Neil's Back!!!

  That's right everyone! Neil Etheridge just arrived yesterday in Manila! It has been months since our hunky goalkeeper got to visit the Philippines. I can almost hear the squeals and screams you guys are giving out while reading this blog. I know right? I freaked out when I heard about it too!
  I hate to say that when I heard that Neil wasn't able to come to the LA Galaxy game, I thought he'd never come back. But here he is now, suiting up for the game on Wednesday against Malaysia.
  
  
FACTS ON NEIL ETHERIDGE...

  Neil is wild. And when I say he's wild, I say it because I've got sources, people. Hate to break your heart, girls, but it seems like the hunky goalkeeper we all fell in love with is a bit of a ladies' man. I can even tell you he goes to clubs and parties every other night when he isn't too tired from training, both in Fulham and in the Philippines. We can't blame him really, since he's soooooo young and has this looks that can make the strongest of women swoon. *sigh* Oh well, there's still James Younghusband, right?



SIGHTINGS:

  Paolo Pascual showing his moves with the game against Laos that was held in Brunei yesterday. Thanks for goalkeeping, Paolo!
  Rob Gier along with Jason Sabio and -of course- Neil Etheridge arriving in the Philippines.
  Misahg Bahadoran leaving after winning a game with the Global FC against the Philippine Navy. Spotted entering the Azkals Sports Bar afterwards.
  ATTENTION! Azkals will have a practice later at the Turf GBC starting 6 pm. An audience is allowed!!! Come on guys, what are you waiting for? I know I'll be there. ;)

  Stay tuned for more updates on the Azkals....

Younghusbands: So, how's life?

So, how's life for the two brothers that changed the meaning of football for our country? Well, they're doing great. As a matter of fact, they're doing more than great. James and Phil are actually endorsing for Aronamin Gold, a vitamin that gives helps increase your level and helps improve your mood. If you must be wondering why the Younghusbands might take such vitamins, well, I hope you're not forgetting about them still being football players who have to practice long hours a day and have to get enough rest for games and matches.
  So how much time do the brothers really have to spend some bonding moments with their friends and family?
  All of us know that Phil is currently dating actress Angel Locsin -heartbreaker moment-. So, how do they get time to actually see each other, what with both of their hazy schedules?

   “I don’t know, I mean, we try to find time. I mean Angel is busy with her movie as well; she’s [working] 24/7 at the moment. But ah when we see, we talk and we understand that work is priority and we support each other.” Phil says in his sexy British accent.
  Since James' latest breakup with Fiona Faulkner, he dedicates his time to his ten-year-old sister, Keri.
     “She’s doing good now. She’s stronger than me and Phil. She always has a smile on her face. She’s enjoying everything she does. And we’re trying to help her find out what she wants, what things she enjoys—like hip-hop dancing, and tennis.” James says proudly.
  “She tried football but I don’t think she’s a team player,” Phil jokes.
   
  To add some fun to the blog I found some pictures trending online that shows James and Phil when they were young. Oh yes! 

James, Keri, and Phil

Wow, who knew Phil could have been so fat when he was young?

SIGHTINGS:

  Neil Etheridge seen taking the next flight to Manila from Dubai. Can't wait to see him play for the Azkals against the Malaysian team. Aly Borromeo spotted at yesterday's game against Philippine Army, playing for his club, Kaya FC. Congrats Kaya for winning and for getting your captain back in shape!
  Seeing some action with Chieffy Caligdong, despite his injury he still manages to visit The 4th Mizuno Pascual Lab Football Festival in Barotac Nuevo. Paolo Pascual seen in the opening of the Bolkiah Cup hosted by the country of Brunei. Good luck with your game today -February 6- against Laos, Paolo!     
  Misagh Bahadoran seen arriving at the Azkals Sports Bar in the afternoon. Phil Younghusband at the ASAP 2012, promoting the Azkals' game against Malaysia on Wednesday! Jason Sabio leaves Tali to watch The Rivalry: Ateneo vs. La Salle.
  Wow. A lot of Azkal action this week! Hope to see more in a couple of days!

