FRANCIS SANTIAGO - TEMPO
MANILA, Philippines – The German coach of the Philippine football team admits he’s not happy, but is not about to cry over spilled milk.
“I’m not the happiest man in the world but I’m not too disappointed. We take the result as it is and prepare for the match on Sunday,” Hans Michael Weiss told interaction. com, a television website.
The Azkals barely escaped with a 1-all draw with Sri Lanka Wednesday in the first leg of their opening World Cup qualifying match in Colombo.
Weiss said the Azkals could have won the match had they got off to a bright start.
“I think we were better and superior. And if we scored the first or the second goal, the game would have been over,” the German coach said.
The Filipinos are set to return Thursday night, giving them two days to prepare for the second leg to be held at the Rizal Memorial stadium on Sunday.
Sri Lanka, a world power in cricket but a minnow in football, scored the first goal in the 43rd minute when Chathura Guranarathna’s free kick thundered past the Azkals’ wall, partially hit the head of Rob Gier and beat goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
The Azkals, however, did not lose hope and turned to Fil-American rookie Nate Burkey to score the equalizer seven minutes later.
Burkey, inserted into the game in place of injured striker Phil Younghusband, was at the right place and at the right time to head home the all-important goal. He completed a follow up header off a missed header by James Younghusband, a play set up by a gorgeous free kick by Caligdong.
Despite the less-than-stellar result, Weiss remained confident they can overcome Sri Lanka at home.
The Azkals need only to hold Sri Lanka scoreless to get into the next round against Kuwait by virtue of away goal. If it ends at 1-1, an extra time will be needed, but if it closes out on a 2-2, the Philippines will be eliminated.
Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano Araneta said “the Azkals were more skillful, but were sluggish in the first half” probably because of two factors: the uneven pitch and fatigue.
“In the first half, we were forced to play long balls. But come the second half, after adjusting, they were on fire,” Araneta said. “Fatigue may also have set in considering the training in Germany and the long travel time (15 hours, from Frankfurt) going to Sri Colombo. They had limited time to recover.”
The Azkals had more chances to score with Fil-German Stephan Schrock, Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado and Chieffy Caligdong showing off their attacking skills, but their inability to finish the plays compounded their woes.
Phil Younghusband, however, is a doubtful starter – a fact downplayed by Araneta.
“We scored without him (Phil) on the pitch. So I’m confident anyone in the line up can fill in the shoes of Phil if ever he’s out,” said the PFF chief.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Even ESPN takes notice of PH Azkals
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ - Malaya Business Insight
EVEN the American TV cable sports network ESPN is taking notice of the phenomenal Philippine Azkals.
A story written by John Duerden headlined "Southeast Asians dreaming of Brazil" posted on the ESPN website yesterday devoted five of its 27 paragraphs on the national men’s football team.
British coach Simon McMenemy, the architect of the Filipino booters’ surprise semifinal finish in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, was quoted extensively in the piece that appeared on the same day the nationals battled the hometown Brave Reds in the opening round and first leg of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
"Due to the Philippines’ links to the United States, the archipelago has been traditionally less attracted to the beautiful game than its neighbors–it didn’t even enter qualification for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
"The 2010 AFF Cup, however, woke the country up to its potential… the former American colony finally reminded the continent that it actually played football," Duerden wrote.
McMenemy, who has since been replaced by German mentor Michael Weiss, had kind words for his former wards and expressed confidence they would prevail over the Sri Lankans.
"The fans in the Philippines are incredible and if they (the Azkals) are like that against Sri Lanka, they should beat them comfortably," McMenemy was quoted as saying.
He noted that because of the team’s success in last year’s Suzuki Cup "holding trials and bringing players in was more accessible for (team) management."
"Players who were qualified to play for the Philippines and playing in better leagues wanted to play for the country," said McMenemy, who now coaches the Vietnamese club Dong Tam Long An.
"Now the team is holding its own and is attracting better players," he said.
Assuming the Azkals advance to the next stage, McMenemy, however, declined to predict how they would fare against second-round foe and former Asian Cup champion Kuwait.
"Kuwait in the next round is a different question," the English coach said.
EVEN the American TV cable sports network ESPN is taking notice of the phenomenal Philippine Azkals.
A story written by John Duerden headlined "Southeast Asians dreaming of Brazil" posted on the ESPN website yesterday devoted five of its 27 paragraphs on the national men’s football team.
British coach Simon McMenemy, the architect of the Filipino booters’ surprise semifinal finish in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, was quoted extensively in the piece that appeared on the same day the nationals battled the hometown Brave Reds in the opening round and first leg of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
"Due to the Philippines’ links to the United States, the archipelago has been traditionally less attracted to the beautiful game than its neighbors–it didn’t even enter qualification for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
"The 2010 AFF Cup, however, woke the country up to its potential… the former American colony finally reminded the continent that it actually played football," Duerden wrote.
McMenemy, who has since been replaced by German mentor Michael Weiss, had kind words for his former wards and expressed confidence they would prevail over the Sri Lankans.
"The fans in the Philippines are incredible and if they (the Azkals) are like that against Sri Lanka, they should beat them comfortably," McMenemy was quoted as saying.
He noted that because of the team’s success in last year’s Suzuki Cup "holding trials and bringing players in was more accessible for (team) management."
"Players who were qualified to play for the Philippines and playing in better leagues wanted to play for the country," said McMenemy, who now coaches the Vietnamese club Dong Tam Long An.
"Now the team is holding its own and is attracting better players," he said.
Assuming the Azkals advance to the next stage, McMenemy, however, declined to predict how they would fare against second-round foe and former Asian Cup champion Kuwait.
"Kuwait in the next round is a different question," the English coach said.
Philippines' Azkals seek football glory
By EARL VICTOR ROSERO GMA News
The men's national football team makes history Wednesday as they forge ahead into the country’s first attempt since 2002 to qualify for the most coveted honor in the world’s most popular sport, the FIFA World Cup.
“In trying to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, the Philippines was placed in a group which included Oman, Syria and Laos. In the double round robin group competition, the Philippines did not win a single game – losing 5 and drawing 1 (a 1-1 draw with Laos in the only game played in Manila)," recalled Bonnie Ladrido, chairman of the July 3 World Cup Qualifer match organizing committee, in his blog at ladrido.net
“To say that the campaign was an embarrassment is to understate things. In the 5 games that we lost, the scores were – 12-0, 5-1, 7-0, 2-0 and 2-0. Including the drawn game, the Philippines scored 2 goals," Ladrido further recounted.
A long journey
Seeking Wednesday’s date with football glory has taken at least about a century to make. In 1913, the Philippines won the gold in the Far Eastern Games, precursor of the Asian Games. A year before that, in 1912, Paulino Alcantara of Iloilo started playing for Barcelona as a striker. Alcantara would go on to football immortality. By 1927, when he left the team, Alcantara had scored 357 goals for Barcelona.
Filipinos’ passion for football goes back centuries, counting from the last years of Spanish colonial rule (1875-1895) when, according to the account of www.fifa.com “football was the most popular sport in the country."
Since the mid-1980s, the Philippines has been building momentum by training for and competing in regional football competitions. It is a strategy that paid off with the Azkals’ recent successes in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.
Mirroring Filipino society
On Wednesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka, every move each team member will make will be for national pride and honor. The contingent’s composition somewhat mirrors the current face of Philippine society.
All the current Azkals are natural-born Filipinos. Some born, raised and lived in the homeland all their lives. The rest, sons of Filipinos who migrated to the United States and Europe. All answered the call to prove that the country has what it takes to rise in the highly-competitive world of football.
“Philippine football is alive and kicking but there is definitely more work that needs to be done," Ladrido also said in his blog.
A significant chunk of that work will take place at the grassroots level, where local football champions of the next generation are coming from. One aspiring Azkal is Stephen Permanes from Butuan City in the northeastern Mindanao region of Caraga.
“I want football to be instilled in the Filipino culture. We Filipinos are very gifted in sports and I hope that the growing popularity of football will continue so we could develop more football superstars. I believe that the best way for this to happen is to do a grassroots approach to encourage more kids to play," Permanes said in a Facebook interview with GMA News Online.
The men's national football team makes history Wednesday as they forge ahead into the country’s first attempt since 2002 to qualify for the most coveted honor in the world’s most popular sport, the FIFA World Cup.
“In trying to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, the Philippines was placed in a group which included Oman, Syria and Laos. In the double round robin group competition, the Philippines did not win a single game – losing 5 and drawing 1 (a 1-1 draw with Laos in the only game played in Manila)," recalled Bonnie Ladrido, chairman of the July 3 World Cup Qualifer match organizing committee, in his blog at ladrido.net
“To say that the campaign was an embarrassment is to understate things. In the 5 games that we lost, the scores were – 12-0, 5-1, 7-0, 2-0 and 2-0. Including the drawn game, the Philippines scored 2 goals," Ladrido further recounted.
A long journey
Seeking Wednesday’s date with football glory has taken at least about a century to make. In 1913, the Philippines won the gold in the Far Eastern Games, precursor of the Asian Games. A year before that, in 1912, Paulino Alcantara of Iloilo started playing for Barcelona as a striker. Alcantara would go on to football immortality. By 1927, when he left the team, Alcantara had scored 357 goals for Barcelona.
Filipinos’ passion for football goes back centuries, counting from the last years of Spanish colonial rule (1875-1895) when, according to the account of www.fifa.com “football was the most popular sport in the country."
Since the mid-1980s, the Philippines has been building momentum by training for and competing in regional football competitions. It is a strategy that paid off with the Azkals’ recent successes in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.
Mirroring Filipino society
On Wednesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka, every move each team member will make will be for national pride and honor. The contingent’s composition somewhat mirrors the current face of Philippine society.
All the current Azkals are natural-born Filipinos. Some born, raised and lived in the homeland all their lives. The rest, sons of Filipinos who migrated to the United States and Europe. All answered the call to prove that the country has what it takes to rise in the highly-competitive world of football.
“Philippine football is alive and kicking but there is definitely more work that needs to be done," Ladrido also said in his blog.
A significant chunk of that work will take place at the grassroots level, where local football champions of the next generation are coming from. One aspiring Azkal is Stephen Permanes from Butuan City in the northeastern Mindanao region of Caraga.
“I want football to be instilled in the Filipino culture. We Filipinos are very gifted in sports and I hope that the growing popularity of football will continue so we could develop more football superstars. I believe that the best way for this to happen is to do a grassroots approach to encourage more kids to play," Permanes said in a Facebook interview with GMA News Online.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Coach: Azkals capable of beating Brave Reds
Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
ACTING under-23 football coach Yanti Barsales expressed confidence yesterday that the Philippine Azkals national football team has what it takes to beat the Sri Lanka Brave Reds when they clash in their first home-and-away encounter at the Sri Lankan national squad’s own home grounds at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
“Kayang-kaya nila iyan. Makakalusot tayo. Ito na ang pinakamalakas nating national team,” said the former member of the Azkals, who retired last month at age 38.
Barsales said the Azkals had enough time to prepare against the Brave Reds, who had also undergone a revamp and will be playing with a new lineup.
Since his retirement last month, Barsales has accepted the job of forming the national under-23 squad to the Southeast Asian Games, and will be in charge of the team, while coach Hans Michael Weiss is busy handling the Azkals’ World Cup qualifying encounter with the Brave Reds.
The Football Federation of Sri Lanka tinkered with the lineup of the Brave Reds with only two weeks left before the Sri Lanka nationals face the Philippine Azkals for the World Cup qualifying matches in Colombo tomorrow and on Sunday in Manila.
Sri Lankall football officials placed veteran forward Kasun Jayasuriya under suspension and two other teammates were sanctioned over allegations of match-fixing within their Premier League.
Saunders SC defender Rohana Ruwanthilake, a mainstay of Sri Lanka’s national team in the last four international tournaments, will again lead the Brave Reds’ campaign against the Azkals.
Other veteran players in Sri Lanka’s lineup include midfielders Chathura Gunaratne, Nadeeka Pushpakumara, Fazul Rahuman and Mohammed Izzadeen.
Sri Lanka’s Korean coach Jang Jung said in an online article which appeared in the Daily Mirror that “they (Philippine Azkals) have grown very fast and are going to be a difficult opposition for us.”
In their previous international outings, Sri Lanka lost to DPR Korea 4-0, Afghanistan, 1-0, and drew 0-all with Nepal in the AFC Challenge Cup.
ACTING under-23 football coach Yanti Barsales expressed confidence yesterday that the Philippine Azkals national football team has what it takes to beat the Sri Lanka Brave Reds when they clash in their first home-and-away encounter at the Sri Lankan national squad’s own home grounds at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
“Kayang-kaya nila iyan. Makakalusot tayo. Ito na ang pinakamalakas nating national team,” said the former member of the Azkals, who retired last month at age 38.
Barsales said the Azkals had enough time to prepare against the Brave Reds, who had also undergone a revamp and will be playing with a new lineup.
Since his retirement last month, Barsales has accepted the job of forming the national under-23 squad to the Southeast Asian Games, and will be in charge of the team, while coach Hans Michael Weiss is busy handling the Azkals’ World Cup qualifying encounter with the Brave Reds.
The Football Federation of Sri Lanka tinkered with the lineup of the Brave Reds with only two weeks left before the Sri Lanka nationals face the Philippine Azkals for the World Cup qualifying matches in Colombo tomorrow and on Sunday in Manila.
Sri Lankall football officials placed veteran forward Kasun Jayasuriya under suspension and two other teammates were sanctioned over allegations of match-fixing within their Premier League.
Saunders SC defender Rohana Ruwanthilake, a mainstay of Sri Lanka’s national team in the last four international tournaments, will again lead the Brave Reds’ campaign against the Azkals.
