Philippine Azkals | Philippine National Football Team

Former Azkal Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge searching for new club team

2014-10-22T16:14:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – After spending the last eight years of his career playing for Fulham, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is searching for a new club to suit up for.

Despite receiving feelers after becoming a free agent, Etheridge, 24, has yet to sign with a new team.

The long process has been hard to muster for the former Philippine national football team player, but he remains determined to open the next chapter of his playing career with a new team.

“I spent the last two weeks training at Wolves and thought I had done enough to earn myself a chance, but in the end it wasn’t to be," Etheridge told Skysports.

“But that’s football and you just have to pick yourself up and get on with it.”

Etheridge was offered a contract with Fulham to play in Championship side, but instead seized an opportunity over the summer to try out for the Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League side.

However, his tryout didn’t go as well as he had hoped and left him without a club.

“It was tough because I feel a close affinity to Charlton - It was the first club I was ever loaned to and I know a lot of the people there, so it was a great place to be training and playing," said Etheridge, a former student at the Chelsea Academy. "But I also have confidence in my ability to play in a Premier League set-up. So when I was offered a trial at QPR, I seized it.”

“I had the belief that I could earn a contract,” he said. “I felt that I had done my best, but I’ve discovered that sometimes it doesn't matter what you do.”

However, Etheridge is keeping his head up and keeping positive that he will get to find a new home soon.

Etheridge’s tenure with the Philippine Azkals hit a roadblock after he lashed out on social media after being left off the Philippine Peace Cup roster by head coach Thomas Dooley.

(RELATED: Why the Azkals are upset with team management)

“Football can have a habit of kicking you when you’re down and I suppose I’ve been very fortunate in my career up to now. I think what makes you as a professional is how you react to the challenges that football presents,” Etheridge said. - Rappler.com

Azkals fall to Myanmar in Peace Cup final

2014-09-08T17:26:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Another heartbreaking loss was witnessed by Filipino sports fans as Myanmar inched their way past the two-time defending champion Philippines, 3-2, to take the coveted Peace Cup crown from the home team in a heated game at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Saturday, September 6.

Myanmar’s offense went full on against the Azkals back-line from the opening whistle expressing their eagerness to conquer the home field of the Filipinos.

The Azkals tried to answer with several outburst of their own but the Burmese side of the pitch was well manned.

Meanwhile, a lob by Kyaw Ko Ko from well beyond the penalty box struck the upright and ricocheted into the back of the net leaving everyone in the stadium in awe as the Burmese took the lead early into the first half.

The booters of the Philippines tried to answer but the long balls were not connecting for the home squad as the defense of Myanmar proved to be too strong for them going into the half.

Consequently, Myanmar’s coach Radojko Avramovic was sent off to the stands during the stoppage period of the first half following a commotion on the sideline near the bench of his squad.

As play continued to the final half of the championship face-off, Daisuke Sato rolled in a sly goal from outside the box towards to back of Myanmar’s goal to level the match at 1-1.

The rejuvenated offense of the home team went into their attacking stance sending a barrage of shots towards the Thiha Si Thu-manned goal.

A penalty kick was awarded to the Philippines following a tackle on Patrick Reichelt inside the box. Phil Younghusband took the penalty and scored the goal that gave the Azkals the 2-1 advantage early in the second half.

One minute into the stoppage period, substitute Min Min Thu captalised on a defensive lapse by the Azkals to tie the match, 2-2, and send the game into extra period.

The momentum from the equalizer for the Burmese side continued into the first half of extra time as another fresh leg Soe Min Oo broke into the defense of the Azkals to take the lead, 3-2.

Myanmar’s defense foiled the sequence of urged attacks coming from the Philippine side in the second half of extra time to prevent the latter from scoring an equalizer and sending the game into a penalty shootout.

Palestine defeats Chinese Taipei for third place

Coming off a disappointing defeat against Myanmar, Palestine triumphed against Chinese Taipei, 7-3, after a commanding performance to cap off their conquest for the 2014 Peace Cup.

Early into the first half, a goal was notched in by Javier Mereles to boost the morale of his team, who suffered a devastating 4-1 loss against Malaysia during the first match of the competition.

Three minutes after, the hot shooting offense of the Palestinians struck again as Ahmed Wridat fired a bullet through the goal of Chinese Taipei extending the lead of Palestine to 2-0.

As the game went on, a hard tackle was issued by the Taiwanese deep inside the box which resulted into a penalty but Pan Wei-Chih prevented the ball from finding the back of the net.

Tides turned come the second half as substitute Wu Pai Ho sank a penalty that was given to their side after Lin Chang-Lun got tackled deep inside the box.

Capitalizing on the momentum, Yen Ho-Shen found a gap in the defense of Palestine to tie the game at 2-2.

A few moments after, the men from Chinese Taipei took the lead following a goal by Lin Chang-Lun but the Palestinians answered with a goal of their own courtesy of Abdulhamid Abuhabib to tie the game once more.

The game went into extra time as both teams had equal markers following the end of regulation.