  Wait for more on the Azkals and their next game against -drumroll, please- the Malaysian Tigers!
              Stay tuned everyone.....

Philippine Azkals vs. Malaysia Tigers

   Our national football team, the Azkals are going to face the Malaysian Tigers on Feb. 29, 2012, Wednesday at 6 pm live at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
  But remember folks, the Malaysian Tigers is still considered as one of the best football teams in Asia and have won last year's Suzuki Cup. Better watch out, Azkals!
  Thanks to Neil Etheridge and Ray Jonsson for being available for the team on Wednesday. Too bad Chieffy Caligdong and Rob Gier won't be there.

 Tickets are now available at ticketworld.com.ph

Prices are as follows:

    PhP 2,668.00

    PhP 1,600.80

    PhP 533.60

  PhP 213.44

   PhP 106.72

  I know, some are quite expensive right? Lol, I had a heart attack when I saw the most expensive one. Thank goodness for bleachers, right?

SIGHTINGS:

  Aly Borromeo spotted in the gym, working his hamstrings. Did you guys know already about his torn ACL? Phil YH had lunch in Kenny Rogers Festival. Lexton Moy getting some quality time with Phil YH and unknown in a water spa. M Bahadoran going back to house after morning training with Global. James YH seen in Daang Hari shooting for FYI: Football Younghusband Instructional for IBC13.


  That's it for today, Azkaleros! Stay tuned for more sightings and posts about your favorite national team...

   

 

Misagh Bahadoran: Personal Life

Full Name: Misahg Medina Bahadoran
Birth Date: January 10, 1987 (25 Years Old)
Place Of Birth: Pampanga, Philippines
Field Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Global FC
Current Number: 13 (Global) 9 (Azkals)

Hotness Rate: 8/10

  What is one word to describe Misagh Bahadoran? Well it starts with an "H" and ends with a "D". You guessed right! Hollywood. That's what Misagh's team calls him. Why? Because of his handsome and cute looks of course! Who could deny  Misagh with those blue eyes and that brown hair! He definitely has killer looks.
  But there's a little catch. His accent. I was tuning into a news channel and spotted a news reporter interviewing Misagh. I recognized Bahadoran's name because of his attendance in the game against Korea last January. I thought he was so cute, but then he opened his mouth and talked. My mouth opened and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Yes, he has an accent, since he really is half Iranian and half Filipino.
  In 2007, the Philippines was already inviting Misagh to play for our national football team, but Misagh's father asked him not to join the team just yet, due to Misagh's studies. Therefore, Misagh stayed and pursued his studies. The main reason why his father didn't want him to join was that the football career Misagh wanted is not stable. So, if ever his football career goes bad or something happens, Misagh would always have a backup plan.
  "They invited me to join the Philippine football team but because my fist priority was my school and college, my dad did not allow me to go," Misagh tells us.

  Ever since Misagh was a boy, his older brother and himself used to play football all the time. This inspired Bahadoran to play and pursue his football dream.

  Misagh graduated last 2011 with a degree in dentistry. It was only then that his father allowed him to play football again and join the Philippine team. "I just graduated as a dentist from the Centro Escolar University, He (his father) then allowed me to play football." says Misagh with a big smile plastered on his face.
  Well, Misagh, we are all very happy for you.

  If asked who is closest to him from the Azkals Misagh would definitely say Angel Guirado. Even though if he always substituted for Guirado in two games for their qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup, substituting Angel on the 93rd minute in the first leg, and 80th minute in the second leg. Not really enough time to make those two games his football debut.



More on Misagh Bahadoran later! Stay tuned.

