Azkals vs. Suzuki Cup Champions

  You read that title correctly! That's right! Our favorite football team, the Azkals, are going to face off with the former champions, Thailand and Vietnam for the Suzuki Cup. As you may all remember, we beat the Vietnam team in the 2010 Suzuki Cup game, gaining fame, fortune and fans in the Philippines.
  Wait. Hold on. You must be a die-hard fan saying "Ay, kaya yan ng mga Azkals!", but I hate to tell you that, this won't be an easy game for our Azkals.
  Quick flashback to the past: Yeah, we DID beat Vietnam two years ago but this time, this is a new and improvised team. Thailand won't be any easier. They won the Suzuki Cup in past championships, 1996, 2000, and 2002. Yikes! And to add it all up, the last time the Philippines had a match with Thailand, some three years ago, we lost 4-0. *sniff*

  Thanks for reading people! Will be posting more blogs to help you catch up with everything new with the Azkals. Thanks for all the support! :***

Azkals battle with Malaysia AGAIN

IT WILL be the Philippines’ turn to visit defending Suzuki Cup champion Malaysia on June 1 when the two nations clash in an international friendly in Kuala Lumpur.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta yesterday confirmed they have accepted Malaysia’s invitation for a match, ahead of the Azkals’ series of games at home.
Malaysia and the Philippines battled to a 1-1 draw with Fil-German Denis Wolf scoring his debut goal for the side last Feb. 29 just before the Azkals left for the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal, where the team finished a tournament-best third.
But the friendly is remembered more for the alleged incident that happened in the Azkals locker room during the prematch inspection.
Saying that she felt alluded to when a size of a brassiere was mentioned during the inspection, AFC match commissioner Cristy Ramos filed a complaint against player Lexton Moy for sexual harassment. Ramos also claimed that player Angel Guirado was in his underwear when she held the inspection.
The case is still pending before the PFF Disciplinary Committee.
The Azkals who will undergo a camp in Tagaytay from May 20 to 31 are slated to play three matches at home in June.

Courtesy of: inquirer.com

Azkals Beats the Odds

BUOYED by a historic third-place finish in the AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippines vaulted to its highest position in world football in the latest rankings released by the International Football Federation.
Once near the bottom at No. 195 a few years ago, the Azkals climbed to No. 148 in the April rankings after a string of victories in the Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal last month.

Led by top scorer Phil Younghusband, the Azkals turned out to be the surprise package of the tournament for emerging countries in the continent, stunning former champions India (2-0) and Tajikistan (2-1), before nipping Palestine (4-3) in the third place playoff.
The two losses of the Azkals in the tournament came against eventual champion North Korea (0-2) in the group stage and losing finalist Turkmenistan (1-2) in the semifinals.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami, who took over the team in late 2010 when the team was hovering in the No. 165 to No. 185 positions. “We’re still a work in progress. We look forward to scaling new heights and we can only do that with training and international exposure.” 

Azkals lose to Turkmenistan: 2-1

   Unfortunately, the Philippine Azkals lost against the Turkmenistan Green Men in the semi-finals a few hours ago with the score of 2-1 at hand. Not only that but James Younghusband and Angel Guirado were suspended from this game because of the two yellow cards they have picked up through the tournament. I'm betting a couple of girls out there cried when they heard it in the news. I did. No, not because Angel Guirado was sent out. I cried because James was. :(

  The game began with a goal from Phil Younghusband, the fourth goal he has put in the back of the net in the tournament, scoring at the 25th minute, heading a ball in that was sent through the field by Paul Maulders. Phil earned the title of highest goal scorer in the AFC Challenge Cup, I'm betting a few Asian clubs are eying him now for that.

   Turkmenistan showed some mad skills out in the field. They dominated possession both in the first half and the second. Turkmenistan's player, Arslanmyrat Amanov scored the equalizer, kicking the ball in from long distance at the 80th minute. You can really see the shock in all the Azkals' faces, especially on hunky goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge.
  Turkmenistan lead at the 86th minute with a goal from Gahyrmanberdy Chonkaev, ending the Azkals' dream of going to the finals. Chonkaev beat four Azkal defenders, kicking the goal into the back of the net. 
  At the dying last minutes of the game, Neil Etheridge was given a heartbreaking red card which sent me to tears. Neil kicked the calf of one of the Turkmenistan's players while kicking out a goal kick. Etheridge was substituted by Carli De Murga since there were no substitute goalkeepers in hand.
  Carli ended up with a sensational save during a free kick from one of Turkmenistan's men.

