(OCT 7) PHL-AZKALS vs. SINGAPORE | Live on Studio 23 | 6:30pm Pre-game analysis | 7:30pm KICK-OFF
The Azkals go full-strength in an international friendlytonight against host Singapore, a higher-ranked opponent whom the Filipinos’ battled to a “shocking” 1-1 draw in a star-making performance in last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup. Ranked 165th in the world, the Azkals are taking advantage of the Fifa international days to bring in Europe-based pros for the 7:30 p.m. match at the Jalan Besar Stadium with No. 136 Singapore.
Neil Etheridge, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders, Stephan Schrock, and Ray Jonsson, players unavailable in previous tournaments due to club commitments, will all be around to join regulars Aly Borromeo, Long Teng Cup Golden Boot winner Chieffy Caligdong, Phil and James Younghusband, Ian Araneta, Angel Guirado, and Jason de Jong against the Lions.
Team manager Dan Palami said the away game with Singapore – as well as the next home match with Nepal on Tuesday – will be a showcase of the true potential of the Azkals, assembling probably their best roster.
“It’s really a rare opportunity to have the guys come together and show fans what the team is really capable of,” said Palami.
Ed Sacapano, Misagh Bahadoran, Roel Gener and Nate Burkey, new recruit Lexton Moy, and Under-23 players Matt Hartmann, Raymark Fernandez, and Neckson Leonora complete the Azkals’ 21-man roster for the Singapore friendly.
Striker Aleksandar Duric, goal scorer against the Azkals in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, will be back to settle the score with Phl XI, along with returnees Lionel Lewis, Izwan Mahbud, Safuwan Baharudin, Juma’at Jantan,Daniel Bennett, Noh Rahman, Hariss Harun, Shi Jiayi,Shahril Ishak, and Fazrul Nawaz.
The Azkals and the Lions fought to a 1-1 standoff in the Suzuki group stage, with Duric drawing first blood in the 65th minute and Fil-British Chris Greatwich hitting the equalizer on injury time.
This draw gave the Azkals the confidence and momentum to beat powerhouse Vietnam, 2-0, and draw with Myanmar (0-0) in the next fixtures to earn a breakthrough semifinal stint in the Suzuki Cup, a feat that started their rise to prominence.
Posted by chardyboy on Wednesday, October 05, 2011
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by ROY MOORE
Chieffy Caligdong scored twice in the game to lead the Philippine Azkals to a 2-0 win over Macau Tuesday in the 2011 Long Teng Cup at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan.
Caligdong scored in the 56th minute to break a scoreless tie and added the insurance goal in the 87th minute for the Azkals, who finished with five points behind one win and two draws.
Caligdong, rested due to injury, came on as a substitute after the goalless draw at halftime and inspired the Azkals to the two-goal victory.
The Azkals needed his creativity to break the deadlock and the man from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo did not disappoint and quickly went to work two minutes into the second half with his shot attempt, after a trademark dribble and cutting from the wing, hitting the post.
Caligdong, left unmarked, opened the scoring in the 58th minute. Mark Hartmann delivered a quality free-kick which the 29-year-old Philippine Air Force FC member tried to convert into the Azkals' first goal.
Caligdong's first attempt hit the goalkeeper before scoring on the rebound.
It took until the 87th minute for him to double his tally and the Azkals' lead with Hartmann again the origin of the play. Caligdong took Hartman's pass off his chest before drilling past the despairing goalkeeper.
He could have had a hat-trick in injury time when Phil Younghusband played in the left winger who blazed over from only a few yards out with the ball bouncing up cruelly. Caligdong's two goals took him clear at the top of the leading scorers in the Long Teng Cup.
Starting strong but failing to break the deadlock
The Azkals dominated the first half and Ian Araneta had the best chance of scoring. The shot attempt of last year's Long Teng Cup top goal scorer looked destined to for the bottom corner until Macau's Ho Man Fai dived to tip the ball round the post.