However, the Palestinians dominated the exhausted Taiwanese as they open the floodgates for Wridat who scored 3 more goals in the extra period. - Rappler.com

Azkals begin Peace Cup title defense vs Chinese Taipei

2014-09-03T17:10:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals relish the opportunity to put up an impressive performance before their countrymen as they kick off their title-defense Wednesday night in the shortened PFF Peace Cup at new-look Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

First order of business is Chinese-Taipei, a side that handed it a loss last year, in a 7 p.m. dispute for a finals berth in the four-nation tourney that's been reduced to a two-day affair due to a recent International Football Federation (FIFA) directive.

Asian Cup-bound Palestine and Asean bet Myanmar tangle at 4 p.m. in the opening fixture.

Winners of Wednesday's double-header will march into the gold medal match on Saturday night while losers will contest the bronze on the same day.

"The guys know what's at stake and it's nice to be back in Manila, it's been a while (since the Azkals last played at Rizal)," said Azkals skipper Rob Gier during Tuesday's pre-tournament press conference at Manila Hotel.

"The team looks pretty good," said Phl coach Thomas Dooley. "We've had tough training sessions because we want to move on the right direction and almost everybody is where he should be."

From a league format spread over three days, the third edition of the Peace Cup was reformatted to a short knockout format to comply with a Fifa ruling setting two international matches per A team in any international window.

But the shift won't affect the participating squads' attitude toward each game.

"For me, it's a must win game every game. It doesn't matter who you play against; you have to win every game, for the fans and to see where we're at," said Dooley.

The three-peat-seeking Azkals will have the chance to avenge their 1-2 setback to the Taiwanee in the 2013 edition. A shot at Palestine, their conquerors in the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup last May, is also possible if they both advance to the gold medal match or slip to the battle for third.

"It's a difficult game because we lost to Chinese Taipei last year so they're ahead of us and we have to put up a strong effort to beat them. On the other hand, we lost to Palestine in the finals of the Challenge Cup and Myanmar is another team we can get some experience from," said Dooley.

"We're in a situation where we have to show and prove something, especially with the two teams we lost to last time, and we want to change that," he added.

Chinese Taipei coach Chen Kuei-Jen said his side is a "young team that can run" and will "fight and try to get to the finals."

"We've studied Phl's games and we're gonna use our weapon, try to win," Chen said.

Palestine coach Jamal Mahmoud said only 50 percent of the roster that won the Challenge Cup are seeing action in the Peace Cup.

"This is one step to our preparations for the Asian Cup so it's very good (exposure) to us. But we didn't have good preparation because we have war in Palestine," coach Jamal Mahmoud said.

A Jordanian of Palestinian origin, Mahmoud could only link up with his players here in Manila and train for the first time Monday. He flew straight to the Phl capital as he couldn't get a "permit" from Israeli authorities to pass through Palestine.

Myanmar mentor Raddy Avramovic said the Peace Cup will give his young crew a good test.

"It's testing time, really, to see if we improved anything from the last Challenge Cup," said Avramovic, who is actually returning to Rizal after calling shots for Singapore in the semis of the 2012 Suzuki Cup against the Azkals.

By Olmin Leyba | philstar.com

Gilas inspires Azkals for Peace Cup

2014-09-03T14:05:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas' brave performances in the 2014 FIBA World Cup have become a source of inspiration for the Philippine Azkals as they seek to retain their crown in the Philippine Peace Cup.

Skipper Rob Gier said he was able to watch part of Gilas' game against Argentina early this morning, which resulted in a heartbreaking 81-85 setback for the Philippines.

"It just kind of inspires us to want to do well as well," Gier said of how Gilas Pilipinas has been performing.

Despite having one of the shortest and oldest teams in the tournament, Gilas nonetheless came close to toppling higher-ranked teams -- twice. They lost in overtime to Croatia in their tournament opener, then just fell short against Argentina earlier Tuesday.

Their lone double-digit loss came against Greece.

Gier said that watching Gilas compete against the best in the world has helped fire up the Azkals.

"They're competing against the best teams in the world, and that's where we want to be," he said. "To have that kind of recognition is what we want."

"That's hugely inspiring to the guys," he added.

Both the Azkals and Gilas will be in action this week. Gilas resumes their FIBA World Cup campaign against Puerto Rico, while the Azkals play Chinese-Taipei in the Peace Cup on Wednesday.

By Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBNnews.com

Azkals have something to prove in Peace Cup

2014-08-28T12:39:00.002+08:00

The upcoming Philippine Football Peace Cup may be considered a tune-up tournament for the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, but Azkals coach Thomas Dooley believes otherwise.

“We are No. 1 in Southeast Asia and that means we are under pressure, and that is good,” Dooley said during yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate branch.

“But we have to prove it.”

To prove their growing reputation in the Asian region, the Azkals will have to hurdle visiting teams Taiwan, Myanmar and Palestine for the third edition of the Peace Cup which starts on Sept. 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals are seeking their third straight trophy but will face a more difficult challenge compared to the previous two Peace Cup editions.

Taiwan will make its third straight Peace Cup appearance, Myanmar will be handled by former Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic, while Palestine is the same team that beat the Azkals 1-0 in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup final last May in Maldives.