Azkals vs. Australia: 0-1

  Unfortunately, the Australian team managed to score a goal last night, giving them a one point advantage against the Azkals in the first half.
  The Azkals came out in the second half looking determined to score an equalizer and get past Australia's defense. It turned out that the Aussies defense was too compact for the Azkals to get through. Although, the Philippines really had a nice and strong defense with Juan Luis Guirado and Ray Jonsson managing the back and Neil Etheridge as our goalkeeper.
  It turns out that the sensational brothers, James and Phil were not available for last night's match. The Younghusbands flew back to Manila two days before the match, due to club loyalty. James, the stand-in captain for the Azkals, since Aly Borromeo and Chieffy Caligdong is both injured, was replaced by Ray Jonsson, who wore the captain's armband in the game.

  To be honest, I thought the Australian team won ball possession. It was pretty clear that the Azkals were more on defense. Denise Wolf and Angel Guirado were the strikers of the game, since Phil wasn't there to help them. I was really dissapointed with how Angel played yesterday's game. He gave a lot of fouls which led to free kicks. Thank goodness Neil Etheridge was there to save us.

  Nearing the end of the game, Misahg Bahadoran was replaced by Joshua Beloya. It has been a while since we've seen Beloya out in the field. If you don't remember him, well, he's the player who scored with the Azkals in the last SEA Games. Our savior really, for the Under-23 team at that time. 

    

   Good luck to the Azkals on their next match against Malaysia on Feb. 29 at 6 pm, televised by Studio 23 and Balls.

Azkals vs. Ah Ahli Dubai: WE WON!!!

Yes, you heard that right, Philippines won against the Ah Ahli of Dubai with the score of 3-1 last night. Congratulations Azkals!

  If you haven't noticed, our defense was far more guarded then what we had when we played against Uzbekistan last Saturday. It was a relief that our defense was that strong that the Ah Ahli could only manage to kick in one goal. But of course, who could get past Jason Fabio, Luis Guirado, and Roland Muller at the same time, right? 

  Thanks to Phil for scoring twice at the game yesterday! We are very lucky to have both Younghusbands in the team, one managing the scoring, and the other managing that the scoring does happen.

 

  And who else to score one of the goals but, our latest addition to the team, Denis Wolf. With the help from Angel Guirado, who passed a through ball to James Younghusband who's touch got deflected by the keeper but went straight to Denis Wolf who was lurking in the box. Denis Wolf scored his very first international goal wearing the Azkals' blue uniform. More power, Denis!

  Which reminds me really. I keep on typing Denis Wolf's name on the search bar in Twitter but never find him. So, I'm just guessing now that he's too busy to make himself an account in Twitter, which is kind of lame really.

  And guess what? Neil Etheridge is going to try to fly over and play goalkeeper for the Azkals' next game against the Australian U-23 team on Thursday at 11 pm on Studio 23. Thank you, Neil! 

  Good luck on your next game Azkals! More power to the dogs in blue! -LOL-

  Stay tuned for more updates! Later, guys!

 

Coach Weiss: How we doing?

  We all must be wondering what Coach Weiss thinks about how the Azkals lost against the U-23 team of Uzbekistan last Saturday, which was quite a shame really.
  The real problem was that, in the second half of the game, the Azkals stopped playing offense and started adding on to the defense, which is pretty stupid really.
  If I were to ask you "Which would you like better? To score more goals, or to add defense on your goal so your enemy won't score?", what would you answer? Well, if you asked me that I would say make more goals! But still, we can't blame Weiss on anything because he really is trying his best for the team and working extremely hard just to get things in tow.
  "We fielded younger players in the first half and a lack of coordination and a few mistakes from us got punished severely and quickly, but the spirit of the group was great." he says. "Our problem is we don't have enough training time together. We have to link better and there must be support from the midfielders."

  Which was pretty weird for him to say because, James Younghusband, who usually plays right midfield was actually controlling the defense. I think he was playing for central defense, really.
  But anyway, I do hope that the Azkals do better and win their next game against the Australian team on February 16, at 11 pm. Be sure to watch and tune into Studio 23 for that! 