Other veteran players in Sri Lanka’s lineup include midfielders Chathura Gunaratne, Nadeeka Pushpakumara, Fazul Rahuman and Mohammed Izzadeen.
Sri Lanka’s Korean coach Jang Jung said in an online article which appeared in the Daily Mirror that “they (Philippine Azkals) have grown very fast and are going to be a difficult opposition for us.”
In their previous international outings, Sri Lanka lost to DPR Korea 4-0, Afghanistan, 1-0, and drew 0-all with Nepal in the AFC Challenge Cup.
Philippine Azkals to attack from get-go
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
COLOMBO—The Philippine football team will be on attack mode right from the start when it faces Sri Lanka in the first leg of its opening round World Cup Qualifying clash here tomorrow.
Unlike other teams playing away from home that tend to play defensively, the Azkals will look to score early in its first World Cup Qualifying match in 10 years.
“We will put pressure on them (Sri Lankans) early,” team manager Dan Palami told the Inquirer upon arriving in the populous Sri Lankan capital Monday.
“Winning by two goals will be most ideal for us.”
Palami said a comfortable win here would mean less pressure on the Azkals in the second leg this Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“If we could finish the series here by winning the game in their homecourt, there will be less pressure on us when we play in Manila,” he said.
Azkals’ strong offensive game
Palami’s confidence stems from the strong offensive game shown by the Azkals in their recent camp in Germany.
The attacking flair was spurred by the inclusion of Stephan Schrock in the lineup and the solid forward combination of Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado.
But there are still chinks on the Azkals’ defensive armor as shown in their lopsided losses to German sides Ingolstadt and Darmstadt.
“The training camp experience will count most on this away game,” said Palami, who has bankrolled the Azkals’ campaign the past two years.
In temperatures similar to Manila’s, the Azkals had a light training session for the first time here, a day after arriving in a country which is known more for its prowess in the sport of cricket rather than football.
Jonsson playing first leg
The team was also boosted by the news of leftback Ray Jonsson’s availability for the first leg that will be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
The Philippines actually has a score to settle against the Sri Lankans, who defeated the national squad, 3-0, in a World Cup Qualifying match in 1995 in Qatar.
A victory by the Azkals will not only avenge that loss, but will also fulfill the team’s goal of making history by advancing past the first round of qualifying for the first time.
The Azkals are hoping to sustain a streak that started in last year’s Suzuki Cup, which they followed up by advancing to the main tournament of the AFC Challenge Cup.
“I’m glad that in all the tournaments we have joined so far, we have actually achieved the results we wanted and even exceeded them,” said Palami.
“I hope this is one more tournament where our expectations are at least realized. And if we exceeded it by going past the second round, then there’s not much more that I could ask for.”
COLOMBO—The Philippine football team will be on attack mode right from the start when it faces Sri Lanka in the first leg of its opening round World Cup Qualifying clash here tomorrow.
Unlike other teams playing away from home that tend to play defensively, the Azkals will look to score early in its first World Cup Qualifying match in 10 years.
“We will put pressure on them (Sri Lankans) early,” team manager Dan Palami told the Inquirer upon arriving in the populous Sri Lankan capital Monday.
“Winning by two goals will be most ideal for us.”
Palami said a comfortable win here would mean less pressure on the Azkals in the second leg this Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“If we could finish the series here by winning the game in their homecourt, there will be less pressure on us when we play in Manila,” he said.
Azkals’ strong offensive game
Palami’s confidence stems from the strong offensive game shown by the Azkals in their recent camp in Germany.
The attacking flair was spurred by the inclusion of Stephan Schrock in the lineup and the solid forward combination of Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado.
But there are still chinks on the Azkals’ defensive armor as shown in their lopsided losses to German sides Ingolstadt and Darmstadt.
“The training camp experience will count most on this away game,” said Palami, who has bankrolled the Azkals’ campaign the past two years.
In temperatures similar to Manila’s, the Azkals had a light training session for the first time here, a day after arriving in a country which is known more for its prowess in the sport of cricket rather than football.
Jonsson playing first leg
The team was also boosted by the news of leftback Ray Jonsson’s availability for the first leg that will be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
The Philippines actually has a score to settle against the Sri Lankans, who defeated the national squad, 3-0, in a World Cup Qualifying match in 1995 in Qatar.
A victory by the Azkals will not only avenge that loss, but will also fulfill the team’s goal of making history by advancing past the first round of qualifying for the first time.
The Azkals are hoping to sustain a streak that started in last year’s Suzuki Cup, which they followed up by advancing to the main tournament of the AFC Challenge Cup.
“I’m glad that in all the tournaments we have joined so far, we have actually achieved the results we wanted and even exceeded them,” said Palami.
“I hope this is one more tournament where our expectations are at least realized. And if we exceeded it by going past the second round, then there’s not much more that I could ask for.”
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Azkals arrive in Sri Lanka
With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals have arrived in Sri Lanka for the first leg of their World Cup qualifier.
The Philippine National Football team will face Sri Lanka on June 29, Wednesday.
The Azkals finished a two-week training program in Germany to prepare for their match.
The team played in four practice games against German teams. They won the first two games and lost the last two.
While in Germany, the team was joined by Filipino-European players Angel Guirado, Rob Gier, Stephen Shrock and Manuel Ott.
Team captain Aly Borromeo said that the Azkals are stronger as a team now and that they are ready to play against Sri Lanka.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals have arrived in Sri Lanka for the first leg of their World Cup qualifier.
The Philippine National Football team will face Sri Lanka on June 29, Wednesday.
The Azkals finished a two-week training program in Germany to prepare for their match.
The team played in four practice games against German teams. They won the first two games and lost the last two.
While in Germany, the team was joined by Filipino-European players Angel Guirado, Rob Gier, Stephen Shrock and Manuel Ott.
Team captain Aly Borromeo said that the Azkals are stronger as a team now and that they are ready to play against Sri Lanka.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Azkals yield five goals against top German club in Darmstadt
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine football team preparing for FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka wrapped up its two-week Germany camp on a sour note, bowing to SV Darmstadt 98, 0-5, in Darmstadt, Hesse on Saturday.
The German side, known as Lilies, proved too much for the Azkals, reducing the Filipinos to mere spectators by taking a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.
The Azkals fell three goals down after just 25 minutes as the floodgates opened early when Marcus Steegman caught goalie Neil Etheridge flatfooted in the eighth minute for the squad ranked No. 1 in the Regionalliga last season.
Oliver Heil then doubled the lead in the 12th with a smashing finish before Nigerian Henry Onuwzuruike struck his own just two minutes later.
Pouncing on the Azkals’ defensive breakdown, Markus Brüdigam made it 4-0 with a hit in 24th before Christopher Huebner put the game beyond doubt with a goal early in the second half of the match witnessed by a crowd of 500 who are mostly Filipinos.
It was the Azkals’ worst defeat in four friendly matches following their 0-4 setback of an experienced Ingolstadt side, a second division team playing in Bundesliga.
They crushed their first two rivals Duren selection and Bonner SC Under-19 on similar 4-1 score lines, but could not sustain their fiery form when ranged against teams beefed up by World Cup veterans.
The team leaves for Colombo Sunday, three days before battling a Sri Lankan side which promised to give the Filipinos a “torrid time” at the 25,000-seater Sugathadasa Stadium.
Azkals ace striker Phil Younghusband remains optimistic despite the loss.
“We learned we need to be more organized with set pieces,” Younghusband said. “We are all looking at the positives and looking where we can improve so that in the next games, we don’t make the same mistakes.”
Skipper Aly Borromeo agreed.
“Lesson learned... This could be the motivation we need,” he said on his Twitter account.
Meanwhile, Bonnie Ladrido, chair of the organizing committee for the July 3 return match between the Azkals and Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, said the sale of extra 700 bleachers tickets will start on Tuesday.
Although the game tickets, including the P2,000 and P3,000 grandstand are already 95 percent sold out, Ladrido said they will release 700 more which will come from the allotted 1,000 tickets for the Football Federation of Sri
Lanka, which only sought for 300 tickets.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine football team preparing for FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka wrapped up its two-week Germany camp on a sour note, bowing to SV Darmstadt 98, 0-5, in Darmstadt, Hesse on Saturday.
The German side, known as Lilies, proved too much for the Azkals, reducing the Filipinos to mere spectators by taking a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.
The Azkals fell three goals down after just 25 minutes as the floodgates opened early when Marcus Steegman caught goalie Neil Etheridge flatfooted in the eighth minute for the squad ranked No. 1 in the Regionalliga last season.
Oliver Heil then doubled the lead in the 12th with a smashing finish before Nigerian Henry Onuwzuruike struck his own just two minutes later.
Pouncing on the Azkals’ defensive breakdown, Markus Brüdigam made it 4-0 with a hit in 24th before Christopher Huebner put the game beyond doubt with a goal early in the second half of the match witnessed by a crowd of 500 who are mostly Filipinos.
It was the Azkals’ worst defeat in four friendly matches following their 0-4 setback of an experienced Ingolstadt side, a second division team playing in Bundesliga.
They crushed their first two rivals Duren selection and Bonner SC Under-19 on similar 4-1 score lines, but could not sustain their fiery form when ranged against teams beefed up by World Cup veterans.
The team leaves for Colombo Sunday, three days before battling a Sri Lankan side which promised to give the Filipinos a “torrid time” at the 25,000-seater Sugathadasa Stadium.
Azkals ace striker Phil Younghusband remains optimistic despite the loss.
“We learned we need to be more organized with set pieces,” Younghusband said. “We are all looking at the positives and looking where we can improve so that in the next games, we don’t make the same mistakes.”
Skipper Aly Borromeo agreed.
“Lesson learned... This could be the motivation we need,” he said on his Twitter account.
Meanwhile, Bonnie Ladrido, chair of the organizing committee for the July 3 return match between the Azkals and Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, said the sale of extra 700 bleachers tickets will start on Tuesday.
Although the game tickets, including the P2,000 and P3,000 grandstand are already 95 percent sold out, Ladrido said they will release 700 more which will come from the allotted 1,000 tickets for the Football Federation of Sri
Lanka, which only sought for 300 tickets.
Rain or shine, Azkals-Sri Lanka match in Manila to push through
Reuben Terrado/JVP/HS, GMA News
The second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3 will be played as scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila regardless of weather conditions.
This as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials expressed optimism that the heavy downpour brought by tropical storm "Falcon" the past few days won't affect the field conditions at RMSC.
PFF officials and the media inspected the RMSC Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains brought about by Falcon.
"There is no water and no flood in the field. Rain or shine, the match will be played," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. “But of course, let us pray for good weather on July 3."
Cathy Rivilla, general coordinator for the home match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, agreed.
"Only the referees can stop the match but based on my experience, there is no indication that the match will be postponed because there is no puddle of water in the field. But we are constantly monitoring the field," said Rivilla, an experienced football official in international competitions.
Rivilla added the match will only be postponed once the field is unplayable after a one-hour waiting period. The game will then be rescheduled the following day.
Rivilla also said that the lights at RMSC will be ready if the game reaches extra time and a penalty shootout.
"We have tested the lights. We thought that we would replace them but after minor repairs, we have determined that the lights are ready," Rivilla said.
The PFF said that the streets of M. Adriatico and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) will be closed and will be used as a parking lot on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Manila Zoo and Harrison Plaza parking lots will also be used.
The PFF said that they will open the RMSC gates at 11 a.m.
The second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3 will be played as scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila regardless of weather conditions.
This as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials expressed optimism that the heavy downpour brought by tropical storm "Falcon" the past few days won't affect the field conditions at RMSC.
PFF officials and the media inspected the RMSC Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains brought about by Falcon.
"There is no water and no flood in the field. Rain or shine, the match will be played," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. “But of course, let us pray for good weather on July 3."
Cathy Rivilla, general coordinator for the home match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, agreed.
"Only the referees can stop the match but based on my experience, there is no indication that the match will be postponed because there is no puddle of water in the field. But we are constantly monitoring the field," said Rivilla, an experienced football official in international competitions.
Rivilla added the match will only be postponed once the field is unplayable after a one-hour waiting period. The game will then be rescheduled the following day.
Rivilla also said that the lights at RMSC will be ready if the game reaches extra time and a penalty shootout.
"We have tested the lights. We thought that we would replace them but after minor repairs, we have determined that the lights are ready," Rivilla said.
The PFF said that the streets of M. Adriatico and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) will be closed and will be used as a parking lot on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Manila Zoo and Harrison Plaza parking lots will also be used.
The PFF said that they will open the RMSC gates at 11 a.m.
Azkals up close: Anton del Rosario
by Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – It’s not at all surprising that Azkals player Anton del Rosario speaks of the football sport as “soccer.” He is practically American—having been born and raised in California, USA, by Filipino-Spanish parents.
Del Rosario started hitting the pitch at the age of 5. He said his family played a big role in influencing him to take up football.
“My dad used to play rugby and stuff like that… My mom was the one who was in love with soccer. My mom used to coach us when I was a kid,” he said.
Del Rosario added that his brother, former Philippine international booter Armand del Rosario, provided him added motivation to excel in the sport.
“My older brother kept me going in it ‘cause I had that ‘older brother rivalry,’ that little competition,” he said.
He said that back in college, when not training for the varsity team, he can be found pacing over football fields during his spare time.
“All I really did was play soccer two, three times a day so it was fun,” he said.
He said that with the way things were going, he could have graduated with a football degree instead of his actual major, business administration.
Del Rosario continued this kind of lifestyle until he joined the Azkals team in 2004.
He enlisted for the national team together with his best buddy, team captain Aly Borromeo.
Personal Information
Name: Anton Edwin del Rosario
Age: 29
Birthday: December 23, 1981
Born and raised in: San Francisco, California
College graduated: Notre Dame de Namur University in California
Major: Business administration
Azkals position: Center back
Other teams: Kaya FC
What’s the most memorable game you’ve played?