Dooley’s Azkals are ranked as the best team in Southeast Asia at No. 128 according to the latest FIFA rankings, but the former United States international said it will mean nothing if they end up losing the tourney.

“When we play against Taiwan, there’s no reason for us not to win, we are under pressure and we must show to the people that we are better,” said Dooley. “Same as Myanmar, they maybe a better team, a stronger team but again if you want to be No. 1 in Southeast Asia we have to beat that team. But the mindset has to be there, same way as the coaches.”

“Palestine will be a little bit more difficult, they are ranked at No. 95 or No. 97 in the world. We lost against them (in the Challenge Cup final) and we want to beat them. Hopefully we can get Palestine off the wrong foot and beat them.”

Taiwan will be the Azkals’ first opponent for the Peace Cup, followed by Myanmar on Sept. 6. The hosts close out the tourney against Palestine on Sept. 9.

Source:mb.com.ph

James, Phil in spotlight

2014-06-06T12:30:00.000+08:00

Siblings Phil and James Younghusband go at it one last time in the third and final installment of the Clear Dream Match – the biggest all-star game in the Philippines – tomorrow at the University of Makati field with Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Andy Cole helping the brothers settle the score.

The Younghusbands split the first two editions of the event sponsored by Clear, with Phil’s team scoring a 5-2 victory in the inaugural edition and James’ squad getting back with a 4-1 triumph last year, making this year’s duel an exciting race to the finish.

Fans helped the Phil and James’ respective teams get first pick of the legends by scoring points for either teams online. Phil won the final online points tally, thanks to his active and digitally engaged fans, allowing him to pick Scholes to be part of the Team Phil contingent in the event backed by Fairmont, PLDT Fibr, Adidas, Chris Sports, Gatorade, Greenwich, The Camp, Jaguar, Mint and Sprinto.

Cole went to Team James.

“It will be my first time, and I’m excited to see the young new talent in Asia,” said Scholes, an 11-time Premier League winner. “It’s always a great experience to visit a country where football is a growing sport.”

Cited as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Scholes has made over 700 appearances for Manchester United and has the third-highest number of appearances by any player for the club. He has also played a key part in the club’s Treble-winning success in the 1998–99 season.

James was excited to welcome Cole on board. “It will be great to have Cole on the team. Team James wants to score several goals, and having the second highest goal scorer in English Premier League history on your team is such a huge asset,” he said.

source: mb.com.ph

PH Azkals rise in latest Fifa rankings

2014-06-06T10:39:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Azkals, fresh off their AFC Challenge Cup stint where they almost won it all, jumped 11 places in the latest Fifa rankings released Thursday.

The Azkals moved to 129th from 140th just nearly a week ago after dropping a heartbreaking 0-1 setback to Palestine in the finals.

Moving forward, the Azkals now set their sights on the AFF Suzuki Cup, which will be held late this year.

Move to recruit more Azkals pushed

2014-06-01T10:00:00.000+08:00

MALE’ – Looking forward to bigger forays in the future, the Philippine Azkals will continue scouting for talents all over the world and widening the pool for the national team.

“We’ll have to expand even further our scouting activities just to check whether there are still Filipinos out there,” said team manager Dan Palami.

The Azkals were gunning for a finals berth in the AFC Challenge Cup against host Maldives at presstime. Their ultimate objective is to win the Challenge Cup and make a historic qualification to the prestigious AFC Asian Cup next year.

The Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup later in the year is also in the Azkals’ slate.

Palami, though, declined to name the prospective recruits from overseas yet.

Although the big guns from Europe play key roles in the team, Palami noted that they are gradually achieving balance between local-based mainstays and their counterparts from abroad.

“It’s getting there,” Palami said, noting that seven Phl-based players had actually seen action in the crucial group match against Turkmenistan last Saturday.

“Of course we need to find balance between local-based and whoever’s coming over. It’s always been a difficult process and everybody knows that eveything we’re doing will always be geared towards being a successful team,” he said.

According to Palami, the broad plan is to put up a strong pool in Phl and bring in the Fil-Europeans or hold more overseas training with the latter.

“That’s what the coach and I will have to talk about. Do we try to create a strong team based in Manila and just see who among the players outside can reinforce it or do we send them most of the time outside doing camps, getting everybody together? Those are the things we’ll decide upon after the Challenge Cup,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals keeper bares secret for penalty saves

2014-05-30T20:30:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – On their way to the Challenge Cup finals, the Philippine Azkals' Roland Mueller made two stunning penalty saves to help his team win.

Mueller explained to ABS-CBN's TJ Manotoc how he cleared the penalty shots that helped the Azkals defeat Turkmenistan and Maldives.

The Filipino-German keeper said he had to move a lot from post to post to distract his attacker from making the goal.

“I try to make him a little bit confused and make him focused a little bit on me,” Mueller said. “I move and try to make him a little bit more shaky.”

Against Turkmenistan, Mueller’s mettle was tested when the Turkmens secured a penalty kick in the 43rd minute of the match. But he guessed right and cleared Aleksandr Boliyan's kick to help the Philippines advance to the semifinal round.