  Happy Valentines' Day everyone!

  

Aly Borromeo---Injured?

  If you must be wondering why our team captain, Aly Borromeo, was absent in Azkals' match with Uzbekistan last Sunday, was because of an injury that occurred in one of his matches with his local team, Kaya Cignal.
  Aly tore his ACL, which is pretty dang serious by the way. The injury is a bit critical to the knee's stability and unfortunately, a few people who's ACL got injured often complains about their knee giving out from under them. Yeah, not good news from our team's captain, eh?
  Dan Palami, the Azkals' team manager, is hoping desperately that Aly would get better before the AFC Challenge Cup but chances are a bit low
  Anyway, I do hope Aly knows that all of us fans are supporting him and wishing he could get better. Our prayers and love goes out to you, Aly!

Some Facts On Aly Borromeo...
  Did you guys know Aly played as a goalkeeper before he became central defense? This happened when he was still under 19 and represented the Philippines' qualifiers for the AFC Youth Championship in 2000. I mean, Aly? A goalkeeper? I know right!
  Hey, did you guys hear? Aly is NOT single anymore? Sorry to spoil some of your hopes there, just giving out helpful advice. But don't worry guys! Look at the bright side! Simon Greatwich is still single right?

More posts on Aly Borromeo's health later!

Azkals vs. Uzbekistan

  Sadly, our Philippine Azkals has lost to Uzbekistan's White Wolves U-23. Yes, you heard that right! Our national senior team has lost to a junior team. I know, that's one of the saddest news I've heard about the team yet.
  But still, I bet all of us were happy when we saw some of our favorite players who we haven't seen out on the fields lately: James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband, Roland Muller, Jason de Jong, and Angel Guirado.
  I was pretty surprised to see James wearing the captain's armband, supposing that either Chieffy Caligdong or Aly Borromeo would take the role as Captain. But unfortunately, Chieffy Caligdong couldn't play at last night's game due to an injury that he got in a game with his local club, the Philippine Arm Force who are currently at the 7th place in the UFL League. While, Aly Borromeo still hasn't gotten over an unexplained injury that has made him absent for football games for quite a while now.
  I was also kind of glad Roland Muller was playing as goalkeeper for the Philippines, filling in for Neil Etheridge. Did you guys know he's German? Yeah, I just found out about that a few days ago.
  Almost all of the people who attended the game at the Maktoum Stadium last night were Filipinos. You could hear the screams our Pinay fans made whenever the Philippines were in possession.

  The next game of the Azkals would be on Feb. 13 against the Al Ahli which time has not yet been confirmed by Studio 23. But the game against Australia would be on Feb. 16 at 11 pm, kickoff starting at 12 midnight.

The Del Rosario Brothers

Since the Younghusband brothers are always in the spotlight, everybody else forgets about the other brothers out in the field. Nope, not the Hartmanns either. I'm talking about Anton and Armand del Rosario.
  I'm sure you must have seen Armand in the Azkals' line up a couple of times, but his younger brother, Anton usually takes up the fan's attention. Armand describes his younger brother as a "icon for the younger generation", what with Anton's devotion and love for football.
  If you guys haven't noticed, Anton describes football as "soccer", which only means one thing: Anton is an American. Yeah. He is a American-born Filipino who grew up in San Francisco, California in America. Anton also stands at the height of 5'11 and also at the age of twenty-three. Not that bad, hmm? Anton is currently known for his "superb long throws". His throws are so long that an average person can't even out kick them. Well, of course, this is just gathered information. I bet you saw the Azkals' match against CF Madrid last January where a few games were played before the match.
  Anton describes his family as a big role over his footballing career. His father, Anton says, was an active player of rugby while his mother was utterly obsessed with soccer at that time. "My mom used to coach us when I was a kid," he said.
  If you're wondering if the awesome Anton del Rosario is single, well then, I am not so sure. Some sources say that the last time they saw his relationship status on Facebook, it read "It's Complicated" which really, makes it more complicated for us to find out about his love life. So much for being able to update the fans on life stories.