(Referring to the Azkals’ victory over Vietnam in the ASEAN Football Federation Cup last year) For a game that caused us all this hype, it was top 10 story in Sports Illustrated for soccer for the year. Going in there, we were the underdogs beating the favorites (Vietnam), the defending champions also.
What do you love most about football?
The team sport. The physicality of it. You stay in great shape to be able to play it.
What other sport/s do you play?
When I was in the States, I always [played] recreationally American football. I played basketball recreationally sometimes… You name a sport and I like playing it.
What are your other interests and hobbies?
Going to the gym, [playing] poker.
Del Rosario started hitting the pitch at the age of 5. He said his family played a big role in influencing him to take up football.
“My dad used to play rugby and stuff like that… My mom was the one who was in love with soccer. My mom used to coach us when I was a kid,” he said.
Del Rosario added that his brother, former Philippine international booter Armand del Rosario, provided him added motivation to excel in the sport.
“My older brother kept me going in it ‘cause I had that ‘older brother rivalry,’ that little competition,” he said.
He said that back in college, when not training for the varsity team, he can be found pacing over football fields during his spare time.
“All I really did was play soccer two, three times a day so it was fun,” he said.
He said that with the way things were going, he could have graduated with a football degree instead of his actual major, business administration.
Del Rosario continued this kind of lifestyle until he joined the Azkals team in 2004.
He enlisted for the national team together with his best buddy, team captain Aly Borromeo.
Personal Information
Name: Anton Edwin del Rosario
Age: 29
Birthday: December 23, 1981
Born and raised in: San Francisco, California
College graduated: Notre Dame de Namur University in California
Major: Business administration
Azkals position: Center back
Other teams: Kaya FC
What’s the most memorable game you’ve played?
(Referring to the Azkals’ victory over Vietnam in the ASEAN Football Federation Cup last year) For a game that caused us all this hype, it was top 10 story in Sports Illustrated for soccer for the year. Going in there, we were the underdogs beating the favorites (Vietnam), the defending champions also.
What do you love most about football?
The team sport. The physicality of it. You stay in great shape to be able to play it.
What other sport/s do you play?
When I was in the States, I always [played] recreationally American football. I played basketball recreationally sometimes… You name a sport and I like playing it.
What are your other interests and hobbies?
Going to the gym, [playing] poker.
Rains can’t stop Azkals’ game
by Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
RAIN or shine, the second stage of the World Cup Qualifying match between the Philippine Azkals national football team and the Sri Lanka Brave Reds will go on as scheduled.
WCQ Philippines general coordinator Cathy Rivilla said this yesterday after conferring with Philippine football officials on the conditions of the pitch at the Rizal Memorial Track Football in Vito Cruz.
“The field is playable. Only the referee can stop the game,” remarked Rivilla after she and Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta watched as heavy rains drenched the grass-covered playing area from the comforts of the stadium’s observation deck.
Rainwater, which flooded the surrounding streets of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, did not flood the pitch though and simply trickled down to the hidden drainage ditches around the area.
Rivilla, who was also accompanied by organizing committee chairman Bonnie Ladrido, expressed satisfaction over the way the pitch is taking on the rains.
“See the field? There is no pool of water,” added Araneta during a briefing with scribes, crediting the La Salle community for helping in the renovation of the pitch.
Constant monitoring of the field since the rainy season began, according to Rivilla, has allowed organizers to adjust to every contingency which would crop up.
Because of this, the pitch will also be recommended for use when the Philippine Azkals clash with Kuwait in their next home-and-away match this July.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Azkals suffered a 0-4 setback to FC Ingolstadt, a second division squad in Germany. It was their first loss in three tuneup games.
Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was unable to deflect the German team’s last goal and accidentally scored an own-goal during a defensive play.
The Azkals will have one last game in Germany against third Division squad Darmstadt 98 on Friday.
They will fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday for the first leg of their FIFA World Cup group qualifier.
Meanwhile, a revamped Sri Lanka Brave Reds team promised to give the Azkals a difficult time when they face the nationals in their first encounter in Colombo on June 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
RAIN or shine, the second stage of the World Cup Qualifying match between the Philippine Azkals national football team and the Sri Lanka Brave Reds will go on as scheduled.
WCQ Philippines general coordinator Cathy Rivilla said this yesterday after conferring with Philippine football officials on the conditions of the pitch at the Rizal Memorial Track Football in Vito Cruz.
“The field is playable. Only the referee can stop the game,” remarked Rivilla after she and Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta watched as heavy rains drenched the grass-covered playing area from the comforts of the stadium’s observation deck.
Rainwater, which flooded the surrounding streets of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, did not flood the pitch though and simply trickled down to the hidden drainage ditches around the area.
Rivilla, who was also accompanied by organizing committee chairman Bonnie Ladrido, expressed satisfaction over the way the pitch is taking on the rains.
“See the field? There is no pool of water,” added Araneta during a briefing with scribes, crediting the La Salle community for helping in the renovation of the pitch.
Constant monitoring of the field since the rainy season began, according to Rivilla, has allowed organizers to adjust to every contingency which would crop up.
Because of this, the pitch will also be recommended for use when the Philippine Azkals clash with Kuwait in their next home-and-away match this July.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Azkals suffered a 0-4 setback to FC Ingolstadt, a second division squad in Germany. It was their first loss in three tuneup games.
Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was unable to deflect the German team’s last goal and accidentally scored an own-goal during a defensive play.
The Azkals will have one last game in Germany against third Division squad Darmstadt 98 on Friday.
They will fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday for the first leg of their FIFA World Cup group qualifier.
Meanwhile, a revamped Sri Lanka Brave Reds team promised to give the Azkals a difficult time when they face the nationals in their first encounter in Colombo on June 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Azkals up close: Team manager Dan Palami
by Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Football is alive and well in the country, thanks to the popularity of the Philippine Azkals.
But behind the resurgence of the sport in this basketball-crazy nation is a no-nonsense Azkals team manager named Dan Palami.
Palami, the current Leyte Football Association president, is credited for assembling the core of the Azkals team we came to know.
He became part of the Philippine Azkals in late 2009 when the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) asked him to manage the team.
“Nobody wanted the job… I mean nobody wanted to handle a team that was losing internationally so it was a losing proposition for somebody then,” remembered Palami.
“I just said that well, somebody has to take a chance, I grabbed it and see what I can do.”
He then took part in putting up a formidable national squad by bringing together the likes of Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Phil and James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge and Robert Gier.
Back then, the Azkals were relatively unknown to casual sports fans. Sponsors were hard to find and the bulk of the team’s finances came from Palami’s pocket.
Palami’s support was not limited to managing the team’s funding. He made sure that the Azkals were properly taken care of by attending most of the team’s training sessions.
He did this while managing his company, a giant engineering firm engaged in the construction and maintenance of railway systems.
“I actually have a day job. My job is full time in football and full time with my company,” said Palami.
Things started to pick up for the Azkals when they qualified for the main tournament of the 2010 Suzuki Cup. They went on to score more victories, including a 2-0 upset of then defending champion Vietnam.
Palami is now helping the Azkals to prepare for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.
“I think I’ll never forget how it was when we all started. When the players, myself and the management were all trying to build the dream,” he said.
“It was those moments that when you go back and you find yourself where you are right now... you tell yourself that everything turned out well.”
Personal Information
Name: Dan Stephen Castillo Palami
Nickname: Dan
Birthday: June 9
Birthplace: Tacloban City
Position in the Azkals team: Team manager
Favorite player: Lionel Messi
Hobbies: Reading and football
What’s the best thing you like about football?
Well, It’s everything... the whole team camaraderie, everything that happens before the game, after the game. It’s a good experience. Something that we don’t easily forget and when you go lie down on your bed and think about all the things that happened, you don’t have any regrets.
What is your comment on reports about some of the Azkals getting distracted by showbiz commitments?
I fully agree in the statement that focus should be given to the national team... But for as long as you show up and make good account of yourself on training, games and other official functions of the team then I don’t really mind."
Some Azkals are more popular than others... aren’t the rest of the team getting jealous over the attention received by their more popular team mates?
I don’t think so. It’s not about being the most popular players anyway. At the end of the day, as a manager, what matters is you build a team with team spirit and not just a collection of individuals. It doesn’t matter. Just make sure that work is shown.
MANILA, Philippines – Football is alive and well in the country, thanks to the popularity of the Philippine Azkals.
But behind the resurgence of the sport in this basketball-crazy nation is a no-nonsense Azkals team manager named Dan Palami.
Palami, the current Leyte Football Association president, is credited for assembling the core of the Azkals team we came to know.
He became part of the Philippine Azkals in late 2009 when the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) asked him to manage the team.
“Nobody wanted the job… I mean nobody wanted to handle a team that was losing internationally so it was a losing proposition for somebody then,” remembered Palami.
“I just said that well, somebody has to take a chance, I grabbed it and see what I can do.”
He then took part in putting up a formidable national squad by bringing together the likes of Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Phil and James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge and Robert Gier.
Back then, the Azkals were relatively unknown to casual sports fans. Sponsors were hard to find and the bulk of the team’s finances came from Palami’s pocket.
Palami’s support was not limited to managing the team’s funding. He made sure that the Azkals were properly taken care of by attending most of the team’s training sessions.
He did this while managing his company, a giant engineering firm engaged in the construction and maintenance of railway systems.
“I actually have a day job. My job is full time in football and full time with my company,” said Palami.
Things started to pick up for the Azkals when they qualified for the main tournament of the 2010 Suzuki Cup. They went on to score more victories, including a 2-0 upset of then defending champion Vietnam.
Palami is now helping the Azkals to prepare for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.
“I think I’ll never forget how it was when we all started. When the players, myself and the management were all trying to build the dream,” he said.
“It was those moments that when you go back and you find yourself where you are right now... you tell yourself that everything turned out well.”
Personal Information
Name: Dan Stephen Castillo Palami
Nickname: Dan
Birthday: June 9
Birthplace: Tacloban City
Position in the Azkals team: Team manager
Favorite player: Lionel Messi
Hobbies: Reading and football
What’s the best thing you like about football?
Well, It’s everything... the whole team camaraderie, everything that happens before the game, after the game. It’s a good experience. Something that we don’t easily forget and when you go lie down on your bed and think about all the things that happened, you don’t have any regrets.
What is your comment on reports about some of the Azkals getting distracted by showbiz commitments?
I fully agree in the statement that focus should be given to the national team... But for as long as you show up and make good account of yourself on training, games and other official functions of the team then I don’t really mind."
Some Azkals are more popular than others... aren’t the rest of the team getting jealous over the attention received by their more popular team mates?
I don’t think so. It’s not about being the most popular players anyway. At the end of the day, as a manager, what matters is you build a team with team spirit and not just a collection of individuals. It doesn’t matter. Just make sure that work is shown.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Azkals bow to German club
Reports from TEMPO
MANILA, Philippines – Facing a livewire German club playing in the second division of Bundesliga, the Philippine football team got the neat lesson it yearned for, bowing to FC Ingolstadt, 4-0, in its third friendly match in Bavaria, Germany early Thursday morning (Manila time).
The Azkals, who missed some key players, were down 0-3 at halftime of the rain-hit game and eventually fell to their first defeat in three test matches.
German midfielder Andreas Buchner opened the scoring for Ingolstadt in the 14th minute before Fabian Gerber made it 2-0 with a header.
Then a heavy downpour halted the game for about 10 minutes, according to Ingolstadt website, before Azkals goal keeper Neil Etheridge, playing under a difficult soil condition, made a big mistake when he steered a pass into the top of his own net to trail 0-3.
Another goal in the 83rd sealed the victory for Ingolstadt, which ranked 14th out of 18 clubs in the Bundesliga second division last season.
In the Bundesliga, Germany’s federal football league, the top divisions are the first four levels. Ingolstadt, where Azkal Manuel Ott also plays although in the second team, is laden by Brazilian booters in midfielder Stefan Leitl and striker Caiuby.
The Azkals, using the test matches as part of their build up for their important June 29 meeting against Sri Lanka in the FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament, played without Filipino-German striker Stephan Schrock, Fil-Icelandic leftback Ray Jonsson and Fil-Dutch attacking midfielder Paul Mulders, who was just reunited with his team after a bereavement leave and Dennis Caraga who was reportedly hit with a high fever.
Despite the loss, Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo remains optimistic.
“We can only gain from the loss and look to get better,” he said.
MANILA, Philippines – Facing a livewire German club playing in the second division of Bundesliga, the Philippine football team got the neat lesson it yearned for, bowing to FC Ingolstadt, 4-0, in its third friendly match in Bavaria, Germany early Thursday morning (Manila time).
The Azkals, who missed some key players, were down 0-3 at halftime of the rain-hit game and eventually fell to their first defeat in three test matches.
German midfielder Andreas Buchner opened the scoring for Ingolstadt in the 14th minute before Fabian Gerber made it 2-0 with a header.
Then a heavy downpour halted the game for about 10 minutes, according to Ingolstadt website, before Azkals goal keeper Neil Etheridge, playing under a difficult soil condition, made a big mistake when he steered a pass into the top of his own net to trail 0-3.
Another goal in the 83rd sealed the victory for Ingolstadt, which ranked 14th out of 18 clubs in the Bundesliga second division last season.
In the Bundesliga, Germany’s federal football league, the top divisions are the first four levels. Ingolstadt, where Azkal Manuel Ott also plays although in the second team, is laden by Brazilian booters in midfielder Stefan Leitl and striker Caiuby.
The Azkals, using the test matches as part of their build up for their important June 29 meeting against Sri Lanka in the FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament, played without Filipino-German striker Stephan Schrock, Fil-Icelandic leftback Ray Jonsson and Fil-Dutch attacking midfielder Paul Mulders, who was just reunited with his team after a bereavement leave and Dennis Caraga who was reportedly hit with a high fever.