The keeper faced the same scenario in their crucial match against host team Maldives when Ali Ashfaq won a penalty kick in the 54th. Mueller parried Ashfaq's attempt to help the Azkals make a historical trip to the Challenge Cup finals.

“It makes me happy that I saved two penalties... I have a feeling that luck is on my side,” said Mueller, who stepped up to replace the injured Neil Etheridge.

Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said Mueller’s presence was a big factor in their defense.

He said the Filipino-German’s efforts proved that keepers can win games even if they don't score goals for the team.

“The goal keeper has to win games for our team so it's not that he has to score goals and all that stuff but he has to win games… the goal keeper's job is to save the ball, so the less balls he lets on goals, the bigger chance that we have that we don't get scored on,” Dooley said.

“He had two shots that he saved that are unbelievable. So that's what makes a player outstanding and he did more than his job,” he added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals, Palestine clash for crown

2014-05-30T18:30:00.000+08:00

The magic number of the Philippine Azkals to achieve their ultimate dream of winning a major trophy and play in Asia’s most prestigious tournament is down to just one game.

In a match that needed an extra time to decide, the Azkals scraped past the relentless challenge of host Maldives with a thrilling 3-2 victory to arrange a title duel with Palestine for the AFC Challenge Cup early yesterday at the jampacked National Stadium in Male.

Substitute Chris Greatwich supplied the much-needed goal in the 104th minute as the Azkals progressed to the final against the Palestinians at midnight tomorrow for the championship and a ticket to next year’s AFC Asian Cup in Sydney.

A win over the Palestine, which relatively had an easy 2-0 win over Afghanistan in the other semifinal affair, will complete the Azkals’ amazing journey that began when they stunned Vietnam, 2-0, in the AFF Suzuki Cup in Hanoi in December 2010.

“We want to play at the next level, that is not a secret. We came over here to win the Challenge Cup. We want to play at the next level which is the Asian Cup so we want to play against those big guys, not to win something, but to play with them and that is our biggest goal,” said coach Thomas Dooley.

Fittingly, Greatwich, who launched the Azkals into prominence against Vietnam with an opening goal, was the one who secured the winner, tapping in a failed scoring attempt by Patrick Reichelt from close range.

Greatwich’s goal triggered a raucous celebration by the Azkals, hundreds of supporters in the stands and perhaps millions more back home who stayed up late to watch the exciting match on television.

But the goal of the veteran Greatwich wouldn’t have been possible without several frantic sequences.

The Azkals never trailed in the grueling match, with Phil Younghusband delivering the opening goal in the 19th when he turned after a strong defense by a Maldividan to launch a strike past keeper Imran Mohamed.

Maldives responded to even the score at 1-1 in the 36th as Mohamed Umair beat two defenders before lofting an equalizing shot off Azkals goalie Roland Muller who was a few yards away from the net.

However, the tie proved to be short and sweet as the Azkals’ Jerry Lucena answered back by stabbing a 39th minute goal from close range to put the away side up 2-1.

Muller later produced a redux of his penalty kick save against Turkmenistan last Saturday by stopping Ibrahim Fazeel in the 53rd to keep the Azkals ahead.

The Filipinos, though, failed to preserve the lead in the 66th after Abdulla Asadhulla leveled the match at 2-2 after netting from a corner kick. From there, Maldives had strong chances to win through several counter attacks only to be denied by late clearances by the away side.

The closest came in the 91st minute when Maldives team captain Ali Ashfaq, who has scored 41 international goals, curled a shot that could have been a deserved winner if not for Muller who batted away the precise attempt.

“Both teams should have won today if this can exist in the rules. But unfortunately the rules are very clear that who scores more goals will be the winner,” said losing coach Drago Mamic.

By JONAS TERRADO
source: sports.tempo.com.ph

Muller keeps faith, hope of PH side

2014-05-30T16:04:00.000+08:00

MALE – Two penalty saves in two big games and Roland Muller has clearly shown who’s the boss in between the sticks.

“We maybe have the best keeper in the tournament,” said Azkals coach Thomas Dooley, referring to his star custodian who played a key role in their 3-2 verdict over Maldives in the semis of the AFC Challenge Cup and an earlier 2-0 victory over Turkmenistan in group play.

“You can see he has some great saves, got another penalty today. And I’m not actually afraid of a penalty shot because of the goal keeper. He is a real football player, great timing, so I’m very pleased with him,” he added.

Muller actually didn’t play in the opening game against Afghanistan, a 0-0 stalemate, as first choice keeper Neil Etheridge took the job.

“I respect the coaches’ decision and I knew my time would come. And I’m always ready when the team needs me,” said the Fil-German.

Muller got to take the place of injured Etheridge and didn’t disappoint. His back-to-back penalty saves make a new high for the keeper who traces his roots from Mindoro.

“It’s really luck but it makes me happy I saved two penalties. Yeah, I decided to go one corner based on gut feel and luck was on my side,” he said.

Dooley had said once that Muller won the game for the Azkals but the keeper declined to take credit.