    Armand, on the other hand is already married and is a proud father of three, as shown from above.

 More on the Del Rosarios later!
 

James Younghusband: Single Again

Yes everyone! You heard that right! James Younghusband of the Azkals is now finally single! If you have been a stalker of James for a while, you would have known that his girlfriend was eighteen-year-old Fiona Faulkner who is also a Filipino-British and also an Azkal fan. Yes, yes, you heard it right. She's eighteen. So what? Age doesn't matter does it?
   Unfortunately, James has refused to reveal anything about the break-up, leaving a lot of us wondering what went wrong.

So, what is our favorite player up to right now? He is simply "using his free time to take care of Keri". Keri, is James' and Phil's younger sister of nine, who we all saw in the news at the funeral of their mother, Susan Younghusband. And when James was asked how Keri was he simply said "She's good, she's good. She'll be my Valentine on Valentine's day."
 

  Aww. I know. How sweet brotherly love could be sometimes. So guys, I don't think you have to worry on what James might be doing on Valentines. You can now finally go back to sleep and as far as I'm concerned I don't think James is going to grab a date any time sooner. I really think he should try and stick to being single for a while, just for the sake of his Azkal girl fans, namely me. -Lol-
  Anyway, there are sayings going around that James and KC Concepcion should date, for publicity's sake. Well, in my own opinion, I think that those two would make a perfect couple together! Hey, don't start feeling sad all of a sudden. Who knows? Maybe if you dropped by the next Azkal game, James might spot you and have a love at first sight scene with you. Well, at least that's what I'm planning to do. Join me! -Breakups do have their own quirks, don't they?-XD

Stay tuned for more breakups and new relationship statuses of our Azkal team. And more on James, really.

Neil Etheridge: Does he have a girlfriend?

Full Name: Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge
Birth Date: February 7, 1990 (22 Years Old)
Birth Place: Enfield, London, England
Height: 6'3 -Wow, gosh he's tall!-
Field Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Fulham FC
Current Number: 38 (Fulham) 1 (Philippines)

Hotness Rate: 10/10 -Did you see his abs?-

Neil Etheridge should have a nickname from his team. Something that goes like "Football Hottie" or "Bad-ass Goalie". I know, the second nickname sucks. Apparently, I haven't been born with the talent to make up awesome nicknames for awesome people like Neil. But you have to agree "Football Hottie" does suit him. If you disagree with me please look up his abs on Google.
  So, you guys must be wondering if Neil has a girlfriend right? Hold on to your seats, pause, and relax. Don't get all panicky. I've got good news. Your in luck, because Neil is fortunately, single! I know right: kilig na kayo, noh?
  This was a long time ago but when I was watching television, I stumbled upon a show that featured the Azkals after their phenomenal game against Vietnam in 2010. They were asking some of the players to answer the host's questions and write it on a piece of paper so that their other team mates won't see their answer. The question "Sino ang babaero sa inyong lahat?". And guess what? Every one of the players wrote Neil's name down on the paper given to them. Yeah, so if you're thinking of trying to catch Neil's eyes, you'd better have a good appearance.
  I am actually following him on twitter now, and he has a lot of girl followers, believe me. If you're interested in seeing his I-love-girls-so-much tweets, follow him at @Neil38Etheridge and see his tweets for yourselves.
  If ever you get to be the next girlfriend of Neil, I would bow down to you. I don't think that kind of guy with those kind of abs would date just any kind of girl. Good luck to you!!! :)

  Neil posted this last December: “I can now officially say I will attend the AFC Challenge Cup in February! Fulham have granted permission and I am flying out weekend before!" he announced on his twitter page. That would be really great, because a lot of our Filipinos have missed him in the fields for the last couple of months. Neil will also be coming back to the Philippines on February 29 for the Azkals' friendly against Malaysia. So, to all the girls out there reading this blog, buy the tickets now, get your sexiest clothes ready, and an autograph and camera in hand, because Neil Etheridge is finally coming back!