In the first half, Araneta looked isolated up front and while Phil Younghusband did well to drift wide, beat his man and put the cross in only the 29-year-old forward was in the box to get on the end of it.
Araneta, battling both center-backs, rarely threatened to score in the air. Macau, meanwhile, only had 29 percent of the first half possession but their best chance came when Leong Ka Hang was sent through on the counter and shot first time against the bar.
With Hong Kong beating Macau 5-1 and Taiwan winning 3-0 the Philippines came into the half-time break goalless and looking more and more anxious.
Second half
The clear story of the second half, though, was Caligdong's inspirational impact. Played in twice by Hartmann he drilled past the goalkeeper to score both goals in the 2-0 win. Hitting the post immediately after coming on the Air Force winger went on to score twice and become the top scorer of the Long Teng Cup with only the Hong Kong-Taiwan game left to play.
He was both disappointed and amused, however, by his injury time miss; though he can blame the pitch for the cruel bounce from three yards out and with an empty net it would have been fitting for Caligdong to get a hat-trick.
Frustrated in the first half, after wasting several chances, the Azkals played higher and made five substitutions in all, something unprecedented in coach Michael Weiss' management. The team played well together and fashioned 10 shots on target out of 27 attempts, a large number of shots in any competition.
Long Teng Cup standings
The result means the Philippines remain unbeaten in the Long Teng Cup this year with two draws and a win. Designed for teams to pick up FIFA ranking points and prepare for the major competitions, the Long Teng Cup has provided excitement and controversy throughout.
Whether the Philippines finish second or third will depend on the Hong Kong-Taiwan result.
Should the hosts and reigning champions draw Taiwan, the Philippines will finish third on goal difference (goals scored-goals conceded). Should Hong Kong win, however, the hosts will retain the Long Teng Cup while the loser will drop to third and the Philippines finish in second.
What's Next for the Azkals?
Though the Philippines have had a grueling schedule with three games in five days they won't have much time to rest as they fly to Singapore for a friendly on October 7.
Singapore, a Southeast Asian heavyweight, will be a real test for the Azkals, who managed a last minute equalizer to shock the Singaporeans in the 2010 Suzuki Cup. With Stephan Schrock, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, Ray Jonsson and Manny Ott returning to action the Philippines will have its strongest squad ever in the friendly. — JVP, GMA News
Posted by chardyboy on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Azkals Hans Michael Weiss coach is having problems with some of his players who have yet to attend the team practices.
Weiss said in a report by the Visayan Daily Star.com that it looks like some of his players are starting to have "rock star attitude" because of the team’s success.
“We have been very patient and very supportive with the players for the past eight months,” he said.
The report did not mention the names of the players Weiss was referring to.
He said some of the players failed to communicate with the team, preferring to go on a “longer holiday.”
“We are now on the process of tapping alternative players for the training pool for more options,” said Weiss.
Team manager Dan Palami said they plan to recruit several members of the Ceres-Negros Team, which played a friendly game against the Azkals in Bacolod on Tuesday.
Palami, however, said that this does not mean that they are cutting off those who failed to join their camp in Bacolod.
Posted by chardyboy on Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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by jULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA
MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Philippine Azkals team expressed words of comfort through Twitter for their teammates Phil and James Younghusband, whose mother recently passed away due to a heart attack.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, Jason Sabio wrote, “Cherish life and your loved ones. Celebrate one's life rather than mourn their death. Thoughts prayers and blessings to my dearest brothers.”
He followed this tweet with, “With every death, a choice is thrusted upon us. Choose to celebrate the life that has passed and cherish your own. God Bless Tita Susan...”
Anton del Rosario, meanwhile, also shared words of sympathy to the Younghusbands, “Anything you guys need, the team and I got you... You guys are family… @JYH7 @PhilYHusband Thoughts and prayers go out to the both of you,” said he.