“It contributed to the victory but it’s a team effort,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals defeat Maldives in Challenge Cup semis on Greatwich goal

2014-05-29T17:44:00.001+08:00

The Philippine men's national football team is AFC Challenge Cup finals bound after a 3-2 victory over Maldives in which Phil Younghusband, Chris Greatwich and Jerry Lucena scored

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine men's national football team is AFC Challenge Cup finals bound after a 3-2 victory over Maldives in the early hours of Wednesday, May 28 in Male’, Maldives.

With both teams tied in extra time, Chris Greatwich once again displayed his clutch heroics, coming on as a substitution to score the go-ahead goal in the 104th minute of play. The goal, which was the 10-year Azkal veteran’s seventh international score, was reminiscent of Greatwich’s deciding goal against Vietnam in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

The Azkals will now face Palestine at midnight on Friday, May 30 with the winner to earn a spot in the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. Palestine defeated Afghanistan earlier in the day by a 2-0 tally.

Phil Younghusband opened the scoreline after he turned and shoot in the 19th minute. The Azkals' superb play and passing had left Maldives banking mostly on counter plays, paying dividends as Mohammad Umair scored an equalizer in the 36th minute. Just 3 minutes after, Jerry Lucena scored his first goal for the national inside the box after a Patrick Reichelt miss bounced right in front of him.

Maldives wasn't going down without a fight, with Asadullah Abdhulla scoring another equalizer in the 66th minute. The game went to 30 minutes of extra time.

Azkals keeper Roland Muller also had his hands full, pulling important saves from a penalty kick and a straight shot at goal from Abdhulla in the 93rd minute.

The Philippines had 21 attempts compared to 12 from Maldives, while edging the host nation 8-7 in on target shots. Maldives earned 4 yellow cards compared to 3 for the Philippines.

The Philippines last played Palestine in 2012, defeating them 4-3 to earn third place in that edition of the Challenge Cup.

source: Rappler.com

PH Azkals outlast Maldives to make AFC Challenge Cup finals

2014-05-28T19:00:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines—Chris Greatwich struck in extra time as the Philippines outlasted Maldives, 3-2, to make the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup early Wednesday (Manila time) at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives.

One of the players who helped the Azkals spark the rise of football in the country in 2010, Greatwich delivered the clutch goal once again after he came in for Jerry Lucena in the second half.

Phil Younghusband opened the scoring for the Azkals in the 19th minute. The Fil-British striker also kicked off the Filipinos’ attack in the 2-0 win over Turkmenistan in the group stage.

The Fil-Danish Lucena followed it up with his first goal for the Philippines, giving the Azkals a 2-1 lead in the 39th minute.

But it was far from a safe lead for the Filipinos as the home team equalized in the 66th minute on a goal from Assadhulla Abdulla.

Ali Ashfaq led Maldives’ final stand in extra time, but the Azkals managed to hold their ground for the historical victory.

The Azkals and Palestine, which shut out Afghanistan, 2-0, in the semis, will meet in the Finals and dispute the coveted slot for the AFC Asian Cup on Friday.

James Joseph Placer Younghusband

2014-05-28T16:27:00.000+08:00

James Younghusband is an English–Filipino footballer who plays as right midfielder for Loyola Meralco Sparks and the Philippines national team.

James Younghusband Player Profile:

Name: James Joseph Placer Younghusband

Position: Right Midfielder

Born: 4 September 1986 (Ashford, Middlesex, England)

Current Club: Loyola Meralco Sparks

Jersey No.: 7

Azkals go for historic finals vs Maldives

2014-05-28T16:12:00.001+08:00

MALE’ – Holding the trophy in a photo op with the coach of the opposing team after the presscon for the semifinal matches of the AFC Challenge Cup, a smiling Azkals mentor Thomas Dooley blurted: “Can I take this home?”

It was said in jest but it pretty much expressed how much the former US skipper wanted the hardware for his Pinoy wards, who stand within striking distance of the title and a historic stint in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

The top semifinalist from Group B, the Azkals gun for a finals berth tonight (midnight of Tuesday in Manila) against Group A second-placer Maldives before an unfriendly crowd at National Stadium.

“It will definitely be very, very interesting game and a very difficult game for us because we’re not just playing (the) Maldives (team), we’re playing against the country (with) maybe 12,000 or 13,000 people in the stadium and their presence gives their team more energy, more power, and that’s always difficult to play in,” said Dooley.

But the Azkals believe they can take on the “super tough” challenge the home side is expected to give them.

“It’s going to be a super tough game; they’re going to have a lot of fans screaming for them but I’m confident this team has enough ability and mental strength to deal with it and hopefully, God-willing, we’ll come out with positive result at the end of it,” said captain Rob Gier.

Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Maldives coach Drago Mamic said they wouldn’t depend much on the so-called “12th man” to hurdle the visitors.

“In football and in other sports, sometimes when fans cheer for you but you make mistakes and it’s neutralized. So you must play disciplined; you must know how to take advantage of this and to be careful because the opposing side is very strong and details can decide the game,” he said.

The Azkals expect to have their hands full against a quick and hardworking Maldivians led by their star striker Ali Ashfaq, who scored three goals in the group stages.

“Maldives is a good team. We watched their games during the group stages and they’re a quick team, they don’t give up, they keep on hustling. So it’s going be difficult and if we want to win, we have to play very well,” said Phil Younghusband.