Despite the loss, Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo remains optimistic.
“We can only gain from the loss and look to get better,” he said.
Sri Lankans to give Azkals 'torrid time'
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - The Sri Lankan football team admitted lagging behind in training against what its coach labeled as “a difficult opposition” but vowed to give the Philippine Azkals a “torrid time” in their upcoming 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifier.
“We commenced training late (already) due to a delayed selection process. However, we are in a positive frame of mind to counter the challenge before us,” Brave Reds coach Jang Jung said in a report on Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror.
Veteran defender Rohana Ruwanthilake leads the 25-man roster tasked by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) to do battle with the Azkals on June 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Senior players Chathura Gunaratne, Nadeeka Pushpakumara, Fazul Rahuman and Mohammed Izzadeen are expected to provide experience to the Sri Lanka side,which according to skipper Ruwanthilake is composed of “young players oozing with talent.”
“All of them have gained experience playing international matches and are determined to give a torrid time for the visiting Philippine side,” skipper Ruwanthilake said.
Other members are Kavindu Ishan, Tuan Rizni, Sujan Perera, Manjula Fernando, Sampath Bandara, Shafraz Kaiz, Thilanka Nandasiri, Sanka Dhanushka, K. Sutharshan, Lahiru Tharaka, Mohamed Zain Ismath, Nagoor Meera, P.J. Chaminda, Dilki Kumara, Kolitha Lankesara, Bandara Warakagoda, Shafraz Nazar, Chameera Kirishantha, Nuwan Priyantja, Nimal Antoni, and Chathura Gunarathna.
“Our main target is to perform well in the first leg, which will be played on home soil,” said Ruwanthilake, who plays for Saunders SC in the Sri Lanka FA Cup, the South Asian island nation’s premier football tournament.
The Brave Reds will go up against a Phl side that’s beefed up by Fil-foreigners with experience in professional leagues in Europe and the US and currently training in Germany. And Sri Lanka’s Korean coach is well aware of this.
“They (Azkals) have grown very fast and are going to be a difficult opposition for us. They have prepared very well for this tournament,” said Jung.
The Azkals are in the homestretch of their training camp in Germany, where they penciled four test matches against German teams. Phl XI is set to play Bundesliga second division club FC Ingolstadt 04 early Friday (Manila time), the third of four tuneup games set.
MANILA, Philippines - The Sri Lankan football team admitted lagging behind in training against what its coach labeled as “a difficult opposition” but vowed to give the Philippine Azkals a “torrid time” in their upcoming 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifier.
“We commenced training late (already) due to a delayed selection process. However, we are in a positive frame of mind to counter the challenge before us,” Brave Reds coach Jang Jung said in a report on Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror.
Veteran defender Rohana Ruwanthilake leads the 25-man roster tasked by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) to do battle with the Azkals on June 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Senior players Chathura Gunaratne, Nadeeka Pushpakumara, Fazul Rahuman and Mohammed Izzadeen are expected to provide experience to the Sri Lanka side,which according to skipper Ruwanthilake is composed of “young players oozing with talent.”
“All of them have gained experience playing international matches and are determined to give a torrid time for the visiting Philippine side,” skipper Ruwanthilake said.
Other members are Kavindu Ishan, Tuan Rizni, Sujan Perera, Manjula Fernando, Sampath Bandara, Shafraz Kaiz, Thilanka Nandasiri, Sanka Dhanushka, K. Sutharshan, Lahiru Tharaka, Mohamed Zain Ismath, Nagoor Meera, P.J. Chaminda, Dilki Kumara, Kolitha Lankesara, Bandara Warakagoda, Shafraz Nazar, Chameera Kirishantha, Nuwan Priyantja, Nimal Antoni, and Chathura Gunarathna.
“Our main target is to perform well in the first leg, which will be played on home soil,” said Ruwanthilake, who plays for Saunders SC in the Sri Lanka FA Cup, the South Asian island nation’s premier football tournament.
The Brave Reds will go up against a Phl side that’s beefed up by Fil-foreigners with experience in professional leagues in Europe and the US and currently training in Germany. And Sri Lanka’s Korean coach is well aware of this.
“They (Azkals) have grown very fast and are going to be a difficult opposition for us. They have prepared very well for this tournament,” said Jung.
The Azkals are in the homestretch of their training camp in Germany, where they penciled four test matches against German teams. Phl XI is set to play Bundesliga second division club FC Ingolstadt 04 early Friday (Manila time), the third of four tuneup games set.
Azkals up close: Misagh Bahadoran
by Shiela Reyes, abs-cbnnews.com
MANILA, Philippines – For Azkals striker Misagh Bahadoran, school was his key to get into football.
The 24-year-old Filipino-Iranian said he had to prioritize his studies before he could get his father's permission to join the national team.
"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," said Bahadoran.
With years of hard work in school, he earned his college degree and was finally allowed to join the Azkals.
"I just graduated as a dentist from the Centro Escolar University," said a beaming Bahadoran. "He (his father) then allowed me to play football."
Bahadoran maintained a good relationship with football ever since he was a boy.
"My brother was a very good football player. I used to play football with him so I've loved football back when I was 5, 6 years old," he said.
Now that he fulfilled his father's wishes, he's glad to fulfill his own.
"My parents are happy with what I'm doing," he said.
Personal information
Name: Misagh Medina Bahadoran
Age: 24
Birthday: January 10, 1987
Birthplace: Mabalacat, Pampanga
Position in the Azkals team: Left/ Right wing
Start of football career: He's been playing since he was 7
Where's your mother/father from?
My mom is Kapampangan. She's a Filipino and my dad is Iranian.
What leagues have you played in?
I played for Kaya FC, after that I went to Global FC. I'm also a national futsal player since 2006 and I was 2-time top scorer of Southeast Asia. We also qualified in AFC in Japan.
What made you decide to join the team?
I wanted to try Philippine football team which before was not Azkals in 2007. 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. But I just graduated as a dentist from the Centro Escolar University. He then allowed me to play football. They invited me, Dan Palami, manager of Global FC, same manager of the Azkals.
What's your pet peeve? What's the thing that you hate the most?
When my dad or my parents keep on asking me 'Where are you? What are you doing? Why are you late?' I hate that.
What's the best thing you like about football?
The thing I really love about football is the challenge and the winning because when we win, I really love it. People are screaming and my parents are happy with what I'm doing.
MANILA, Philippines – For Azkals striker Misagh Bahadoran, school was his key to get into football.
The 24-year-old Filipino-Iranian said he had to prioritize his studies before he could get his father's permission to join the national team.
"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," said Bahadoran.
With years of hard work in school, he earned his college degree and was finally allowed to join the Azkals.
"I just graduated as a dentist from the Centro Escolar University," said a beaming Bahadoran. "He (his father) then allowed me to play football."
Bahadoran maintained a good relationship with football ever since he was a boy.
"My brother was a very good football player. I used to play football with him so I've loved football back when I was 5, 6 years old," he said.
Now that he fulfilled his father's wishes, he's glad to fulfill his own.
"My parents are happy with what I'm doing," he said.
Personal information
Name: Misagh Medina Bahadoran
Age: 24
Birthday: January 10, 1987
Birthplace: Mabalacat, Pampanga
Position in the Azkals team: Left/ Right wing
Start of football career: He's been playing since he was 7
Where's your mother/father from?
My mom is Kapampangan. She's a Filipino and my dad is Iranian.
What leagues have you played in?
I played for Kaya FC, after that I went to Global FC. I'm also a national futsal player since 2006 and I was 2-time top scorer of Southeast Asia. We also qualified in AFC in Japan.
What made you decide to join the team?
I wanted to try Philippine football team which before was not Azkals in 2007. 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. But I just graduated as a dentist from the Centro Escolar University. He then allowed me to play football. They invited me, Dan Palami, manager of Global FC, same manager of the Azkals.
What's your pet peeve? What's the thing that you hate the most?
When my dad or my parents keep on asking me 'Where are you? What are you doing? Why are you late?' I hate that.
What's the best thing you like about football?
The thing I really love about football is the challenge and the winning because when we win, I really love it. People are screaming and my parents are happy with what I'm doing.
Azkals face tougher foes in last 2 matches in Germany
Earl Victor Rosero - GMA News
The men’s national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, will pit their skills and game strategy against those of FC Ingolstadt 04, a second division Bundesliga football club on June 23 at around 12am Manila time.
"The tune-up games in Germany will help them bond and learn about each teammate's game so they can complement each other and work better together," Stephen Permanes said to GMA News Online via Facebook interview.
Permanes is a member of the Philippines' under-23 national team training pool. As midfielder for the University of the Philippines' football team, he was named the UAAP Season 73 most valuable player.
FC Ingolstadt announced on its website the test match against the Azkals. That fixture was supposed to have taken place two days prior but was reset, allowing the Philippine team two extra days to rest and train further for the friendly.
Dutch-Filipino Paul Mulders, who had to cut short his participation in coach Michael Weiss’ training camp because his father died, returned to Duren and reunited with the team before they all traveled to Gerolfingen in Bavaria for their match against FC Ingolstadt.
There are three German-Filipinos in the Azkals line-up who are also active players in Germany. Midfielder Manuel Ott, is a member of FC Ingolstadt, but plays on its second team. Another midfielder, Stephan Schrock, is with second division German club SpVgg Greuther Furth. Patrick Hinrichsen is from SC Eintracht Oberusel.
The first three test matches of the Azkals during the two-week training camp in Germany were against an Aachen-Duren selection, FC Niederau, and Bonner SC. Aachen and Duren are neighboring towns in western Germany's Cologne region. The Duren selection, the Azkals met on the pitch, were all local players. FC Niederau is a local amateur club, while Bonner SC had its under-19 team engage the Azkals.
Azkals vs Bundesliga teams
The first three friendly games were warm-ups for this week when the Azkals meet tougher foes on the pitch.
In the Bundesliga, Germany’s federal football league, the top divisions are the first four levels. FC Ingolstadt 04's current ranking is 14th among the second division's 18 clubs, with nine wins, 10 draws, 15 losses in 34 matches last season.
"If Stephan Schrock will play in midfield defense maybe Ingolstadt will have some problems there and if Manuel Ott will perform better as before," said Paul Weiler, a German coach who has been watching the Azkals' tune-up games in Germany, to GMA News Online via Facebook interview.
Midfielder Stefan Leitl and strikers Caiuby from Brazil, Sebastian Hofmann and Moritz Hartmann are FC Ingolstadt’s top goal scorers, according to the Bundesliga website. Leitl was responsible for 13 goals in the club’s past 34 matches, Caiuby made 5, while Hofmann and Hartmann shot 3 each.
Ingolstadt defenders with the most time on the pitch are Tobias Fink and Marvin Matip. Their defenders with the most number of yellow cards last season are Malte Metzelder, Marino Bilskov, and Andreas Gorlitz. Midfielder Markus Karl has 6 while striker Marko Futacs has 5.
The Azkals will meet the first team of SV Darmstadt 98 on June 25 at 12am Manila time. The Darmstadt 98, also known as SV 98, ranked no. 1 in the Regionalliga last season and got automatically promoted to the third division where there are 20 clubs.
SV 98’s top goal scorers are Oliver Heil, Uwe Hesse, Sven Sokler, and Yannick Stark. Its players who stay longest on the pitch are Markus Brudigam, Fouad Brighache and Jonas Gruter. The ones who give the most assists are Sven Sokler, Yannick Stark and Sascha Amstatter.
The men’s national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, will pit their skills and game strategy against those of FC Ingolstadt 04, a second division Bundesliga football club on June 23 at around 12am Manila time.
"The tune-up games in Germany will help them bond and learn about each teammate's game so they can complement each other and work better together," Stephen Permanes said to GMA News Online via Facebook interview.
Permanes is a member of the Philippines' under-23 national team training pool. As midfielder for the University of the Philippines' football team, he was named the UAAP Season 73 most valuable player.
FC Ingolstadt announced on its website the test match against the Azkals. That fixture was supposed to have taken place two days prior but was reset, allowing the Philippine team two extra days to rest and train further for the friendly.
Dutch-Filipino Paul Mulders, who had to cut short his participation in coach Michael Weiss’ training camp because his father died, returned to Duren and reunited with the team before they all traveled to Gerolfingen in Bavaria for their match against FC Ingolstadt.
There are three German-Filipinos in the Azkals line-up who are also active players in Germany. Midfielder Manuel Ott, is a member of FC Ingolstadt, but plays on its second team. Another midfielder, Stephan Schrock, is with second division German club SpVgg Greuther Furth. Patrick Hinrichsen is from SC Eintracht Oberusel.
The first three test matches of the Azkals during the two-week training camp in Germany were against an Aachen-Duren selection, FC Niederau, and Bonner SC. Aachen and Duren are neighboring towns in western Germany's Cologne region. The Duren selection, the Azkals met on the pitch, were all local players. FC Niederau is a local amateur club, while Bonner SC had its under-19 team engage the Azkals.
Azkals vs Bundesliga teams
The first three friendly games were warm-ups for this week when the Azkals meet tougher foes on the pitch.
In the Bundesliga, Germany’s federal football league, the top divisions are the first four levels. FC Ingolstadt 04's current ranking is 14th among the second division's 18 clubs, with nine wins, 10 draws, 15 losses in 34 matches last season.
"If Stephan Schrock will play in midfield defense maybe Ingolstadt will have some problems there and if Manuel Ott will perform better as before," said Paul Weiler, a German coach who has been watching the Azkals' tune-up games in Germany, to GMA News Online via Facebook interview.
Midfielder Stefan Leitl and strikers Caiuby from Brazil, Sebastian Hofmann and Moritz Hartmann are FC Ingolstadt’s top goal scorers, according to the Bundesliga website. Leitl was responsible for 13 goals in the club’s past 34 matches, Caiuby made 5, while Hofmann and Hartmann shot 3 each.
