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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Roland Muller is Azkals New Goalkeeper

More topnotch recruits from abroad are coming to reinforce the Philippine Azkals in their next campaigns, especially in next year’s AFC Challenge Cup.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss, who just arrived from his vacation in Germany, said he has tabbed some promising Fil-Germans for the Azkals, including goalkeeper Roland Muller of Bundesliga second division club MSV Duisburg and attacking midfielder Kevin Ingreso from Hamburg.

“I have a new keeper now in Roland Muller who will step in while Neil Etheridge is not available and I have a super prospective player from Hamburg first league in Kevin Ingreso. He (Ingreso) will not join the team now but hopefully he can play for us in the Challenge Cup,” said Weiss.


“We have many other players now in the line. Together with (Fil-British) Rob Gier who is helping in scouting, we’ve managed to make a list and now trying to contact (prospects) one after the another. We have to bring in good players with high quality, not average players,” he added.

The German mentor said he has also got in touch with Fil-Danish left-back Dennis Cagara, whom he said “really likes to come (over) now.”

Weiss also said a new German assistant coach – Michael Kreuger will arrive soon to help whip the Azkals and the under-23 team into shape. A former Bundesliga coach, Krueger also had stints in Egypt and Sudan.

Azkals Chieffy Caligdong, Roel Gener, Nate Burkey, Ian Araneta, along with Weiss and team manager Dan Palami on Wednesday reaffirmed the team’s partnership with sponsor Cortal SQR.

Lito Tadena, president of Cortal’s official marketer Pharma-Rex, Inc., turned over P500,000 to the Azkals as additional support for their stints at the Long Teng Cup and the Southeast Asian Games.

Cortal SQR also announced its sponsorship of the eight-member Phl team that will compete in the Homeless World Cup in Paris on Aug 21-28.

“We’re all set. Hopefully we’ll won’t end up in the same group as Brazil or Chile like last year. But whoever we’ll be grouped with, we’ll be ready,” said coach Rudy del Rosario.

The team received P200,000 in assistance. Published in The Philippine Star

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Azkals get boost from Germany

MANILA—Two new Filipino-German players to strengthen the Azkals, a German technical director to assess the country’s football program and an experienced assistant coach for the Philippine football team bound to see action in the Southeast Asian Games.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss, who arrived two days ago from Germany, announced these developments Wednesday night even as he expressed hope of a strengthened football program for the country in cooperation with the German Football Association (DFB).

Weiss was at the Manila Polo Club Wednesday night along with several players to attend a press conference of Azkals sponsor Cortal SQR, which 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 to Paris financial aid of P200,000.

Weiss said that Fil-German player Ronald Mueller, the second choice goalkeeper of German second division side Duisberg, has already agreed to join the Azkals, while another player, a striker in Kevin Ingreso, will beef up the squad next year after getting clearance from his club, Hamburg.

Weiss also revealed that the 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.

He added that compatriot, 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.

Inquirer.net

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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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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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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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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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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 Starting 11 Second Leg Versus Mongolia

STARTING XI: D Rosario, Gener, James, Greatwich, Phil, Aly, Chieffy, Eduard, Ian, Sabio, Jonsson.

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Missing in action: No Johnson yet for Azkals on eve of big match

Source: GMANEWS

Despite missing one its members in practice 24 hours before the team’s second match against the Mongolians in the AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippine Azkals football squad is gearing up for the expected tough battle on enemy’s cold territory in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.

Ray Johnson, one of the Azkals’ Fil-foreign players, has yet to join the squad on the eve of its big match with Mongolia.

In a report made by 24 Oras, the Cebuano-born Johnson, who is now based in Iceland, is still in Seoul, South Korea after being stranded in Beijing, China. He transferred to Seoul to catch a flight going to Ulan Bator.

Johnson’s trouble of getting a good trip to Mongolia added color to some of the Azkals’ dramatic moments prior to their second game in a match that could give the Filipinos an outright berth in the group stage matches of the AFC in Myanmar against three other teams.

The Filipinos were in Japan when a killer quake that created a tsunami caused death to thousands. Then, the squad trained under a cold and disturbing weather condition. During the practice, a downpour of rain and snow halted the squad’s preparation.

But they didn’t complain. They remained focused under the watchful eyes of German coach Hans Michael Weiss. - Rey Joble, GMA News

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Azkals get Jonsson, lose de Jong for Mongolia game

Source: ABS CBN NEWS

MANILA, Philippines – A comebacking Azkals player is expected to power the team against the Mongolian Blue Wolves in the AFC Challenge Cup second leg clash.

Fullback Ray "Iceman" Jonsson, returning from homeland Iceland, is reportedly on his way to Ulan Bator, Mongolia. He will be flying from Incheon, South Korea, as of posting time.

"[I'm] with Ray iceman Jonsson in Incheon airport. He's been moving around in diffrnt airports for the last 3 days," team manager Dan Palami said on his Twitter account.

"He is an Azkal, he won't break," Palami added.

Jonsson played with the Azkals in their 2-0 victory over the Blue Wolves in the Challenge Cup first leg last February.

The Filipino-Icelander has also played with the Azkals in the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup last year.

The Azkals are rallying to beat or tie with the Blue Wolves to advance into the Challenge Cup group stage.

They earlier edged out the Blue Wolves, 2-0, in the home game which was held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

De Jong not playing

Meantime, the Azkals will also be losing another top gun, Jason de Jong, in the away game.

ABS-CBN News reporter Dyan Castillejo confirmed the report on her Twitter account, saying the Netherlands-based midfielder will not be able to make it to Ulan Bator because of a conflicted schedule with an Indonesian football club he is currently under contract with.