Gier, one of the Azkals’ defensive pillars, said they will try to neutralize the threat from the charismatic Ashfaq.

“We’ve played against lots of good strikers throughout Asia. Obviously, he’s their star, their captain, their talisman. But we won’t be treating him any differently from how we treat everyone else. It’s kinda imperative we nullify his game. If we could do that, then we’ll have a successful game,” said the veteran.

Mamic said they have the luxury of having everyone in the team available for the game.

source: philstar.com

Azkals seek final slot vs Maldives

2014-05-27T15:30:00.000+08:00

Games Today
(National Stadium, Male)
6:30 p.m. – Afghanistan vs Palestine
12 midnight – Philippines vs Maldives

With an opportunity to play in the AFC Asian Cup in Sydney next year as the ultimate reward, the Philippine Azkals are expected to go all-out when they play host Maldives in the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup today at the National Stadium in Male.

Though only the champion team will be going to Sydney, the Azkals are determined to put up a performance much stronger and fascinating than the one they dished out when they blanked Turkmenistan, 2-0, last Saturday.

Aside from the challenge of conjuring that magic, the Azkals also have also to survive the partisan atmosphere that is expected in their 9 p.m. encounter (12 midnight Philippine time).

The winner will face either Palestine or Afghanistan in a one-game title duel on Friday, while the loser is going to be relegated in a consolation game for third place a day earlier.

A big crowd is set to rally behind the Maldivian side which made the semis after finishing second behind Palestine in Group A.

Maldives entered the Final Four despite losing 2-0 to Myanmar in the opener. The Red Snappers bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan before settling for a goalless tie with Palestine.

“Facing Maldives is a cause of concern,” said team manager Dan Palami. “They have the advantage because of the home crowd but they lost one of their games here so it’s not impossible to beat them.”

The Azkals, on the other hand, went unbeaten in Group B.

After a scoreless tie with Afghanistan, they pulled off consecutive 2-0 victories over Laos and Turkmenistan.

Against the Turkmen, the Azkals rode on the heroics of goalkeeper Roland Muller and the stellar performance of Phil Younghusband and Patrick Reichelt to clinch a semis berth for the second straight time.

But this time, the Filipino booters are primed to produce a different result than in 2012 in Nepal. In that edition, they lost to Turkmenistan in the semis.

“I know what the team can do. Our focus is on winning the Challenge Cup,” said coach Thomas Dooley, whose team has dealt with injuries to first-choice goalie Neil Etheridge and central defender Juani Guirado.

source: www.mb.com.ph

Azkals book date against host Maldives

2014-05-27T12:18:00.001+08:00

MANILA – The Philippine Azkals have set up a semi-finals date against host country Maldives in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup after last night’s famous victory over Turkmenistan.

Second half goals from Phil Younghusband and Patrick Reichelt powered the Philippines to the top of Group B and into the semi-finals.

In Group A, host Maldives placed second to Palestine with four points, and will thus face off against the Azkals in the cross-over semi-finals on Tuesday.

Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley acknowledged that the semi-final will be very difficult for the Philippines as they will be playing against the home team.

"You know, if you want to win the tournament, then you have to beat everybody," Dooley said, as quoted by maldivesoccer.com.

"We know that the semi-final match will be a very difficult game for us, because (it's their) home ground, and you know, (they are) a great team," he added.

But the Azkals' display against Turkmenistan gives Dooley the confidence that his players can do the job.

"If we (played like we) did today, we can do what we want," he asserted.

Younghusband scored off a free kick at the 49th minute – his 35th goal for the Philippines – to put the Azkals ahead, and Reichelt then secured the victory at the 74th minute when he acrobatically converted a cross from Martin Steuble.

The game on Tuesday will be held at the National Stadium in Male. It will be preceded by the other semi-final match between Palestine and Afghanistan, the second-placer in Group B.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

ABS-CBN Sports+Action’s station ID launched

2014-05-26T20:30:00.000+08:00

ABS-CBN Sports+Action magnifies the Filipino athlete’s fighting spirit in its newest station ID which will premier today on the Channel 2 noontime show “It’s Showtime.”

The ABS-CBN Sports+Action’s station ID is complemented by Rico Blanco’s composition “Ito Ang Ating Sandali.”

Meanwhile, Sports+Action continues to indulge football fans as it airs the Philippine Azkals’ group stage matches in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in the Maldives.

The free sports channel has already telecast “live” the Azkals’ first two matches against Afghanistan and Laos. The The Azkals drew with the Afghans, 0-0, and then downed the Laotians, 2-0.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Post by Abs-cbn Sports + Action.

Meet the latest Brit-Fil in PH football

2014-05-26T16:00:00.000+08:00

LONDON - Rising soccer star Curt Dizon made history in April when he scored his first international goal at his first match with Azkals, the Philippine national football team, a dream come true for the young player.

The British Filipino midfielder scored his momentous goal at a FIFA International friendly match against Nepal in Doha, Qatar, where the Philippine team won 3-0, their first victory under new coach Thomas Dooley.