Ingolstadt defenders with the most time on the pitch are Tobias Fink and Marvin Matip. Their defenders with the most number of yellow cards last season are Malte Metzelder, Marino Bilskov, and Andreas Gorlitz. Midfielder Markus Karl has 6 while striker Marko Futacs has 5.
The Azkals will meet the first team of SV Darmstadt 98 on June 25 at 12am Manila time. The Darmstadt 98, also known as SV 98, ranked no. 1 in the Regionalliga last season and got automatically promoted to the third division where there are 20 clubs.
SV 98’s top goal scorers are Oliver Heil, Uwe Hesse, Sven Sokler, and Yannick Stark. Its players who stay longest on the pitch are Markus Brudigam, Fouad Brighache and Jonas Gruter. The ones who give the most assists are Sven Sokler, Yannick Stark and Sascha Amstatter.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Coaching staff expects more from Azkals
by Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
THE Philippine Azkals national football team had so far scored two wins in a row, the latest a 4-1 victory over the Bonner 19-under selection, but team manager Dan Palami and the rest of the coaching staff expect more from the team when they face second division team Ingolstadt on Monday.
The tune-up games in Duren, Germany serve as the nationals’ final preparation before they take on the Sri Lanka Brave Reds on June 29 and July 3 in their two-game qualifying matches for the World Cup.
“We are slowly achieving cohesion. We played well, especially in the first half,” said Palami.
Fil-British striker Phil Younghusband again drew first blood for the Azkals when he scored the team’s first goal in the first half, followed by team captain Chieffy Caligdong, Fil-German Stephan Schrock and Ian Araneta.
The Azkals earlier beat Aachen-Duren, 4-1, during another tune-up match last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Football Association will host the Azkals’ training stint in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he got the confirmation from the BFA, which relayed the news to PFF general secretary Ramon Manuel a week ago.
The Azkals will be flying to Bahrain between July 13 and 19, right after their qualifying matches against Sri Lanka and Kuwait.
THE Philippine Azkals national football team had so far scored two wins in a row, the latest a 4-1 victory over the Bonner 19-under selection, but team manager Dan Palami and the rest of the coaching staff expect more from the team when they face second division team Ingolstadt on Monday.
The tune-up games in Duren, Germany serve as the nationals’ final preparation before they take on the Sri Lanka Brave Reds on June 29 and July 3 in their two-game qualifying matches for the World Cup.
“We are slowly achieving cohesion. We played well, especially in the first half,” said Palami.
Fil-British striker Phil Younghusband again drew first blood for the Azkals when he scored the team’s first goal in the first half, followed by team captain Chieffy Caligdong, Fil-German Stephan Schrock and Ian Araneta.
The Azkals earlier beat Aachen-Duren, 4-1, during another tune-up match last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Football Association will host the Azkals’ training stint in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he got the confirmation from the BFA, which relayed the news to PFF general secretary Ramon Manuel a week ago.
The Azkals will be flying to Bahrain between July 13 and 19, right after their qualifying matches against Sri Lanka and Kuwait.
Men behind the Azkals: Ace ng bayan
By MAV C. GONZALES GMA News
The Azkals were in the middle of their high-altitude training in Gotemba City in Honshu, on the eastern foot of Mount Fuji, south of Tokyo, when the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Japan on March 11 this year.
While everyone in the Philippines was praying for our Japanese friends, our very own national football team had to dodge their way out of the natural disaster.
A bus ride, three train transfers – the travel out of Gotemba City was catastrophic in itself. And in the middle of it all was the Azkals’ team coordinator, the “mother hen" so they say – Ace Bright.
“Sa train station pinagtitinginan na kami nung mga Japanese kasi buhat-buhat namin lahat ng boxes tapos naka-uniform pa kami," he retells of their mission to get to Tokyo on time.
When they finally got to the airport, everyone was in such a hurry that they all toppled at the end of the escalator.
“Pagdating namin dun sa Mongolia, -25 degrees tapos wala pa yung luggage namin. So for two days, ang suot namin yung clothes pa namin from Japan," he adds.
“Parang comedy movie lang talaga," he says as if what they just went through wasn’t that bad.
Despite having to fix their routes, book their transportation, and make sure all the players were accounted for, he remains forever the cooler head in the team. And that’s probably the thing you have to admire most.
While all these is enough to give any average person a headache at the very least, it’s all part of a day’s job for Ace.
TV producer to all-around troubleshooter
Ace was born to an Australian dad and a Filipina mom. However, he’s always lived here in Manila with his family. His parents have separated a long time ago but he still visits the land down under every so often.
A big sports buff, the 26-year-old started out as a segment producer in the Philippine Basketball Association where he also produced the first lifestyle show of the PBA. He’s grown so deep into the basketball circle that some of the players’ kids are his godchildren.
He’s always been a fan of basketball and football teams so it wasn’t a shock when he became the editor in chief of the Philippine Football Federation’s newspaper.
What was a little surprising though was former national team coach Desmond Bulpin’s proposal to Ace. Back in December 2009, coach was looking for a team coordinator. Maybe Bulpin saw the potential in him or just liked how he worked. In any case, that marked a new chapter for Ace that will surely never be the same behind-the-scenes life.
Now, Ace is pretty much the face of the Azkals. He coordinates with the players, the coaching staff, the PFF, the media and everyone else in between. He also makes sure the players get their rest, even to the point of telling them to go to sleep via Twitter.
“Yung mga players sa’kin hinahanap pag wala sa activities. Mahirap lalo pag nasa airport kami tapos may mga pasaway na bigla na lang nawawala," he shakes his head and laughs.
While coordinating a team like the Azkals can sometimes take its toll on him, he’d take it over any office job. Besides, the free travels make it all worth the occasional shaking-my-head moments.
“Sinusundan ng natural disasters"
Literally. First there was Tokyo, then another earthquake when they got to Myanmar.
Okay so maybe this next story isn’t a natural disaster, but it still goes down the Azkals’ Hall of Fame of disasters.
Ray Jonsson was coming from Iceland going to Mongolia for the Challenge Cup. The sitch was that China won’t let him pass since he didn’t have a visa.
“Grabe tinawagan na namin lahat ng pwedeng tawagan non pati ambassador. Ang nangyari dumaan pa siyang Korea from Iceland bago siya nakarating ng Mongolia. Around the world in two days talaga yung ginawa niya," he recalls.
Ace says all these bond them even more. In fact, he’s grown really close to the team because he spends more time with them instead of his family.
But even then, play and work are still two different things.
“Hindi naman ako strict sa kanila kasi sport ‘to eh. Dapat cool ka lang," he says.
Finally paid off
All the years of toil finally paid off after their win over Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year.
“Hanggang madaling araw nasa lobby kami ng hotel, Skyping with our families and the media," he says.
That signaled the start of a new page for the Azkals. From there, they pretty much get mobbed everywhere they go especially when they went to Bacolod for the Mongolia match.
And that also meant an added item to Ace’s job description: the Azkals’ security from overly enthusiastic fans (also known as borderline stalkers).
“Sa Bacolod, wild talaga yung mga fans. Umaakyat sila sa hotel tapos sa pitch, talagang naha-harass na yung mga players. Hinahalikan sila tapos sinusubukan kunin yung personal items nila. Wild talaga," he says.
He even had to take care of a certain player (whom we will leave unnamed) from being semi-raped during an Azkals’ party here in Manila.
But it’s not all that bad. In fact, with the boom of the Azkals, even Ace developed his own fan base who call themselves “Ace Bright’s Chix and Angels." Intense, I know.
Well that’s just right considering all the hard work and long phone calls and scheduling nightmares he’s gone through, don’t you think?
The Azkals were in the middle of their high-altitude training in Gotemba City in Honshu, on the eastern foot of Mount Fuji, south of Tokyo, when the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Japan on March 11 this year.
While everyone in the Philippines was praying for our Japanese friends, our very own national football team had to dodge their way out of the natural disaster.
A bus ride, three train transfers – the travel out of Gotemba City was catastrophic in itself. And in the middle of it all was the Azkals’ team coordinator, the “mother hen" so they say – Ace Bright.
“Sa train station pinagtitinginan na kami nung mga Japanese kasi buhat-buhat namin lahat ng boxes tapos naka-uniform pa kami," he retells of their mission to get to Tokyo on time.
When they finally got to the airport, everyone was in such a hurry that they all toppled at the end of the escalator.
“Pagdating namin dun sa Mongolia, -25 degrees tapos wala pa yung luggage namin. So for two days, ang suot namin yung clothes pa namin from Japan," he adds.
“Parang comedy movie lang talaga," he says as if what they just went through wasn’t that bad.
Despite having to fix their routes, book their transportation, and make sure all the players were accounted for, he remains forever the cooler head in the team. And that’s probably the thing you have to admire most.
While all these is enough to give any average person a headache at the very least, it’s all part of a day’s job for Ace.
TV producer to all-around troubleshooter
Ace was born to an Australian dad and a Filipina mom. However, he’s always lived here in Manila with his family. His parents have separated a long time ago but he still visits the land down under every so often.
A big sports buff, the 26-year-old started out as a segment producer in the Philippine Basketball Association where he also produced the first lifestyle show of the PBA. He’s grown so deep into the basketball circle that some of the players’ kids are his godchildren.
He’s always been a fan of basketball and football teams so it wasn’t a shock when he became the editor in chief of the Philippine Football Federation’s newspaper.
What was a little surprising though was former national team coach Desmond Bulpin’s proposal to Ace. Back in December 2009, coach was looking for a team coordinator. Maybe Bulpin saw the potential in him or just liked how he worked. In any case, that marked a new chapter for Ace that will surely never be the same behind-the-scenes life.
Now, Ace is pretty much the face of the Azkals. He coordinates with the players, the coaching staff, the PFF, the media and everyone else in between. He also makes sure the players get their rest, even to the point of telling them to go to sleep via Twitter.
“Yung mga players sa’kin hinahanap pag wala sa activities. Mahirap lalo pag nasa airport kami tapos may mga pasaway na bigla na lang nawawala," he shakes his head and laughs.
While coordinating a team like the Azkals can sometimes take its toll on him, he’d take it over any office job. Besides, the free travels make it all worth the occasional shaking-my-head moments.
“Sinusundan ng natural disasters"
Literally. First there was Tokyo, then another earthquake when they got to Myanmar.
Okay so maybe this next story isn’t a natural disaster, but it still goes down the Azkals’ Hall of Fame of disasters.
Ray Jonsson was coming from Iceland going to Mongolia for the Challenge Cup. The sitch was that China won’t let him pass since he didn’t have a visa.
“Grabe tinawagan na namin lahat ng pwedeng tawagan non pati ambassador. Ang nangyari dumaan pa siyang Korea from Iceland bago siya nakarating ng Mongolia. Around the world in two days talaga yung ginawa niya," he recalls.
Ace says all these bond them even more. In fact, he’s grown really close to the team because he spends more time with them instead of his family.
But even then, play and work are still two different things.
“Hindi naman ako strict sa kanila kasi sport ‘to eh. Dapat cool ka lang," he says.
Finally paid off
All the years of toil finally paid off after their win over Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup last year.
“Hanggang madaling araw nasa lobby kami ng hotel, Skyping with our families and the media," he says.
That signaled the start of a new page for the Azkals. From there, they pretty much get mobbed everywhere they go especially when they went to Bacolod for the Mongolia match.
And that also meant an added item to Ace’s job description: the Azkals’ security from overly enthusiastic fans (also known as borderline stalkers).
“Sa Bacolod, wild talaga yung mga fans. Umaakyat sila sa hotel tapos sa pitch, talagang naha-harass na yung mga players. Hinahalikan sila tapos sinusubukan kunin yung personal items nila. Wild talaga," he says.
He even had to take care of a certain player (whom we will leave unnamed) from being semi-raped during an Azkals’ party here in Manila.
But it’s not all that bad. In fact, with the boom of the Azkals, even Ace developed his own fan base who call themselves “Ace Bright’s Chix and Angels." Intense, I know.
Well that’s just right considering all the hard work and long phone calls and scheduling nightmares he’s gone through, don’t you think?
Gier, Mulders rejoin Azkals training camp
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
Two more key players will rejoin the Philippine football team as it enters the final week of its preparation for the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying clash against Sri Lanka.
The Azkals will be boosted by the arrival of Filipino-British defender and the return of Fil-Dutch attacking midfielder Paul Mulders in the team’s camp in Duren, Germany, as they continue their buildup for the June 29 and July 3 matches against the Sri Lankans.
The last phase of the Azkals’ preparations will include a duel with FC Ingolstadt on Monday and Darmstadt, a German third division side, on Friday.
The Azkals, fueled by strong attacking combinations, have shown stellar form in their first two test matches in the Germany camp, winning via 4-1 scorelines over Duren selection and the Under-19 side of Bonner SC.
An experienced defender, who once played in England’s second-tier league, the 30-year-old Gier will join the team on Tuesday, a day after Mulders returns to the squad following a short bereavement leave.
Filipino-Danish Jerry Lucena already joined the team late last week, but a source in Germany said Ray Jonsson could miss the game against Ingolstadt as he will play for his club in Iceland.
Another, Filipino-Danish player, leftback Dennis Cagara remains unsure if he can still join the camp and make the trip to Colombo and Manila for the match.
Two more key players will rejoin the Philippine football team as it enters the final week of its preparation for the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying clash against Sri Lanka.
The Azkals will be boosted by the arrival of Filipino-British defender and the return of Fil-Dutch attacking midfielder Paul Mulders in the team’s camp in Duren, Germany, as they continue their buildup for the June 29 and July 3 matches against the Sri Lankans.