Stay tuned for more gossip on Neil!

                                                                                                                                                                    

Phil Younghusband: Is he really serious with his relationship with Angel Locsin?

Full Name: Philip James Placer Younghusband
Birth Date: August 4, 1987 (24 Years Old)
Birth Place: Ashford, Middlesex, England
Height: 5'11
Field Position: Forward
Current Club: Loyola Meralco Sparks
Current Number: 10

Hotness Level: 5/10 -If you disagree, prove me wrong!-

Phil, the younger brother of James Younghusband, was born to a Filipino mother, Susan Younghusband, and an English father, Philip James Sr. He is the middle child, between James, 25, and Keri, 9.
  So, all of you must have heard he is currently dating a Filipino actress, Ms. Angel Locsin. Excuse me, but haven't you noticed that Phil never mentioned her as his "girlfriend"? I mean, if you'd look at some of his interviews, which could be found in youtube, he always mentioned the words "dating" and "future". Wow, girls, -if you are a girl- if I'm going to give some advice on love, here's this: If a girl talks about the future, its normal. But if a guy talks about his future, he's pretty dang serious. So if you're squealing with delight about Phil not calling Angel as his "girlfriend" yet, then you'd better stop smiling 'cause I'm pretty sure he's more serious with her than you guys would think. I'd actually give him 5 months till' he proposes. Sorry dudes. Hate to kill your hopes.
  Okay, to make up for what I just said -or typed, technically- I would love to share a video with you. If you haven't watched this video yet you'd thank me for telling you. Okay, so there's this video out of Phil videoing himself do his quirky -but fun- dance: The Philly. I know, sounds really weird right? But still, if you're a fan of James, you'd be delighted to see him later on in the video.

Visit this:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh_45xiuGqM

 Enjoy!!! More posts on Phil later! Stay tuned.

James Younghusband

Full Name:  James Joseph Placer Younghusband
Birth Date: September 4, 1986 (25 Years Old)
Place of Birth: Ashford, Middlesex, England
Height: 6'1
Field Position: Right Midfield
Current Club: Loyola Meralco Sparks
Current Number: 7

Hotness Rate: 9/10

So, I bet everybody knows Mr. James Younghusband, brother of Phil Younghusband, the Azkal favorite. He is the eldest from his siblings: Phil, 24, Keri, 9.
   Honestly, -and no offense, people!- I find James more attractive than his younger brother, Phil. It's just that James is really shy and doesn't go on to the cameras so much and that's why everybody is so obsessed with Phil. Nothing personal, just my opinion! :)
  To be honest, James is one of my favorites from the Azkals, and of course, my personal crush. -LOL- You guys must be wondering how this awesome hottie got his cool skills in football. Well, the story goes like this:
  James and Phil grew up in England with their Filipino mother and their British father. Ever since both brothers were young they started practicing for football, with the help and support from both of their parents who sadly, are now both deceased. If you watch the news, you might have heard that their mother, Susan Younghusband passed away last September from a fatal heart attack. James' father died eight years ago from cancer.
  James Younghusband signed a scholarship with the famous football club, Chelsea at the age of 10, which is pretty impressive. -Now we know where his awesome football skills come from.- James has made many appearances for both the junior/youth team and reserve team. He also joined some other English clubs like Wimbledon, Stained Town, Woking, and Farnborough. His contract with Chelsea expired in 2008 which, apparently led them to making the decision of going back to the Philippines.
  James is now an active player of the national football team -that we all love, really- the Azkals Alyansya. He is currently playing as a midfielder for the Loyola Meralco Sparks, one of the competitors for the now, ongoing UFL/ United Football League.

Listen: If you're interested in the UFL check out their website at : www.uflphilippines.com


Stay tuned for more posts on James!