"I was really nervous coming into the game," he told ABS-CBN Europe. "I remember walking out of the tunnel and seeing all the fans, it really took me back a bit. But as soon as I got a touch of the ball I felt at home and was over the moon when I scored. It was an amazing feeling, one that I will cherish and keep with me for the rest of my life."

It was the culmination of all the hard work that led him to that point. And, at only 20 years old, he has already spent 18 years of his life dedicated to the beautiful game.

"The funny thing is that when I was little my dad tried giving me a basketball, but I’d always put it on the floor and start kicking it with my left foot, so that’s how I really started. My dad used to take me to the park and we’d just a kick a ball for hours till I wanted to go home. And it didn’t even stop there: I used to kick a small ball around the house till I drove my mom crazy. I love football," he said.

Born and raised in London, England, Dizon grew up with a nation passionate about football. And after kicking around with his dad from the age of three, he hasn’t let go of the ball since.

"I watched a lot of football on TV when I was young, so I guess that had a positive impact for my love of the game. I apparently cried when Manchester United didn’t make it through the group stages, pretty sad when you think about it now. But that’s really how I got into football," he recalled.

The football player showed a lot of sporting potential from a young age, from the moment he started competing at seven with a children’s Sunday league at local club Old Isleworthians in Middlesex.

At 11, he joined Magic FC and played in the Hammersmith and Fulham London League, where his team won for two years in a row, and Dizon touted as "Player of the Year" in both seasons.

He moved on to Brunswick FC at 13, also winning the Harrow and Middlesex League, where he scored a total of 19 goals in the 2006/07 season alone. The team also won the Arsenal International tournament, scoring Dizon the accolade “Player of the Year” once again.

At 16, while studying English Literature and Sports Science, he trained at Queens Football Academy under a two-year scholarship. He helped the school’s team reach the final of National Cup for the first time, which also led him to play at the St. Molten Men’s League Premier Division.

Dizon then spent time playing football in Spain, doing trials for Leganes FC and landing his first professional contract with its sister club, Segovia FC. He was 19 years old.

In December 2013, he was tapped by Filipino team Union Internacional Manila, which launched his football career in the Philippines. And in March 2014, he decided to move to another local team, Global FC, during the transfer window.

Finally in April 2014, he made it to the top of Philippine football by being called to play for the Azkals at an international friendly match in Doha.

"It’s a massive honor to play for your country so I’m obviously extremely happy and excited to be a part of the national team," he said.

"You could already see how quickly the sport has developed in the Philippines and how popular it’s becoming, even just the support of the national team it’s all really amazing. I don’t see why football won’t continue to grow as a sport and gain even more popularity in the Philippines."

Dizon follows in the footsteps of fellow British Filipinos who have already made a mark in the local football scene, from goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, to brothers James and Philip Younghusband.

Sporting talent also runs in his own family, which includes his great grandfather Cati Dizon, an Olympian; his grandfather Carmelito Dizon, a basketball player; and his very own father, Cris Dizon, who is "very good" in sports like football, basketball and tennis.

"It’s been a long road to get where he is," his father said, "to finally enjoy and get recognition for all his hard work and commitment to the game. And one he will embrace and also be happy about to now represent our country, and both his parents being proud Filipinos.”

For the young Dizon, his dreams of playing professional and international football has just begun. And although his foundations in England, his stint in Spain, and his burgeoning sporting career in the Philippines have already taken him this far, he still hopes there is plenty more ahead of him in the future.

"I’m just looking to enjoy my football," he said, "and learn as much as I can so I can improve as a player. Hopefully I can continue to be a part of the national team, learn from Coach Dooley as well as from Coach Leigh Mason at Global FC, and take in all the experience that I can gather. I’d like to play in Europe especially England again one day. That is definitely one of my dreams so I guess that is something I hope to achieve in the future, and also to keep representing my country as it’s the pinnacle of any player’s career."

Dizon is currently based in Manila with Global FC, and is also a call up player for the Philippine national football team, Azkals.

source:www.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals vs. Turkmenistan Challenge Cup highlights

2014-05-26T12:18:00.000+08:00

Watch this Turkmenistan vs Philippines AFC Challenge Cup 2014 video highlights of the Azkals 2-nil victory over Turkmenistan, which clinched a semi-finals spot for the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines - Needing just a goal to advance to the AFC Challenge Cup semi-finals, the Philippine national football team set out to solidify their odds by trumping Turkmenistan 2-nil on Saturday, May 24.

Phil Younghusband and Patrick Reichelt scored goals for the Azkals, punching their ticket to the a showdown with host nation Maldives on Tuesday, May 27. That same day, Afghanistan and Palestine will battle for the other Challenge Cup finals berth.

The winner of the Challenge Cup will earn a spot in the Asian Cup in 2015.

Turkmenistan 0-2 Philippines: The Philippines secured a second consecutive appearance in the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup at the expense of two-time runners-up Turkmenistan after recording a 2-0 win.

source: Rappler.com

Philippine Azkals finally beat Laos, 2-0

2014-05-23T11:11:00.000+08:00

HITHADHOO, Maldives— The Philippines finally conquered an old nemesis in Laos on Thursday night and kept its semifinal hopes alive in the AFC Challenge Cup at Hithadhoo Zone Stadium here.