“so sad to hear about their loss. everyone around u guys are there for u. much love to phil & james our thoughts are with u right now,” Simon Greatwich posted. On Saturday, he addressed Phil and James, saying, “thinking of you both :(“
Nate Burkey tweeted also on Saturday, "Thoughts and deep prayers for @PhilYHusband @JYH7 are needed. Blessings!"
On Sunday, former Azkals coach Simon McMenemy posted, "@PhilYHusband @JYH7 tough to find the words. Sending love and support from Sarah and I."
Quoting a text message from Phil and James’ manager Cathy Rivilla, a story on gmanews.tv, reported on Sunday, that Mrs. Susan Younghusband “died of a massive heart attack around 10:30 p.m.” the previous evening.
On Sunday, “Balitanghali” quoted the Younghusband family’s business partner Jojo Durian as saying that her death came as a surprise because she isn’t afflicted with any illness that they know of.
The same newscast related that according to Jojo, Mrs. Younghusband was supposed to have a massage due to back pain when she had the heart attack. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, but this proved too late. She was 49.
On Sunday morning, Phil and James immediately flew back to Manila from Bacolod where the team held their training over the weekend. In the meantime, the family declined any request for interview by the media, asking that they be given time to mourn their loss in private.
The remains of Mrs. Younghusband are reportedly interred at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque. She is survived by her three children namely Phil, James and younger sister Keri.
Aside from members of the Azkals team such as Anton, Jason and team captain Aly Borromeo, “Unang Hirit” reported that model Bubbles Paraiso and actress Angel Locsin already went to the wake on Sunday evening.
"Just came the wake of tita Susan... Big hugs to @JYH7 and @PhilYHusband..." Bubbles tweeted.
With the death of their mother, “Balitanghali” noted that the younger Younghusbands are now orphans as their British father, the late Philip Younghusband Sr., already passed away years ago.
Posted by chardyboy on Sunday, September 11, 2011
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by manilastandardtoday.com
FOOTBALL officials are upbeat of the possibility of Real Madrid making an appearance in the Philippines and playing a series of friendlies with the Azkals.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this yesterday after getting confirmation from Nepal and Singapore that their national teams are ready to play tuneup matches, with the Azkals.
“It would be great if Mr. (Manny) Pangilinan will be able to bring Real Madrid here in the Philippines. It’s going to be a first. Imagine, having one of the biggest football clubs in Europe and in the world coming here,” said Araneta.
Pangilinan earlier confirmed that exploratory talks are now going on with top officials of Real Madrid over the possibility of their basketball and football teams to come the Philippines.
Real Madrid is considered as one of the most successful clubs in Spain, having won 31 Liga title.
The team also owns 18 Spanish “Copa del Rey” Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups, a Copa Eva Duarte and a Copa de la Liga.
They also have a record of nine United Europe Football Association Champions Leagues, two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup crown and three Intercontinental Cups.
The team is bannered by Brazilian ace Cristiano Ronaldo, one of their highest-paid players, who has scored 69 goals out of the 64 appearances he made with the team.
Meanwhile, the Azkals are scheduled to have a friendly encounter with Nepal on Oct. 7, 7 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial football pitch.
Their friendly with Singapore will be on Oct. 11 in Singapore.
All-Nepal Football Association President Ganesh Thapa earlier informed Araneta that their national squad will face the Azkals when they tour the ASEAN region. On the other hand, Singapore FA president Winston Lee confirmed their tuneup with the Azkals with Araneta.
Nepal’s game will be part of the Azkals’ preparation for the South Asian Football Federation Championship, scheduled in December in India.
The Philippine Azkals, and the national under-23 team, are currently in Bacolod to play friendlies with school squads. They are getting ready to see action in the Southeast Asian Games.
President Thapa said that Nepal National team is all set to tour Philippines on Oct. 11, before going to Cambodia to take on Cambodia U-23 on Oct. 28. Peter Atencio
MANILA—A Philippine football team expected to be at full-strength faces Nepal in an international friendly on October 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Friday said Nepal has confirmed the date to battle the Azkals.