The last phase of the Azkals’ preparations will include a duel with FC Ingolstadt on Monday and Darmstadt, a German third division side, on Friday.
The Azkals, fueled by strong attacking combinations, have shown stellar form in their first two test matches in the Germany camp, winning via 4-1 scorelines over Duren selection and the Under-19 side of Bonner SC.
An experienced defender, who once played in England’s second-tier league, the 30-year-old Gier will join the team on Tuesday, a day after Mulders returns to the squad following a short bereavement leave.
Filipino-Danish Jerry Lucena already joined the team late last week, but a source in Germany said Ray Jonsson could miss the game against Ingolstadt as he will play for his club in Iceland.
Another, Filipino-Danish player, leftback Dennis Cagara remains unsure if he can still join the camp and make the trip to Colombo and Manila for the match.
Azkals learn national anthem
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ - Malaya Business Insight
ON a high with two straight victories in their training camp in Duren, Germany, the Philippine Azkals are being made to face another challenge: Learn "Lupang Hinirang," the country’s national anthem.
While instilling patriotism into the team and make their latest challenge exciting, national team manager Dan Palami held a group singing contest last Saturday night for the best rendition of the anthem, with a pot of 1,500 Euros (P93,000) up for grabs.
On the eve of the 150th birthday anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal, the players were divided into three groups of seven each and were tasked to sing the anthem, according to the team’s Facebook site.
The competition featured two rounds, with each group singing in the first round and the second pairing one player from each group with the other groups.
Emerging triumphant was Group B composed of co-captain Chieffy Caligdong, Phil Younghusband, Angel Guirado, Nestor Margarse, Stephan Schrock and Patrick Hinrichsen.
Group A consisted of co-skipper Aly Borromeo, Nate Burkey, Ray Jonsson, Eduard Sacapano, Yoc Becite and Manny Ott while Group C was made up of Ian Araneta, Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Roel Gener, Misagh Bahadoran and Oliver Postschke.
Borromeo apparently did not like the outcome of the judging, saying in a message on Twitter: "Group A (White) should’ve taken it home! Best sequence, well versed and most original."
ON a high with two straight victories in their training camp in Duren, Germany, the Philippine Azkals are being made to face another challenge: Learn "Lupang Hinirang," the country’s national anthem.
While instilling patriotism into the team and make their latest challenge exciting, national team manager Dan Palami held a group singing contest last Saturday night for the best rendition of the anthem, with a pot of 1,500 Euros (P93,000) up for grabs.
On the eve of the 150th birthday anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal, the players were divided into three groups of seven each and were tasked to sing the anthem, according to the team’s Facebook site.
The competition featured two rounds, with each group singing in the first round and the second pairing one player from each group with the other groups.
Emerging triumphant was Group B composed of co-captain Chieffy Caligdong, Phil Younghusband, Angel Guirado, Nestor Margarse, Stephan Schrock and Patrick Hinrichsen.
Group A consisted of co-skipper Aly Borromeo, Nate Burkey, Ray Jonsson, Eduard Sacapano, Yoc Becite and Manny Ott while Group C was made up of Ian Araneta, Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Roel Gener, Misagh Bahadoran and Oliver Postschke.
Borromeo apparently did not like the outcome of the judging, saying in a message on Twitter: "Group A (White) should’ve taken it home! Best sequence, well versed and most original."
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Azkals up close: Aly Borromeo
by Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Among the kinds of sports he played, Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo kept his relationship with football the longest.
Borromeo started hitting the pitch at 6 years old. But while growing up, he strayed away from football as he gained interest in other sports like basketball, tennis, golf, and athletics.
"Really all around," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com. "My grades were pretty bad but yeah."
By the time he re-entered football, he was beginning to realize that the sport isn't exactly doing well in the Philippines. Popularity-wise, at least.
That is, until the past months when Borromeo and his team attained success in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.
"I thought I chose the wrong sport all the way until last year, 'til we started really doing well… I could've probably played basketball and made it on PBA," he said.
Now, isn't everyone glad that Borromeo stayed with football?
Personal information
Name: Alexander Charles Luis Borromeo
Nickname: Aly
Age: 27
Birthday: June 28, 1983
Birthplace: San Francisco, California. Raised in the Philippines
Position in the Azkals team: Center back
Start of football career: "I played for Under-14, Under-19 (tournaments)."
When and how did you start playing for the Azkals?
Actually it's funny because in the first games, I wasn't captain yet. I accidentally injured my old teammate. I hit him on the nose, broke his nose and I was given the captain post. (Laughing)
What's the best thing you like about football?
It's a different feeling when you score a goal. It's a team sport. Unity's involved, the equation. It's celebrating with others. I like making others feel good, making them happy since I joined the Azkals in 2004.
MANILA, Philippines – Among the kinds of sports he played, Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo kept his relationship with football the longest.
Borromeo started hitting the pitch at 6 years old. But while growing up, he strayed away from football as he gained interest in other sports like basketball, tennis, golf, and athletics.
"Really all around," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com. "My grades were pretty bad but yeah."
By the time he re-entered football, he was beginning to realize that the sport isn't exactly doing well in the Philippines. Popularity-wise, at least.
That is, until the past months when Borromeo and his team attained success in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.
"I thought I chose the wrong sport all the way until last year, 'til we started really doing well… I could've probably played basketball and made it on PBA," he said.
Now, isn't everyone glad that Borromeo stayed with football?
Personal information
Name: Alexander Charles Luis Borromeo
Nickname: Aly
Age: 27
Birthday: June 28, 1983
Birthplace: San Francisco, California. Raised in the Philippines
Position in the Azkals team: Center back
Start of football career: "I played for Under-14, Under-19 (tournaments)."
When and how did you start playing for the Azkals?
Actually it's funny because in the first games, I wasn't captain yet. I accidentally injured my old teammate. I hit him on the nose, broke his nose and I was given the captain post. (Laughing)
What's the best thing you like about football?
It's a different feeling when you score a goal. It's a team sport. Unity's involved, the equation. It's celebrating with others. I like making others feel good, making them happy since I joined the Azkals in 2004.
Azkals up close: Getting to know Coach Weiss
by Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Azkals German coach Michael Weiss said football is not just mere sport. For him, football is a challenge.
“We have to combine so many, many things and put them together. It is very interesting and challenging,” said Weiss in an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWs.com.
“It looks easy but you imagine how many pieces of puzzles you have to bring together to have a very good team.”
Football demands not just physical endurance, he said, but also strength of mind. “In Germany, they call the mind the ‘third leg,’” said Weiss.
The interplay of these factors in each game makes the sport thrilling and exciting for Weiss.
It’s no wonder that the German coach stuck with football ever since he had his first training in the sport at a tender age of 8.
Weiss, who was described by German football officials as a highly knowledgeable and experienced coach, took over the Azkals coaching job early this year.
He was tasked to transform the Azkals from a defensive-minded team to an attacking squad.
When asked about the Philippine Azkals' chances in reaching the FIFA World Cup, he was careful not to give false hopes.
What he could assure though is that he and his players are very confident in their upcoming clash with Sri Lanka at the end of this month.
Below are some tidbits about the German coach:
Personal Information
Name: Hans Michael Weiss
Age: 46
Birthplace: Germany
Birthday: March 11, 1965
Position in the Azkals team: Head coach
Start of football career: 8 years old
Educational background: Bachelor's degree in Sports Science and Management at the University of Mainz
Team coached before the Azkals:
Kyoto Purple Sanga (Asst. Coach)
China U-20 (Asst. Coach)
Rwanda U-17 (Head Coach)
Favorite athlete?
Roger Federer is the one I admire very, very much. Roger Federer, he’s like the super athlete for me, combining athleticism and elegance and all these requirements for professional sports. Wonderful athlete, and then the elegance especially, and the feeling for the game, fantastic.
How did you get into this sport, football?
I was 8 years old. Somebody took me to training and then I tried, I tried. And then from 8 years on I played until 32 years old and then I get into coaching.
I was 32 years old and I had a job in Japan in high school as a coach. I took the opportunity to leave Germany and then 2 years went back to Germany and then again 3 years in Japan. All together, 5 years in Japan. I like Japan very much.
Leagues you played in?
I played professional leagues in Germany for about 7 to 8 years and at the same time I was getting my masters in physical education and sports science. And yeah, this is how I could make a good living and then I went, at the age of 32, I started coaching. Until this day, 14 years now, long time.
Most memorable game as a coach?
The most memorable game was in 2003 when we played with Kyoto Purple Sanga in the Empress Cup final in Japan and we beat the Kashima Antlers, one of the tough teams in Japan and sensationally we beat them, 80,000 people in the stadium in Tokyo. That was very impressive.
What made you decide to join Azkals?
I was one of the frontrunners for the job… they decided that I would be the man who most possibly would be able to bring the Azkals to the next level. That is why they bring me in.
“We have to combine so many, many things and put them together. It is very interesting and challenging,” said Weiss in an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWs.com.
“It looks easy but you imagine how many pieces of puzzles you have to bring together to have a very good team.”
Football demands not just physical endurance, he said, but also strength of mind. “In Germany, they call the mind the ‘third leg,’” said Weiss.
The interplay of these factors in each game makes the sport thrilling and exciting for Weiss.
It’s no wonder that the German coach stuck with football ever since he had his first training in the sport at a tender age of 8.
Weiss, who was described by German football officials as a highly knowledgeable and experienced coach, took over the Azkals coaching job early this year.
He was tasked to transform the Azkals from a defensive-minded team to an attacking squad.
When asked about the Philippine Azkals' chances in reaching the FIFA World Cup, he was careful not to give false hopes.
What he could assure though is that he and his players are very confident in their upcoming clash with Sri Lanka at the end of this month.
Below are some tidbits about the German coach:
Personal Information
Name: Hans Michael Weiss
Age: 46
Birthplace: Germany
Birthday: March 11, 1965
Position in the Azkals team: Head coach
Start of football career: 8 years old
Educational background: Bachelor's degree in Sports Science and Management at the University of Mainz
Team coached before the Azkals:
Kyoto Purple Sanga (Asst. Coach)
China U-20 (Asst. Coach)
Rwanda U-17 (Head Coach)
Favorite athlete?
Roger Federer is the one I admire very, very much. Roger Federer, he’s like the super athlete for me, combining athleticism and elegance and all these requirements for professional sports. Wonderful athlete, and then the elegance especially, and the feeling for the game, fantastic.
How did you get into this sport, football?
I was 8 years old. Somebody took me to training and then I tried, I tried. And then from 8 years on I played until 32 years old and then I get into coaching.
I was 32 years old and I had a job in Japan in high school as a coach. I took the opportunity to leave Germany and then 2 years went back to Germany and then again 3 years in Japan. All together, 5 years in Japan. I like Japan very much.
Leagues you played in?
I played professional leagues in Germany for about 7 to 8 years and at the same time I was getting my masters in physical education and sports science. And yeah, this is how I could make a good living and then I went, at the age of 32, I started coaching. Until this day, 14 years now, long time.
Most memorable game as a coach?
The most memorable game was in 2003 when we played with Kyoto Purple Sanga in the Empress Cup final in Japan and we beat the Kashima Antlers, one of the tough teams in Japan and sensationally we beat them, 80,000 people in the stadium in Tokyo. That was very impressive.
What made you decide to join Azkals?
I was one of the frontrunners for the job… they decided that I would be the man who most possibly would be able to bring the Azkals to the next level. That is why they bring me in.
Azkals goalkeeper dating separated Michelle
By JECELYN V. MACAHINDOG - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines -- Just like how the Phil Younghusband and Angel Locsin rumored romance started, another Azkals member declares his admiration for an actress via the social networking site Twitter.
In a report by “24 Oras” June 15, Philippine Azkals’ goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is said to be dating sexy actress Michelle Madrigal. This was confirmed by a series of tweets exchanged by the two on Twitter.
Some of their posts read: “Mitch_Madrigal @Neil38Etheridge have a safe trip!”
“Neil Etheridge@Mitch_Madrigal thanks beautiful! Have a good time, don’t party too much or work too hard. I’m sure I will see you when I get back! Enjoy! X”
“Michelle_Madrigal@Neil38Etheridge noooo!!! Stay!!!”
“Neil Etheridge@Mitch_Madrigal I wish I could, I would haha just for you... But unfortunately I can’t :-(”
Michelle, who just recently broke up with co-“Survivor Philippines” castaway Jon Hall, dispels the rumor by stressing that she and Neil are just friends. The “Captain Barbell” star also added in the same report that she and Neil go out on dates with a group of friends.
Neil, on the other hand, is currently in Germany with his team Azkals to train for their upcoming World Cup qualifying match to be held in Sri Lanka.
In a report by “24 Oras” June 15, Philippine Azkals’ goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is said to be dating sexy actress Michelle Madrigal. This was confirmed by a series of tweets exchanged by the two on Twitter.
Some of their posts read: “Mitch_Madrigal @Neil38Etheridge have a safe trip!”
“Neil Etheridge@Mitch_Madrigal thanks beautiful! Have a good time, don’t party too much or work too hard. I’m sure I will see you when I get back! Enjoy! X”
“Michelle_Madrigal@Neil38Etheridge noooo!!! Stay!!!”
“Neil Etheridge@Mitch_Madrigal I wish I could, I would haha just for you... But unfortunately I can’t :-(”
Michelle, who just recently broke up with co-“Survivor Philippines” castaway Jon Hall, dispels the rumor by stressing that she and Neil are just friends. The “Captain Barbell” star also added in the same report that she and Neil go out on dates with a group of friends.
Neil, on the other hand, is currently in Germany with his team Azkals to train for their upcoming World Cup qualifying match to be held in Sri Lanka.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Azkals post 2nd tune-up win in Germany, 4-1 vs teen-age team
EARL VICTOR ROSERO, GMA News
The Philippines men's national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, notched a second win in their two-week training camp in Germany. Saturday's early morning test match ended 4-1 against the SC Bonner Under-19 team.