  The Philippine Azkals will settle for the bronze medal if they win against Palestine on Monday.

Azkals featured in TV5 News

Azkals Makes HISTORY!!!

The Philippine Azkals continued their Cinderella run in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup by barging into the semifinals with a historic win over Tajikistan on Tuesday. 
The Philippine side toppled another former champion in Tajikistan, 2-1, at the Halchowk Stadium in Kathmandu to catch the last ride for the Challenge Cup semis.
Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado scored the crucial goals in the 53rd and the 80th minute of the game to bring the Azkals to the next round.
With the win, the Azkals achieved their initial target of duplicating the same feat they attained in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.
“We've always wanted to go to the semis. This is the first time that the Philippines have actually entered the final stage,” Azkals team manager Dan Palami said.
This was the second straight win by the Azkals against a former Challenge Cup champion.
Prior to their game against the Tajiks, the Filipinos pushed 2008 titlist India out of contention with a 2-0 beating last Sunday.
Although Tajikistan enjoyed more ball possessions in the first half, the Filipinos were consistent in attacking the Tajiks’ goal.
Younghusband, who scored two goals against India, had attempts in the 2nd and 8th minute.
Guirado also struck a header in the 28th minute, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
The Tajiks, however, pulled off a stunner in first-half injury time when an Alexey-Negmatov-header went through the Azkals' goal line.
The Filipinos appealed before the referees, but game officials ruled in favor of the Persian Lions and gave them a 1-0 advantage over the Azkals.
Fightback
Minutes into the second half, the nationals fired back at their Central Asian counterparts.
Younghusband equalized the game for the Philippines by scoring a goal off a pass from Guirado.
This leveled the score to 1-1 in the 53rd minute.
After failing to convert a goal in the 78th minute, Guirado pushed the Philippine side to a 2-1 lead against the Tajiks with a header in the 80th minute.
The Persian Lions tried hard to equalize the game, but they fell short in the face of the Azkals’ defense.
The Philippine side was the more aggressive team, with 14 shots at the goal against Tajikistan's 7.
This forced the Tajik keeper to work extra hard with 11 saves, compared to Neil Etherdige's 2 saves.
The Azkals also had 7 shots on target compared to the Tajiks' 5.
The Philippines will join defending champion North Korea, Turkmenistan and Palestine in the semifinal round.
The Azkals earned a qualification in the 2012 Challenge Cup final group by carving out a sensational 3-0 win over Mongolia in March 2011.
The Philippine Azkals will now have to go through 2010 runner-up Turkmenistan to earn a ticket in the Challenge Cup finals.
The two teams will square off on Friday.
The Azkals appear to be the stronger team on paper as they enjoy a higher FIFA ranking than Turkmenistan.
In the FIFA rankings, the Philippines is No. 156, while Turkmenistan is ranked 166th.
However, the Azkals will have to play the semifinal match minus 2 key players.
Guirado and James Younghusband each incurred their second yellow card in the Tajikistan game.
The two Azkals were also penalized during the Philippines’ skirmish against India.
Team coach Michael Weiss is expected to make adjustments to fill in the void left by James and Guirado.
Although making it to the semis was the team’s initial goal, Palami said the Azkals are ready to push their campaign toward the the Challenge Cup finals.
“If we make it to the finals, that will be a dream come true," he said.


Courtesy of: abs-cbn.com

Azkals vs. Tajikistan: WE WIN!!!! WOOHOOO

 The Philippine Azkals rewrote history with an amazing come-from-behind win over fancied Tajikistan, 2-1, to advance to the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time at the Halchowk Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Feeling a sense of urgency after the Tajiks scored the match’s first goal – a controversial one by defender Negmatov Alexey in the 45th minute – the Azkals came out in the second half on full attack mode and managed to hit two goals to clinch the historic victory.
Phil Younghusband nailed the equalizer in the 53rd minute off a picture-perfect pass from Angel Guirado on the side.
Then it was Guirado’s time to shine in the 79th minute as he scored the game-clinching goal – a header from a Younghusband cross.
Both teams battled it out in the first half, which seemed to end with both sides scoreless – until Tajikistan broke the ice near the end of the half courtesy of a header by Alexey. The goal, however, was not immediately credited to the 2006 champions until after a few seconds, creating confusion.
The Azkals are in the AFC Challenge Cup Final-8 for the first time ever after hurdling the qualifying playoffs and qualifying group eliminations last year.
With the win, the Filipino booters book a spot in the Last 4, wherein they will be pitted against Turkmenistan. The match is set at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
The Azkals, however, will be entering the Turkmenistan clash without key players Guirado and James Younghusband, who are facing a one-game suspension for incurring two yellow cards each - one each at today's match to add to the previous one they got while playing against India last Sunday. Defending champions North Korea and Palestine will dispute the other finals berth.