It will mark the first time in more than a decade that the country is hosting an international friendly match.
Although the Philippines has hosted tournaments like the AFC Challenge Cup and more recently, the World Cup Qualifiers, it has not staged a friendly match at home since the Philippines lost to Estonia, 0-1, in November 1997 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With Nepal’s confirmation and Singapore also agreeing to host the Azkals on October 7 at the Jelan Basar Stadium, the national team will be in for a tough grind with five matches in 11 days.
The Azkals, currently in Bacolod for a week-long training camp, will play three games in the Long Teng Cup in Kaouhsiung starting September 30.
National team manager Dan Palami is relishing the latest challenge for the Azkals, who lost to Kuwait, 1-3, in the second round of World Cup Qualifying at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last July 28.
“It’s a daunting task, but I’ve always thought that the only way we can improve is by playing more international matches,” said Palami.
“The good thing now is we have a pool of players in the team and only five from the Long Teng Cup team will be called up for the Singapore and Nepal matches.”
Europe-based players Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Manny Ott and Paul Mulders will be available for the friendlies since the dates of the matches fall on the international break.
Dennis Cagara has already indicated his interest in playing for the Azkals in the two matches, Palami said.
“Anytime we have a full squad is always a plus for us because our players are not available all the time,” Araneta said.
The Nepal match, Palami said, will give the Azkals a preview of what to expect in the AFC Challenge Cup next year in Kathmandu.
“It will be a good preview for us to see their playing style and since they are ranked higher than us, it will be a good indicator of how we are from their level,” said Palami.
Palami said the friendly against the Singapore will be a gauge on how both teams have gone since the Azkals held the Lions to a 1-1 draw in their run to the Suzuki Cup semifinals last year.
Posted by chardyboy on Saturday, September 10, 2011
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by FRANCIS SANTIAGO
MANILA, Philippines — As if bringing NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant to Manila weren’t enough, sports patron and businessman Manny V. Pangilinan has revealed another planned sports extravaganza that could again capture the imagination of the Filipino fans: Exhibition matches by Spain’s Real Madrid football and basketball teams here.
Plans are still on the drawing board, but Pangilinan said if everything falls into place, the visiting teams may play a pair of tune up games against the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas and the Philippine football team.
The idea to bring in the Spanish teams here was offered by one of the business partners of Meralco, the country’s largest electrical power distributor, which Pangilinan heads as President and CEO.
“We have already talked to them about how much it’s going to cost and the arrangements. But I don’t know yet about the calendar. So it’s really very preliminary,” Pangilinan told reporters Wednesday night at the Meralco headquarters in Ortigas.
Bannered by top winger/striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid FC is widely considered the most decorated professional club in Spanish football, having been voted by the International Football Federation (Fifa) as the most successful club of the 20th century.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s Baloncesto basketball team, which plays in Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto, is one of the top basketball squads in Spain and Europe, having won 30 Spanish League championships and a record eight Euroleague crowns.
“It’s still in the drawing board that’s why I don’t want to raise expectations. But I’m hopeful it will happen if we could only work out the economics of it,” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan’s announcement came on a night the new members of the Loyola Meralco Sparks FC were formally introduced to media.
Azkals’ Fil-British brothers Phil and James Younghusbands, who spent time with English Premier League club Chelsea when they were teenagers, signed a three-year deal with the squad in the United Football League, which starts its UFL Cup competition in October.
Aside from the Younghusband brothers, the three Hartmann brothers, Matthew, Darren and Mark were also introduced. Matthew and Mark are part of the training pool for the Under-23 football team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in November.
“I would like to thank the players and welcome to Meralco. I think we have a family affair since we have brothers in the team,” Pangilinan said.
LMSFC, one of the youngest teams in the league that finished fifth last season, competes in the 10-team first division of the UFL, which recently struck a five-year, P150-million television deal with TV5 to have its matches shown live.
