to go through the past few.

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The Final Score: Azkals' apologies unacceptable

Source: GMANEWS

By MICO HALILI

Tuesday morning, I was asked during an interview on GMA NEWS TV's "News To Go" if, as a basketball commentator, I felt jealous over football's emergence.

My reply, "Not at all."

I'm happy that even on a bad day, football owns the spotlight. Happy that by advancing later in the afternoon, they can continue to spread the gospel of goals. Happy that they all made it to Mongolia in one piece. Happy that they soldiered on, or Azkaled on, by riding a roller-coaster from Manila to Ulan Bator. Truthfully, I'm happy because they showed up and clearly tried.

I believe in contexts; to juxtapose performance with circumstance. Some call it rationalization. I call it factoring in the human element. This is what one learns when you grow up cheering for, devote time and energy to teams which don't win all the time.

How many obstacles can a man take? How much cold can the lungs bear? How much of a phenomenon is one team supposed to sustain? How much perfection can men straddling through a gauntlet achieve? Even as Coach, how much latitude was Michael Weiss supposed to give?

Since I have too much respect for coaches, I try not to second-guess them. In any sport. I'm not about to start now. Since I have too much respect for circumstance, I won't judge the quality of the Azkals' hard work by the levity of their tweets.

Sometimes, great effort must coincide with a great performance. Other times, effort, no matter how great, can't manufacture the performance it deserves. The Azkals looked sluggish in Ulan Bator. They seemed out of it. Not where they were supposed to be on the turf. Not as sharp as many expected them to be. They often shifted from out-hustled to out-of-breath.

The Azkals appeared frozen, over 4,000 feet above sea level, stifled by the tundra of mixed experiences, long nights, misplaced luggage and the strange pressure caused by being a favored team. I'm not jingoistic.

I don't defend them just because they have Philippine colors emblazoned on their chests. But how can one overlook challenges piled on top of other challenges. Should they apologize for not dominating Mongolia?

Some of them did.

I won't apologize for commenting on the Azkals even if I don't have a PhD in corner kicks and perfect headers. If the Azkals don't have PhD's in earthquake management, airport hopping and sub-zero-temperature efficiency, neither should they.

My practical degree in athletes' behavior, however, earned from 20 years of watching, working with and covering competitors from various disciplines up-close, tells me this: they feel pain when they're hurt, they get anxious under stress, their teeth chatter when it snows, they gasp for air when pushed to the limit.

Just like most of us.

Thus, in the context of convoluted travel plans, frayed nerves and a most cumbersome way to play one match, sorry Azkals, I can't accept your apologies. But please, accept my thanks. -- GMA News

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