"De jong conflict sked because he now plays for an indonesian club," she said.

De Jong signed with Persiba Balikpapan, as earlier claimed by Post Metro Balikpapan Online news. He reportedly signed an $80,000 contract with the club.

Azkals top players Neil Etheridge and Christopher Greatwich also confirmed their respective withdrawals for the Mongolia match.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who currently plays for Fulham in England as a reserve, lately has been loaned to the Charlton Athletic Football Club. He will be replaced by Eduard Sacapaño in the Ulan Bator game.

Greatwich, who has scored important goals in the Azkals’ successful games against Singapore and Vietnam in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, confirmed his unavailability because of his "work commitments" in the US.

He is reportedly coaching full-time in New Jersey.

The Philippines-Mongolia match will be shown LIVE March 15, 12 noon on Studio 23, with a replay at 7p.m. The match will also be shown 3 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable Ch. 34.

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Etheridge may play in AFC group stage

Source: Manila Times

FILIPINO-BRITISH goalkeeper Neil Etheridge expressed his desire to represent the Philippines for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup Group Stage in Myanmar.

Etheridge, who will skip the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying stage on March 15 in Mongolia, said that he’s just awaiting the go-signal from the Charlton Athletic Football Club management.

“Yes there’s a possibility and let’s see if I can go,” said the 21-year-old Etheridge, who improves the countries goalkeeping prowess since the Suzuki Cup last year. “I will know this week.”

Etheridge joined the Charlton Athletic Football Club on loan last week. The Charlton Addicks is a League One team in London. His mother club Fulham is playing in the prestigious English Premiere League.

Despite his non-availability in the second leg against Mongolia, Etheridge believes reserve Eduardo Sacapano can do the job done. “He is a tough goalkeeper too. I’m sure he can do it.”

The goalkeeper played eight games for the “Azkals” in 2010 and was instrumental in their run to the semifinals of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Football Federation Suzuki Cup held in Vietnam and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Azkals team is now in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. They arrived Sunday and took a whole day rest for Tuesday’s big match. On Monday, they will visit the National Sports Stadium in Ulan Bator and will begin training.

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Sabio, Greatwich rejoin Azkals

Source: Manila Bulletin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Etheridge won’t see action with Azkals in key matches

Source: Daily Inquirer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Schrock to join Azkals in June

Source: ABS CBN NEWS

Filipino-German Stephan Schrock will be joining the Philippine Azkals this June.

The 24-year-old Schrock, born to a Filipina mother and a German father, played as a right back for Greuther Furth in Germany’s football league.

The Fil-German, who is currently recuperating from a knee operation, said he is excited to play for the team.

Schrock played for the German Under-18, -19 and -20 youth squads which all qualified for the Union of European Football Associations championship.

"We got a lot of real quality and a lot of good guys. I hope we can develop to the next level," he said about the Azkals team.

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Weiss is Azkals' 'wise' guy

Source: Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — German Hans Michael Weiss could just be the right guy for the Philippine Azkals.

Barely a month since being named as the team’s head coach, Weiss helped polish the offensive skills of the Azkals as proven by their 2-0 win over Mongolia in the first leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series in Bacolod City.

In that game, the Azkals had 32 attempts – some of them just hit the bar while most were caught by the Mongolian goalkeeper.

“I think he (Weiss) saw the team’s problems (in offense),” Azkals team manager Dan Palami said recently. “And he found solutions to it.”

Palami credited Weiss, who succeeded British Simon McMenemy, for improving the Azkals’ offensive pattern.

Comparing their performance to the time when they reached the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals against Indonesia last year, Palami said there’s a big difference.

“We now have more options in offense and the players are responding well to him (Weiss) in practice,” Palami said of Weiss, who began on Monday to whip his boys into fighting form in Baguio City for their rematch with Mongolia in Ulan Bator.

“Phil (Younghusband) is no longer the only option. Ian (Araneta) was there. Chieffy (Caligdong) was there. And Simon (Greatwich) was there. More players are now involved in offense.”

“If you look at our game in Indonesia (Suzuki Cup semis), our offense revolves on Phil. Ibigay lang yung bola sa kanya bahala na siya to do his thing in the middle. So pag-naclamp down siya ng defense, nasisira na diskarte ng team (Just give him the ball, it's up to him to do his thing in the middle. So when [the other team's] defense clamps down on him, the team's strategies are foiled.),” Palami said.

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Fans mob Azkals in mall appearance

Source: ABS CBN NEWS

MANILA, Philippines -- For the first time since their successful win against Mongolia in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying match in Bacolod, the Philippine Azkals made a public appearance to meet their Metro Manila based fans.

Hosted by a Bacolod Inasal restaurant in SM Sta. Mesa, the Manila-based Azkals were in full force on Thursday to meet their fans, some of whom even skipped class and work to see their new sports idols in the flesh.

Minus Filipino-foreigners like Neil Etheridge, Jason de Jong, Rob Gier, Ray Johnson, among others, the Azkals still drew their loyal fans.

Although Phil and James Younghusband arrived late coming from a previous commitment, the crowd patiently waited and screamed in delight when they saw the Fil-Brits come down the escalators.

Young and old, the Azkals fans lined up to get their autographs and pictures with their idols. A group of students were even shy to show their face on camera because they cut class to be there, and a grand mother even said she can die now that she had seen Phil.

The Azkals also spoke to the press about their plans to prepare for the second leg against Mongolia and how they feel their popularity is now competing with basketball.

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