Posted by chardyboy on Wednesday, September 07, 2011
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by abs-cbnNEWS.com MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino-Spanish football player is following the footsteps of striker Angel Guirado.
Carlos Alberto MartÃnez de Murga Olaivar who like Guirado, hails from Andalusia, Southern Spain, joined the Azkals as they prepare for the Long Teng Cup.
The rightback played for Tercera division side Racing Club Portuense in Spain.
Olaivar is the second Azkals player to come from Spain, the 2010 FIFA World Cup champion.
He will join fellow recruit Roland Mueller during Azkals' practices at the Alabang Country Club and at the Rizal Memorial football field.
The 22-year-old De Murga is also eyed to boost the country's under-23 team, which will compete at the Southeast Asian Games in November.
MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Azkals side that will parade a full complement will play higher-ranked Singapore in a Fifa friendly match next month.
Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said Singapore (129th in the world) has agreed to meet the Azkals (162nd) on Oct. 7 at the Lions’ turf, giving the Pinoys a chance to test their skills and possibly improve their world ranking.
“Singapore has agreed to do a friendly but instead of having it here, they want it held in Singapore since they have a scheduled Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers third round game on Oct. 11,” Araneta said of Singapore’s positive response to the PFF’s invitation.
“We at the PFF and Azkals coach Michael Weiss are both okay with it so we’ll finalize the arrangement with the Football Association of Singapore,” he added.
The PFF has invited higher-ranked countries like Singapore, Oman, Qatar, and Bangladesh, to play the Azkals anytime from Oct. 6-11, the period designated as “Fifa match calendar days.”
During those dates, clubs all over the world will release players to their respective national teams, allowing the likes of Europe-based Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara to join the Azkals. “All the players based in Europe will be available, so we’re excited to see the full squad play against a higher ranked team like Singapore,” said Araneta.
Pakistan, ranked 170th, has offered to come over to Manila to tangle with the Azkals on Oct. 9.
“It will be up to Weiss and team management if they would want to play Pakistan after the friendly with Singapore,” Araneta said.
The Azkals are back in training after bowing out of the World Cup Asian preliminaries. They are set to hold camp in Bacolod City this week before competing at the Long Teng Cup in Chinese-Taipei from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.
Posted by chardyboy on Thursday, September 01, 2011
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by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals will return to Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City where they will play a friendly game against the Negros Under-23 team.
According to the Visayan Daily Star, the Philippine national team will face the Ceres - Negros First Under 23 Suzuki Cup champion team on September 13.
The report said local fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their football heroes, which include siblings Phil and James Younghusband, and Ilonggos Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta.
The game will be part of the Azkals' preparations for the coming Long Teng Cup in Taiwan late September.
The Azkals won the hearts of Filipino fans at the Panaad Stadium when they beat the Mongolia Blue Wolves during the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying playoff last February.
Posted by chardyboy on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
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by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Several key Azkals players won’t be able to play for the national squad in the Long Teng Cup in September.
ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo reported that Filipino-Europeans Neil Etherdige, Rob Gier, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Stephan Schrock will be missing the event that is due to take place in Taiwan.
Some of the players are unavailable in September due to commitments with their respective ball clubs in Europe.
"Sorry I won't be able to make the long teng cup I'm sure that the team will do great! Will be supporting them all the way," said Etheridge through Twitter.
The Long Teng Cup is not listed in the coordinated FIFA international match calendar, which is why the football clubs are not compelled to release the players.
Gier, meanwhile, chose to stay close with his wife, who is due to give birth.
"Because of the imminent arrival of my baby girl I will not be taking part in the Long Teng Cup. This does not mean that I won't be taking part in future matches and I look forward to meeting up with the guys again very soon. I hope you all understand that it is an important time for me to be at home," he said through his Facebook account.
Filipino-British siblings Phil and James Younghusband, meanwhile, will be around to provide the needed boost for the Azkals.
They already began training with the rest of the Azkals at the Alabang Country club on Tuesday.
“Good to be back on team, good to see the same old faces. Good as well to get back in training,” said James.