Scoring one goal each for the Azkals were Ian Araneta, Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, and Stephan Shrock. "Great game today," Caligdong said in a tweet to fans.
Elated, team manager Dan Palami thanked (through Twitter) the Filipino community in Germany "for the overwhelming support shown when they came in droves to cheer for the Azkals! Salamat po!"
Tonight, the Azkals have some down time. They split into three teams for a competition on who sings best the Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem. For incentive, Palami put up a prize pot of 1,500 euros.
For their third test match, the Azkals will face Ingolstadt I, a Bundesliga 2nd division team, in Gerolfingen, Bavaria in southern Germany Monday evening (Manila time.)
The last test match before heading off to Sri Lanka will be on June 24 against 2010-11 regional champions, Darmstadt 98, a 3rd division squad at the Bollenfalltor stadium in the Hesse region’s Darmstadt City.
The Philippines men's national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, notched a second win in their two-week training camp in Germany. Saturday's early morning test match ended 4-1 against the SC Bonner Under-19 team.
Scoring one goal each for the Azkals were Ian Araneta, Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, and Stephan Shrock. "Great game today," Caligdong said in a tweet to fans.
Elated, team manager Dan Palami thanked (through Twitter) the Filipino community in Germany "for the overwhelming support shown when they came in droves to cheer for the Azkals! Salamat po!"
Tonight, the Azkals have some down time. They split into three teams for a competition on who sings best the Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem. For incentive, Palami put up a prize pot of 1,500 euros.
For their third test match, the Azkals will face Ingolstadt I, a Bundesliga 2nd division team, in Gerolfingen, Bavaria in southern Germany Monday evening (Manila time.)
The last test match before heading off to Sri Lanka will be on June 24 against 2010-11 regional champions, Darmstadt 98, a 3rd division squad at the Bollenfalltor stadium in the Hesse region’s Darmstadt City.
Prize offered to Fil-foreign Azkals to sing PH Anthem
With reports from Rose Eclarinal, Europe News Bureau; and Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News - abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Aside from motivating members of the national team to win their upcoming game against Sri Lanka, Azkals team manager Dan Palami cooked up an idea to encourage his Fil-foreign players to memorize the Philippine national anthem.
Palami offered 1,500 Euros (roughly P94,000) to the winning group that can give a decent rendition of the Philippine National anthem.
Each group will be composed mainly of Fil-foreign Azkals players.
"If everybody can sing it sa group nila then the winning group wins 1,500 Euros," said Palami.
The Philippine Azkals are currently training in Duren, Germany in preparation for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.
The Azkals won their friendly against Aachen-Duren, 4-1, last Wednesday.
They will next face Germany's Bonner Selection on Friday.
MANILA, Philippines – Aside from motivating members of the national team to win their upcoming game against Sri Lanka, Azkals team manager Dan Palami cooked up an idea to encourage his Fil-foreign players to memorize the Philippine national anthem.
Palami offered 1,500 Euros (roughly P94,000) to the winning group that can give a decent rendition of the Philippine National anthem.
Each group will be composed mainly of Fil-foreign Azkals players.
"If everybody can sing it sa group nila then the winning group wins 1,500 Euros," said Palami.
The Philippine Azkals are currently training in Duren, Germany in preparation for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.
The Azkals won their friendly against Aachen-Duren, 4-1, last Wednesday.
They will next face Germany's Bonner Selection on Friday.
Azkals trim Achen-Duren
By Olmin Leyba - (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals hacked out a 4-1 victory over the Achen-Duren Selection Wednesday night in Duren, Germany as they stepped up their training for their upcoming 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers duel with Sri Lanka.
Phil Younghusband, playing in only his second outing for the Azkals since sitting out the AFC Challenge Cup group stages due to hamstring injury, knocked in two goals to lead the charge for the Phl side holding a two-week training camp in Germany.
His brother James and homegrown star Chieffy Caligdong also scored as the Azkals hurdled the first of their four scheduled test matches in Germany before departing for Sri Lanka on June 26 for the first leg set in Colombo June 29.
Internet reports said the Azkals utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that stymied the opposition and maximized the skills of Angel Aldeguer Guirado and Younghusband.
“The team is slowly getting its act together. Good win against Duren selection,” Azkals team manager Dan Palami said on his Twitter account.
Coach Michael Weiss had the luxury of fielding in a more complete team against Achen-Duren than the crew that dropped a 3-4 loss to the United Football League All Stars in a previous test match in Manila.
He started off with Neil Etheridge, Anton Del Rosario, Aly Borromeo, Oliver Potschke, Manny Ott, James and Phil Younghusband, Ray Jonnson, Aldeguer Guirado, Stephan Shrock, and Caligdong. Missing the game were Fil-Dutch midfielder Paul Mulders, who left camp following his father’s death and Fil-German prospect Patrik Reichelt, who suffered an ACL injury.
“I’m happy with the result. Things are starting to fall into place,” co-skipper Borromeo posted on Twitter.
“Well done, boys! This is the first step. Now to the next step,” Phil said for his part.
The Azkals will next play the Bonner Selection at the Bonner-SC Stadium on Friday, then face second division team Ingolstadt on June 20 in Grundelfingen, and Darmstadt 98 on June 24.
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals hacked out a 4-1 victory over the Achen-Duren Selection Wednesday night in Duren, Germany as they stepped up their training for their upcoming 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers duel with Sri Lanka.
Phil Younghusband, playing in only his second outing for the Azkals since sitting out the AFC Challenge Cup group stages due to hamstring injury, knocked in two goals to lead the charge for the Phl side holding a two-week training camp in Germany.
His brother James and homegrown star Chieffy Caligdong also scored as the Azkals hurdled the first of their four scheduled test matches in Germany before departing for Sri Lanka on June 26 for the first leg set in Colombo June 29.
Internet reports said the Azkals utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that stymied the opposition and maximized the skills of Angel Aldeguer Guirado and Younghusband.
“The team is slowly getting its act together. Good win against Duren selection,” Azkals team manager Dan Palami said on his Twitter account.
Coach Michael Weiss had the luxury of fielding in a more complete team against Achen-Duren than the crew that dropped a 3-4 loss to the United Football League All Stars in a previous test match in Manila.
He started off with Neil Etheridge, Anton Del Rosario, Aly Borromeo, Oliver Potschke, Manny Ott, James and Phil Younghusband, Ray Jonnson, Aldeguer Guirado, Stephan Shrock, and Caligdong. Missing the game were Fil-Dutch midfielder Paul Mulders, who left camp following his father’s death and Fil-German prospect Patrik Reichelt, who suffered an ACL injury.
“I’m happy with the result. Things are starting to fall into place,” co-skipper Borromeo posted on Twitter.
“Well done, boys! This is the first step. Now to the next step,” Phil said for his part.
The Azkals will next play the Bonner Selection at the Bonner-SC Stadium on Friday, then face second division team Ingolstadt on June 20 in Grundelfingen, and Darmstadt 98 on June 24.
6 Germany-based PH Azkals begin training with team
Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
SIX Germany-based Filipino players, led by prized find Stephan Schrock, have started training with the Philippine Azkals, who are currently in Duren, Germany for a series of tune-up matches against German football clubs as part of their preparation for the 2014 World Cup Qualifying matches against Sri Lanka.
Already recovered from his injury, the 25-year-old Schrock has started scrimmaging with the Azkals, who will play their first tune-up game against Juni Association, a team based in Duren on June 15, Wednesday.
Coach Hans Michael Michael Weiss said Schrock’s presence will be a big boost to the Azkals.
“He is a fantastic player,” said Weiss of Schrock, who plays right back for 2nd Bundesliga club SpVgg Greuther Fürth.[
Schrock, a former mainstay for Germany’s national squads in the under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, expressed his desire to play for the Azkals, while he was in Manila last March to fix his passport.
The Azkals also welcomed five other Fil-Germans in Mark Drinkuth, Patrick Hindrichsen, Manny Ott, Patrick Reichelt and Oliver Potschke.
Meanwhile, all is not well in Sri Lankan football, following reports that the Football Federation of Sri Lanka is set to make major changes in the line-up of the Brave Reds. The planned revamp stemmed from the recent news that three members of the team remained suspended over allegations of game-fixing since May.
In an online article of Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror, the football federation said that veteran forward Kasun Jayasuriya and another club player have been suspended over their involvement in the alleged match fixing within their Premier League.
SIX Germany-based Filipino players, led by prized find Stephan Schrock, have started training with the Philippine Azkals, who are currently in Duren, Germany for a series of tune-up matches against German football clubs as part of their preparation for the 2014 World Cup Qualifying matches against Sri Lanka.
Already recovered from his injury, the 25-year-old Schrock has started scrimmaging with the Azkals, who will play their first tune-up game against Juni Association, a team based in Duren on June 15, Wednesday.
Coach Hans Michael Michael Weiss said Schrock’s presence will be a big boost to the Azkals.
“He is a fantastic player,” said Weiss of Schrock, who plays right back for 2nd Bundesliga club SpVgg Greuther Fürth.[
Schrock, a former mainstay for Germany’s national squads in the under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, expressed his desire to play for the Azkals, while he was in Manila last March to fix his passport.
The Azkals also welcomed five other Fil-Germans in Mark Drinkuth, Patrick Hindrichsen, Manny Ott, Patrick Reichelt and Oliver Potschke.
Meanwhile, all is not well in Sri Lankan football, following reports that the Football Federation of Sri Lanka is set to make major changes in the line-up of the Brave Reds. The planned revamp stemmed from the recent news that three members of the team remained suspended over allegations of game-fixing since May.
In an online article of Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror, the football federation said that veteran forward Kasun Jayasuriya and another club player have been suspended over their involvement in the alleged match fixing within their Premier League.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Vice Ganda warms up to popular Azkal player via Twitter
By NEIL RAMOS - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines – Actress Angel Locsin is not the only one keen for an Azkal. Seemingly, popular TV host and comedian Vice Ganda wants one too, in the person of Azkal goalie Neil Etheridge. And the former wants the whole of Twitter-verse to know about it, too.
Vice Ganda made his pursuit of the football hunk obvious with a series of Tweets, June 10 –the day he saw Etheridge at ABS-CBN.
Apparently, Etheridge as with other members of the popular football team who were within the premises of the network giant for a send-off party Friday, just before they leave for Germany for a two-week training as part of their preparations for the June 29 and July 3 World Cup Qualifiers home and away matches against Sri Lanka.
Vice Ganda, who was also at the venue preparing for “Showtime,” saw the group and immediately zeroed in on Etheridge. None too soon, he made contact.
In a tweet he sent to @Neil38Etheridge he said, “hey! ya I saw you on stage. If you’re still here in ABS come pass by our Showtime studio!”
It wasn't known if the two had met prior but Etheridge was casual as he was polite in his reply to @vicegandako.
“I will try find out where that is... I will try [to] pass by; I'm still here at another event... What time will you be there till?”
Vice Ganda quickly tweeted with, “show will start later than usual because of the nba finals so we'll most probably be here till 1ish. Just let me know!”
The move was a success.
Etheridge and his Azkal’s teammates eventually dropped in at the “Showtime” set to squeals and shrieks courtesy of studio audiences, who made as if they're addressing the Chippendales, screaming for the group to take off their shirts but to no avail.
Vice Ganda, meanwhile, was mercilessly teased to no-end by “Showtime” co-hosts Kim Atienza, Vhong Navarro and Anne Curtis. He didn't mind. He looked happy enough. But he made no further overtures on air.
Etheridge was happy as well. The “Showtime” appearance made him a trending topic on Twitter — which amused the Filipino-British football player, going on to thank those who made it happen.
Still via Twitter he said, “Thank you for making me trend.. Much love to you all... Next time maybe I will take it off haha!”
As everyone awaits for a possible showbiz "love story" to evolve between the two, Vice Ganda is having – of all things – a fit of sorts, this courtesy of “Showtime” guest judge, Ryan Bang.
Only a few hours ago he tweeted @ryanbangko, “YOU DON'T INTRUDE WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S ACCOUNT! I HATE YOU!!!”
Earlier, he minced no words scolding the latter via the same platform.
“BAD @ryanbangko! Pinakialaman yung Ipad ko at nagpost sa FanPage ko ng I love my son Ryan Bang forever! Bad bad bad!”
MANILA, Philippines – Actress Angel Locsin is not the only one keen for an Azkal. Seemingly, popular TV host and comedian Vice Ganda wants one too, in the person of Azkal goalie Neil Etheridge. And the former wants the whole of Twitter-verse to know about it, too.
Vice Ganda made his pursuit of the football hunk obvious with a series of Tweets, June 10 –the day he saw Etheridge at ABS-CBN.
Apparently, Etheridge as with other members of the popular football team who were within the premises of the network giant for a send-off party Friday, just before they leave for Germany for a two-week training as part of their preparations for the June 29 and July 3 World Cup Qualifiers home and away matches against Sri Lanka.
Vice Ganda, who was also at the venue preparing for “Showtime,” saw the group and immediately zeroed in on Etheridge. None too soon, he made contact.
In a tweet he sent to @Neil38Etheridge he said, “hey! ya I saw you on stage. If you’re still here in ABS come pass by our Showtime studio!”
It wasn't known if the two had met prior but Etheridge was casual as he was polite in his reply to @vicegandako.
“I will try find out where that is... I will try [to] pass by; I'm still here at another event... What time will you be there till?”
Vice Ganda quickly tweeted with, “show will start later than usual because of the nba finals so we'll most probably be here till 1ish. Just let me know!”
The move was a success.
Etheridge and his Azkal’s teammates eventually dropped in at the “Showtime” set to squeals and shrieks courtesy of studio audiences, who made as if they're addressing the Chippendales, screaming for the group to take off their shirts but to no avail.