Courtesy of: philstar.com

Azkals vs. India: WE WON!!!

  The Philippine Azkals pounced on their best chance for a victory in the AFC Challenge Cup group stages, gaining from Phil Younghusband's brace in a 2-0 conquest of India that boosted their semis bid tonight at the Dashrath Stadium.
Younghusband struck off a throw-in by Jason Sabio in the 10th minute and fired a looper off a feed from brother James in the 73rd as the Azkals (3 points on 1-0-1) forced a virtual KO match with Tajikistan (3 points, 1-01) for the second semis berth in Group B.
Defending champion North Korea took the first seat to the semifinals after thumping Tajikistan, 2-0, for six points on 2-0-0, over at the Halchowk Stadium in the Bagmati Zone.
"I'm very, very happy with the result although I feel we can play much, much better," said Azkals coach Michael Weiss, who took the W on his 52nd birthday.
The Azkals will gun for a dreamed-about Last-4 berth on Tuesday as they cap their eliminations campaign against 2006 titlist Tajikistan.
"We are in the same position (with Tajikistan) and it might come to a shootout. So we have to be very careful and play smart against them," said Weiss.
"I think we'll have slight psychological advantage because Tajikistan came off a very challenging match (in a loss to North Korea) while we're coming off a win (over India)," he added.
Working in tandem with teammates in two crucial sequences, Younghusband scored his 19th and 20th international goal for Phl in a morale-boosting triumph over the 2008 winners but currently rebuilding Blue Tigers.
  "Fantastic, cool in front of the goal. That's how we want him to be," said Weiss of Younghusband. It all started when Jason Sabio set up the first goal with a monster delivery that Younghusband wasted no time finishing.
Finding the ball in his area, Younghusband gamely rolled it in past Karanjit Singh, then danced into the sidelines as cheers from over 100 Filipinos engulfed the 56-year-old stadium surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The star striker struck and danced anew in the 73rd after finishing a sequence started by Misagh Bahadoran from the left to his brother James, who gave a backpass that Phil made good on.


Courtesy of: philstar.com

Philippine Azkals vs. India 2-0 
  CONGRATULATIONS AZKALS!!!!!!!!!

Don't forget to watch the Azkals vs. India later on at 6:30 (kick-off at 7:15) on Studio 23. Let us support the team that made football a sensational sport in the Philippines.
  
  Laban para sa Pilipinas!!! Go Azkals!!!

Azkals lose against North Korea

The Philippine Azkals held forth most of the way against defending champion North Korea but surrendered a 2-0 setback that's considered a good result against a side favored to rule the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup today at the Halchowk Stadium here.
Pouncing on an opening on the Azkals' left flank, Jong Il Gwan launched a cross to Pak Nam Chol, who finished it with a header past Neil Etheridge at the 58th as the Chollima pulled through against a defensively tight Phl XI for the first time.
The North Koreans doubled the lead 11 minutes later when Jang Kuk Chol knocked it home as Etheridge lost the ball in what appeared to some as a foul on the Chollima attacker.
"With the means we have, you can't challenge an opponent who one and half year ago participated in the World Cup and many players were here today. You could see (North) Korea has a good system based on lots of years playing together unlike our team, some of whom arrived just two days ago," said coach Michael Weiss.
Still, the German mentor felt good about this result, something they hope to build on when they go for a win against India on Sunday.

   "I'm very satisfied. We're not here to celebrate a loss but we have to take all factors of football into consideration. We lost 2-0 to a very strong team and that's a realistically good result," said Weiss.

He lauded the team's "tight defense" for the whole 90 minutes in the debut game at the small stadium offering a view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Chollima coach Yung Jong Su, through an interpreter, said he was a bit surprised with the improvement of the Azkals.
"They're much developed than previously. The way they played was beyond our expectations," Yung said.


Courtesy of philstar.com

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...

   

 

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!

  

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.