Joining them is 23-year-old Filipino-German recruit Roland Mueller, second choice goalkeeper of German second division squad Duisburg.
Filipino-Dutch Jason de Jong and Filipino-German Manny Ott will join the Azkals as well.
MANILA, Philippines - 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 Mueller of Bundesliga second division club MSV Duisburg and attacking midfielder Kevin Ingreso from Hamburg.
“I have a new keeper now in Roland Mueller 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.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said yesterday Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match here on Oct. 9 and it will be an early preview of what to expect in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals in March.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Araneta said a plan for Manila to host a four-team invitational tournament has been scrapped because of conflicts with FIFA schedules. The Philippines, ranked No. 162 by FIFA, is booked to play in the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup next year. The national under-23 squad, coached by Michael Weiss, will compete in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. The PFF’s contract with Weiss expires in 2013.
Araneta confirmed that the Azkals will participate in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. The tournament is traditionally among host Chinese-Taipei, Macau, Hong Kong and the Philippines. But organizers are planning to expand the cast to six with invitations sent out to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Last year, the Philippines posted a 1-1-1 record in the competition, crushing Macau, 5-0, losing to Hong Kong, 4-2, and tying with Chinese-Taipei, 1-1.
Araneta said he expects Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to fly in for the Kaohsiung tournament. The Azkals will not undergo special training for the Long Teng Cup. However, the under-23 team will set up boot camp in Kuwait or Bahrain or Japan before the SEA Games in Indonesia on Nov. 11-22.
Regarding a training program for the Azkals in Europe, Araneta said he spoke with Sen. Edgardo Angara on the phone three weeks ago about the possibility of arranging a tie-up with a Spanish club. Last year, three officials from Real Madrid were in Manila to explore a working relationship with the PFF through Sen. Angara. It was then agreed that the PFF, still under former president Mari Martinez, would get the ball rolling by formally requesting training assistance from Real Madrid. An eyewitness said the Real Madrid and PFF officials shook hands to indicate a meeting of the minds. The formal letter, however, was never sent. The protocol in such an arrangement involves a triggering letter of request from a national federation and a city-to-city agreement to cement the relationship. Martinez was eventually replaced by Araneta who said he knows nothing about the Real Madrid meeting.
Araneta said he was informed that the Barcelona Football Club is interested to look into the early history of Filipino football star Paulino Alcantara who was born in Iloilo in 1896. Alcantara was the first Filipino ever to play in Europe and made his Barcelona debut at the age of 17. He finished his football career as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 357 goals in 357 matches, a record that remains unmatched and unsurpassed. Alcantara later served as Barcelona club director and Spanish national coach. He died in 1964.
“We were advised that the Spanish consul would like to visit Iloilo sometime next month and find out more about Mr. Alcantara’s beginnings, how he is revered in Iloilo,” said Araneta. “Perhaps, this could be the start of a relationship between Iloilo and Barcelona and between the Azkals and the Barcelona Football Club.”
Sen. Angara recently announced in his twitter account that the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain, headed by Jose Bono Martinez, has issued an institutional declaration affirming close ties between the Philippines and Spain. The Philippines was cited by the Spanish Congress for “unparalleled magnanimity” towards Spanish soldiers during the Siege of Baler in 1898-99. The bond linking both countries is celebrated on Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30 as decreed by the Philippine government.
As for the Azkals incentives, Araneta revealed that each player received $1,000 after the recent Sri Lanka home-and-away series. Before the home game against Kuwait, the PFF gave the Azkals $500 with the promise of a $1,000 bonus for a win and a $4,000 reward for making it into the third round of the World Cup Asia qualifiers.