Defender Simone Rota and Patrick Reichelt found the back of the net in each half as the Philippine Azkals nailed their first win of the tournament with a 2-0 triumph against a Laotian side that played with little attacking intent.

The Azkals have achieved little success against their Southeast Asian rivals in the past few years, losing two times since 2006 and battling back to secure a dramatic draw when they last met in a tournament in 2010 in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

But with the stakes higher, the Filipinos played with drive and urgency to take maximum points and hike their tally to four from two matches, which puts them on top of Group B.

Rota struck a thunderous volley five minutes from half time after Stephan Schrock’s effort was saved into his path by Laos goalkeeper Keodouangdeth Vathana. Reichelt doubled the lead with a glancing header from a Younghusband corner kick in the 63rd minute.

The two other teams in the group—Turkmenistan and Afghanistan—were slated to play later. But regardless of the result in the other match, a win by the Azkals on Saturday at the National Stadium in Male will be enough to secure passage to the next round.

Coach Thomas Dooley made six changes to the side that drew with Afghanistan on Tuesday, with injured players Neil Etheridge and Chris Greatwich replaced by Roland Muller and Jason de Jong, respectively, and Martin Steuble making way for Paul Mulders, who was a late scratch in the lineup of the last game due to seasickness.

Dennis Cagara also made his first start of the tournament, replacing Daisuke Sato, while Rob Gier and Phil Younghusband, back after serving suspensions, came in for Jerry Lucena and Ruben Doctora, respectively.

With Schrock playing up front, the Azkals looked more threatening but still lacked the cutting edge to constantly break down Laos, which refused to give them space to operate. The Laotians were limited to few counterattacking opportunities.

The Azkals’ first chance came after just nine minutes when Juani Guirado rattled the crossbar with a firm header off a Younghusband corner.

Younghusband had a couple of chances that went begging with the first one from close-range where he was unable to get solid contact on a Schrock cross. The usually prolific striker, who was top scorer of the tournament two years ago, skied a left-footed effort in the 76th minute with the goal at his mercy.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Azkals’ time to win AFC Challenge Cup

2014-05-21T17:00:00.000+08:00

ADDU CITY, Maldives—Suspended for the Philippines’ first match in the AFC Challenge Cup against Afghanistan, Azkals skipper Rob Gier still made sure his presence was felt.

Tasked to deliver the pep talk on the last training session before the tournament started Monday night, Gier challenged his teammates.

“It’s our best chance and I honestly believe we can win this tournament,” he said in the huddle. “The coaching staff has done everything and it’s down to us (players) to make this happen.”

Gier made his debut for the Azkals in the Challenge Cup Qualifiers in the capital Male in 2009.

It wasn’t a pleasant experience as the Azkals failed to make it to the final tournament.

But having been with the team the last five years and seeing it progressed, Gier’s belief is firm.

“We all need to believe that we can win this,” he said. “Because there is going to be a point in this tournament whether it’s going to be in the first game or in the final where we will be down or up against it and you have to find it in you to believe that you can do it.”

The Azkals need two wins to move into the semifinals, making their match against Afghanistan last night crucial.

Gier returns for the Laos game on Thursday along with Phil Younghusband who was also suspended for a red card in the qualifiers last year.

Turkmenistan is the Azkals’ last opponent in Male on Saturday. Only the top two teams in the group will qualify.

Meanwhile, Myanmar and Palestine got their campaign off to a flying start with opening day wins in Group A.

The Burmese side mentored by former Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic stunned host Maldives, 3-1, despite going down to 10 men in the first half.

Palestine snatched a last-minute goal as it nipped Kyrgyzstan, 1-0.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Robert Gier

2014-05-21T12:35:00.001+08:00

Azkals Player Profile: Rob Gier

Name: Robert James Dazo Gier

Position: Defender

Born: 6 January 1981 (Ascot, England)

Current Club: Global

Jersey No.: 2

Azkals settle for scoreless draw against Afghans in AFC Challenge Cup opener

2014-05-21T12:28:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine men’s football squad settled for a scoreless draw against Afghanistan in its first assignment in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup early Wednesday (Manila time) in Addu City, Maldives.

The kick-off of the match was delayed for an hour due to rough weather as the teams still needed to ride a boat going to the stadium.

The Filipinos and the Afghans wound up with one point apiece at second place in group B behind Turkmenistan, which leads with three points after a 5-1 win over Laos.

The Azkals square off with Laos on Thursday night as the group stage continues.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Philippine Azkals rise in FIFA rankings

2014-05-12T12:56:00.001+08:00

MANILA - The Philippine Azkals rose 3 notches to 140th place in the latest world FIFA football rankings.

Vietnam is in top spot among Southeast Asian countries in 116th place.

Thailand is in 143rd place, followed by Malaysia (145th), Singapore (147th), and Indonesia (152nd).

Spain remained on top in world rankings, followed by Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece.

England is in 11th place, the US is in 14th spot, while France is in 16th place.

In Asia, Iran is in top spot, followed by Japan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Australia.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com