Cortal, a major Azkals sponsor, also offered incentives for the home match against Kuwait – P1 Million for every goal in a win and P500,000 for every goal in a loss. As it turned out, the Philippines lost a 2-1 heartbreaker. Because of the Azkals’ lone goal in the defeat, Cortal is committed to pay out P500,000. It’s not certain if the players will get a share of the incentive. Araneta said he is not involved in the commercial aspects of marketing the Azkals and wouldn’t know if the players will receive a share or if Cortal has even paid the bonus. He said team manager Dan Palami, who has registered the Azkals trademark, is in charge of the marketing affairs. As of yesterday, a high-profile Azkals player said he had not received a share of the Cortal incentive and didn’t know if the players would be given by Palami.
Araneta said the PFF grossed over P20 Million in ticket sales for the Sri Lanka and Kuwait matches at the Rizal Memorial. “We were told La Salle spends about P900,000 a year to maintain the pitch and we’re grateful to La Salle for transforming it into a world-class field,” he said. “We’re offering to pay half the maintenance costs as we know La Salle spent over P8 Million to rehabilitate the pitch and we’ll be making extensive use of it. We still have a lot to do in sprucing up Rizal, like cleaning up the restrooms in the gallery section. The unmoving clock on the giant scoreboard is an eyesore and we’ve had to rent two electronic scoreboards for the recent matches. We hope the Philippine Sports Commission will consider replacing the giant clock scoreboard with a digital system.”
MANAMA—Impressed by the huge turnout in the friendly pitting the Philippines and its Under-23 Olympic team, the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) is eyeing a bigger partnership with the Azkals, including more training camps here and the possible staging of a four-nation tournament.
About 10,000 people, most of them overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here, turned up in the first of the two Bahrain-Philippines friendly matches that ended with Bahrain winning, 2-1, at the National Stadium in Riffa Saturday night.
“The Philippine team is always welcome here,” BFA technical affairs head Hassan Ismael told the Philippine Daily Inquirer Sunday night during a dinner tendered by the football association. “We saw the loyalty of Filipinos to their team and it’s a quality that people in Bahrain share with them.”
The Azkals are scheduled to play the Bahrain Under-23 team again Monday night in the friendly matches sponsored by AMA International University and Dr. Amable Aguiluz.
The Azkals are gearing up for their second-round World Cup qualifying duel against Middle East powerhouse Kuwait on July 23 and 28.
Ismael said they could help stage a four-nation tournament featuring neighboring Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates and the Azkals in 2012.
The Bahrain squad came within a win of reaching the 2010 World Cup.
Lead organizer Edith Fuentes of Creator Marketing and Consultancy said the match marked one of the biggest gatherings of Filipinos here. Bahrain is home to 46,000 OFWs.
Azkals manager Dan Palami welcomed the partnership.
“A closer cooperation with the Bahrain Football Association will be very beneficial to the Philippines … considering the level and quality of football here,” Palami said.
KUWAIT – Fans of the Philippine Azkals in Kuwait are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Philippines new sports heroes.
The Azkals, who already left the Philippines for their acclimatization in Bahrain, are scheduled to play against the Kuwait Al-Azraq in Hawalli on July 23.
Filipinos based in Kuwait have also caught the Azkals fever and are now busy printing Azkals t-shirts, badges and banners which will be used in their away game in Kuwait.
“Ginawa namin ito pang-suporta lang actually sa team Azkals. Proud nga tayo dahil makakarating ang Philippine team dito. Kaming grupo gumawa kami ng paraan para suportahan [sila],” said Azkals fan Nelson Lacson.
“Kaya dito, go, go kami sa Azkals. Support the Azkals,” said another Azkals fan, Romano Roman.
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait is also helping the Filipino community in Kuwait in their efforts to boost the morale of the Philippine Azkals.
“This is one occasion that the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community here in Kuwait should join forces together in showing their unity in boosting the morale of the Filipino football national team,” said Ambassador Shulan Primavera.
Impressed
The Kuwait Football Association is also preparing for the arrival of the Azkals.
Talal Al-Mehteb, Kuwait Football Association Media Officer, said their local organizing committee has already laid out plans in welcoming the Philippine national team.
Everything is ok, moving smoothly…but we are waiting from the Philippine team to confirm their time of arrival to Kuwait, to prepare the technical meeting, the press conference for them,” he said.
Al-Mehteb said the Kuwait football team was impressed with the Azkals’ 4-0 victory over the Sri Lankan Brave Reds early this month.
Despite its higher ranking, Team Kuwait refuses to underestimate the Azkals.
“Most of them are professionals. It's a big problem for our team,” said Al-Mehteb. “All of our players are non-professionals, but we are all preparing for them now.”
The away game will take place at the Qadsia Club Stadium.
The Kuwait Football Federation prepared security measures as fans are expected to fill up the 25,000-seater football stadium
“But I don't think there will be a problem. Kuwait is a peaceful country and they can enjoy with the Kuwait people,” said Al-Mehteb.
Ticket for the Azkals’ away game against Kuwait are priced at 5 Kuwait Dinars (P765), 3 Kuwait Dinars (P459), and 2 Kuwait Dinars (P306). -- With a report from Maxxy Santiago, ABS-CBN Middle East Bureau
More than 13,000 fans recently filled the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila to share a first in the country’s history: the Philippine Azkals claimed a banner 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka, allowing it to have a shot at the second round of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying series.
This group of young men, whose dreams were anchored on giving pride and honor to the country, only recently shot to fame after putting the Philippines in the World Cup football map.
And just like the native stray dogs it was named after, members of the team admitted that it didn’t come easy for them, as they had to undergo a lot of hardships and face challenges before they were able to live their dreams. It took a while before the team got the support and attention it needed to rally on.
Limited budget
“Before, our budget is limited, we don’t have much time to prepare for competitions, there were no endorsements, allowance and food. We survived because of our love and passion for the sports,” said forward player Ian Araneta.
“It’s very tough. There were ups and downs and there’s no support. One of the reasons we are called Azkals is we look for scraps for food,” shared team captain Ali Borromeo.
Following the group’s recent wins, however, the Azkals are now enjoying their much-needed support.
“It’s the best feeling when you go out, when people are happily embracing football and cheering for the team. I think the country needs more heroes. We don’t want to be an overnight thing. We don’t want to be a fad. We want to keep winning games. We want to keep the fire for football for Pinoys,” Borromeo said.
The road toward the prestigious World Cup however will be fraught with mental and emotional challenges, not to mention physical pains and injuries that can hinder a possible goal or win.
“Being competitive athletes, we’re prone to sores in legs and thighs; pain is all over our body,” noted defender Anton del Rosario.
“As we train every day, we put our body on the line, so we are very prone to body pain and injury,” added goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
The team know that it would need a medicine that would allow them to effectively and safely combat pain for them to win each game and continue to give honor to the country—a medicine that can provide a quick relief from pain.
Fast, safe, long-lasting relief
As such, the Philippine Azkals had chosen Pharma-Rex Inc.’s Cortal SQR as their official pain reliever because of its promise of fast, safe and long-lasting relief from body pain.
“Our campaign is anchored on the Azkals’ battlecry: ‘We Believe’ which upholds Filipinos’ determination to win. Our own campaign, ‘Sa Cortal SQR, Kaya mo yan’ highlights our countrymen’s resilience against pain and obstacles, hence the birth of the campaign ‘We Believe, Kaya Mo Yan,’” explained Pharma-Rex president Lito Tadena.
The Philippine Azkals, he added, best represent what Cortal SQR wants to tell the public: “We can overcome pain to succeed.”
“And with Cortal SQR’s new advanced formulation combining Ibuprofen and paracetamol, which promises pain relief Asap or ‘alis sakit, alis pain,’ the Azkals are assured of body pain relief in less than 15 minutes, giving them more time to continue training and bigger opportunities to score more goals for the country,” Tadena concluded.
Cortal SQR was acquired from GlaxoSmithKline Philippines by Pharma-Rex Inc., a local pharmaceutical firm that aims to provide affordable quality medicines to Filipinos.