Vice Ganda, meanwhile, was mercilessly teased to no-end by “Showtime” co-hosts Kim Atienza, Vhong Navarro and Anne Curtis. He didn't mind. He looked happy enough. But he made no further overtures on air.
Etheridge was happy as well. The “Showtime” appearance made him a trending topic on Twitter — which amused the Filipino-British football player, going on to thank those who made it happen.
Still via Twitter he said, “Thank you for making me trend.. Much love to you all... Next time maybe I will take it off haha!”
As everyone awaits for a possible showbiz "love story" to evolve between the two, Vice Ganda is having – of all things – a fit of sorts, this courtesy of “Showtime” guest judge, Ryan Bang.
Only a few hours ago he tweeted @ryanbangko, “YOU DON'T INTRUDE WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S ACCOUNT! I HATE YOU!!!”
Earlier, he minced no words scolding the latter via the same platform.
“BAD @ryanbangko! Pinakialaman yung Ipad ko at nagpost sa FanPage ko ng I love my son Ryan Bang forever! Bad bad bad!”
Azkals switch to Pacquiao mode
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Iranian winger Misagh Bahadoran, one of the national football team's new recruits, admitted that training in the past couple of weeks had been a hellish experience, but he’s not complaining.
At one point, the 24-year-old dentistry graduate from Centro Escolar University vomited after an exhausting running drill presided by German coach Hans Michael Weiss.
But the Azkals, training for their first-round World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 29, are not taking any chances.
As they arrive in Frankfurt, Germany tonight, the Azkals expect their training to go a notch harder.
The Azkals will stay in Duren for a two-week training camp which will serve as the final phase of their preparation.
Team manager Dan Palami, credited for the Azkals’ phenomenal rise, said they are set “to train five to 10 times harder,” citing the training regimen of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao as inspiration.
“We want to follow his (Pacquiao) principle,” said Palami, a self-confessed Pacquiao fan who watched the ring icon's latest triumph against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas. “It's really training 10 times harder so when the game comes we will be ready in speed and stamina. We want to ready the players as if they will play three straight games.”
Saranggani Rep. Pacquiao is famous for his mantra: “If you train hard, the fight is easy.”
The Azkals, unruffled by the E. Coli outbreak that hit Germany, will have four friendly matches against formidable second and third division German clubs.
They get their first acid test when they play their first friendly match on June 15 opposite a squad composed of fourth and fifth division players based in Duren.
Next will be an Under-19 squad from Bern on June 17, before taking on a second Bundesliga team FC Ingolstadt five days later.
The team wraps up its preparations on June 24 against newly-promoted German third division team Darmstadt Achtung 98.
The 23-man crew flying to Germany includes new recruits, Fil-Am striker Nathan Burkey, Fil-Am centerback James Rochlitz, and Fil-Dutch attacking midfielder Paul Maulders.
The newbies will join goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Manuel Ott, Rob Gier, Angel Guirado, Rey Johnsson, Jerry Lucena, Stephan Schrock, Ian Araneta, Aly Borromeo, Chieffy Caligdong, Anton Del Rosario, Roel Gener, Nestor Margarse, Edward Sacapano, Jason Sabio, Richard Becite and Phil and James Younghusband.
Swiss goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbuhler will link up with team in Germany.
MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Iranian winger Misagh Bahadoran, one of the national football team's new recruits, admitted that training in the past couple of weeks had been a hellish experience, but he’s not complaining.
At one point, the 24-year-old dentistry graduate from Centro Escolar University vomited after an exhausting running drill presided by German coach Hans Michael Weiss.
But the Azkals, training for their first-round World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 29, are not taking any chances.
As they arrive in Frankfurt, Germany tonight, the Azkals expect their training to go a notch harder.
The Azkals will stay in Duren for a two-week training camp which will serve as the final phase of their preparation.
Team manager Dan Palami, credited for the Azkals’ phenomenal rise, said they are set “to train five to 10 times harder,” citing the training regimen of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao as inspiration.
“We want to follow his (Pacquiao) principle,” said Palami, a self-confessed Pacquiao fan who watched the ring icon's latest triumph against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas. “It's really training 10 times harder so when the game comes we will be ready in speed and stamina. We want to ready the players as if they will play three straight games.”
Saranggani Rep. Pacquiao is famous for his mantra: “If you train hard, the fight is easy.”
The Azkals, unruffled by the E. Coli outbreak that hit Germany, will have four friendly matches against formidable second and third division German clubs.
They get their first acid test when they play their first friendly match on June 15 opposite a squad composed of fourth and fifth division players based in Duren.
Next will be an Under-19 squad from Bern on June 17, before taking on a second Bundesliga team FC Ingolstadt five days later.
The team wraps up its preparations on June 24 against newly-promoted German third division team Darmstadt Achtung 98.
The 23-man crew flying to Germany includes new recruits, Fil-Am striker Nathan Burkey, Fil-Am centerback James Rochlitz, and Fil-Dutch attacking midfielder Paul Maulders.
The newbies will join goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Manuel Ott, Rob Gier, Angel Guirado, Rey Johnsson, Jerry Lucena, Stephan Schrock, Ian Araneta, Aly Borromeo, Chieffy Caligdong, Anton Del Rosario, Roel Gener, Nestor Margarse, Edward Sacapano, Jason Sabio, Richard Becite and Phil and James Younghusband.
Swiss goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbuhler will link up with team in Germany.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Azkals coach confident of winning
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — German coach Michael Weiss said he feels more excited than pressured despite his unenviable task of making sure the Philippine football team will do well in the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup.
It will be his biggest assignment since taking the coaching helm of the national football team four months ago, but Weiss said he thrives under pressure.
”There’s no pressure,” he said, though admitting that the qualifying tourney, where they will meet Sri Lanka in the first round on June 29 in Colombo, is very significant for the country.
Much has changed since the Philippines last took part in the World Cup qualifier in 2001.
The stands were empty when the Azkals hosted a qualifying match against Laos (1-1) at the 10,000-seater Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Ten years after, things are going to be different given the tremendous popularity and expectation from the Azkals.
Proof is that game tickets to their home match against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on July 3 were sold out in two hours.
”Everybody is excited about this, and I know what this tournament means for the Philippines.” Weiss said. “Football is only starting to get recognized so we need every win to keep it.”
The Azkals are set to leave for Germany on Sunday for a couple of tune up matches for their first-round match against Sri Lanka on June 29.
“We can expect to win but we should not underestimate them,” said Weiss, adding that Sri Lanka is not taking the game lightly and is going to South Korea for a couple of tune up matches.
Considering that the Azkals have never played Sri Lanka before, Weiss said they don’t plan to be too aggressive and will just counter whatever their South Asian rivals bring to the table.
“But we have to have cohesion first. That will be the main focus in Germany: cohesion, tactical, technical training,” Weiss said.
MANILA, Philippines — German coach Michael Weiss said he feels more excited than pressured despite his unenviable task of making sure the Philippine football team will do well in the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup.
It will be his biggest assignment since taking the coaching helm of the national football team four months ago, but Weiss said he thrives under pressure.
”There’s no pressure,” he said, though admitting that the qualifying tourney, where they will meet Sri Lanka in the first round on June 29 in Colombo, is very significant for the country.
Much has changed since the Philippines last took part in the World Cup qualifier in 2001.
The stands were empty when the Azkals hosted a qualifying match against Laos (1-1) at the 10,000-seater Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Ten years after, things are going to be different given the tremendous popularity and expectation from the Azkals.
Proof is that game tickets to their home match against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on July 3 were sold out in two hours.
”Everybody is excited about this, and I know what this tournament means for the Philippines.” Weiss said. “Football is only starting to get recognized so we need every win to keep it.”
The Azkals are set to leave for Germany on Sunday for a couple of tune up matches for their first-round match against Sri Lanka on June 29.
“We can expect to win but we should not underestimate them,” said Weiss, adding that Sri Lanka is not taking the game lightly and is going to South Korea for a couple of tune up matches.
Considering that the Azkals have never played Sri Lanka before, Weiss said they don’t plan to be too aggressive and will just counter whatever their South Asian rivals bring to the table.
“But we have to have cohesion first. That will be the main focus in Germany: cohesion, tactical, technical training,” Weiss said.
Sri Lanka confident of beating Azkals
By Ronnie Nathanielsz - Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA—The president of the Sri Lanka Football Federation has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will beat the Philippines in their home-and-away matches in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge.
The first match will be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, which has a capacity of 25,000, on June 29 while the return match will be played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 3.
Sarath Weerasekeram, a member of Parliament, told the Inquirer recently that he’s “very positive” Sri Lanka will win on aggregate and that an intense “two-week training will suffice.”
While promising to “play attacking football” against the Azkals, the football official indicated the Sri Lanka team is prepared “to adapt depending on the opposition strategy.”
He said the team would rely on “quick counterattacks and composite play up front” against the Azkals, whom he described as a promising team in the Asean which qualified in the AFC Challenge final rounds.
The coach of Sri Lanka is Jang Jung of South Korea who has been handling the squad since October 2010.
Jan took what was described as a “new look” team on a three-week tour of South Korea for an extensive training program last year.
The team played seven training matches as a buildup to the pre-Olympic tournament and the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round matches.
MANILA—The president of the Sri Lanka Football Federation has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will beat the Philippines in their home-and-away matches in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge.
The first match will be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, which has a capacity of 25,000, on June 29 while the return match will be played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 3.
Sarath Weerasekeram, a member of Parliament, told the Inquirer recently that he’s “very positive” Sri Lanka will win on aggregate and that an intense “two-week training will suffice.”
While promising to “play attacking football” against the Azkals, the football official indicated the Sri Lanka team is prepared “to adapt depending on the opposition strategy.”
He said the team would rely on “quick counterattacks and composite play up front” against the Azkals, whom he described as a promising team in the Asean which qualified in the AFC Challenge final rounds.
The coach of Sri Lanka is Jang Jung of South Korea who has been handling the squad since October 2010.
Jan took what was described as a “new look” team on a three-week tour of South Korea for an extensive training program last year.
The team played seven training matches as a buildup to the pre-Olympic tournament and the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round matches.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Azkals to hold fund-raising day
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Philippine football team take time off from their rigorous training Friday to mingle with their loyal fans in an event also serving as their sendoff party for their World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 29.
The event, dubbed as “We Believe” is also a fund-raising campaign that hopes not only to bring the fans closer to the Philippine Azkals, but also generate support for their important outing, Azkals team manager Dan Palami said.
“It’s a way of thanking the fans for their support and at the same time ask support from them for our game against Sri Lanka,” Palami said.
“We want to show that the Azkals’ victory is also the nation’s triumph.” Palami said the event, which will feature concerts and football clinics, hopes to draw more corporate sponsors for the team to sustain its training and preparation for the qualifying tournament for the World Cup.
Last month, he said they will need around P15 million for their preparation, including their training in Germany.
Event organizer Jmar Eduarte said fans can help the Azkals by purchasing Azkals merchandising goods during the event that will start at 4 p.m. at Trinoma. —Francis Santiago
MJC to host baseball tilt
Four champion teams are set to slug it out starting today for the 1st Dominador Pangilinan Youth Baseball Invitational at the San Lazaro Leisure & Business Park in Cavite.
Hosted by the Manila Jockey Club Inc. (MJCI), the four-day tournament will be headlined by the Little Razcals who will represent the country this year in the Protect Our Nation’s Youth (PONY) World Series in the United States.
The three other teams in the single round robin format are the 2010 Metro Schools League champion Marikina Broncos, PONY Asian Championship bound Habagat, and South Asia Nankyu Championship bound Bagwis.
Players from all four teams are 12 years old and below and with the exception of the Marikina Broncos who are a selection of the best baseball players from across the country.
Jins to train in Korea
Looking ahead to next year’s London Olympic Games, members of the Smart Olympic Taekwondo Team will undergo an exclusive training in Korea from June 6-18 in preparation for the world qualification tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan on June 25 to July 4.
The SMART team will be composed of John Paul Lizardo, Marlon Avenido, Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison, Jose Anthony Soriano, Jyra Marie Lizardo, Pauline Louise Lopez, Jade Zafra and Maria Camille Manalo.
“They’re the best among the current crop of Filipino fighters,” noted Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Sung Chon Hong.
PH London games point man
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has appointed amateur boxing vice-president Manny Lopez as chief of mission to the 2012 London Olympics. Lopez’s naming also coincided with the appointment of two other key officials to the 26th Southeast Asian Games this November in Indonesia.
“London is already asking questions so I have no choice but to make an appointment,” said POC president Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco during yesterday’s General Assembly at Wack Wack. The POC likewise designated wushu chief Julian Camacho and tennis secretary general Romeo Magat as deputy chiefs of mission to the Indonesian SEAG as Sim Chi Tat of canoe-kayak kept his position as chief of mission. —Nick Giongco
Petron racing
H3 Autoworks top guns Pepi Santos and Edison Cayco try to seal the win in their respective divisions when the Petron Northern Series-2011 National Drag Racing stages its championship leg on Saturday at the Clark International Speedway.
Santos and Cayco are expected to close out their campaigns on high note in the event sponsored by Petron, supported by Yokohama Philippines, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, Aeromed, and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Philippine football team take time off from their rigorous training Friday to mingle with their loyal fans in an event also serving as their sendoff party for their World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on June 29.
The event, dubbed as “We Believe” is also a fund-raising campaign that hopes not only to bring the fans closer to the Philippine Azkals, but also generate support for their important outing, Azkals team manager Dan Palami said.
“It’s a way of thanking the fans for their support and at the same time ask support from them for our game against Sri Lanka,” Palami said.
“We want to show that the Azkals’ victory is also the nation’s triumph.” Palami said the event, which will feature concerts and football clinics, hopes to draw more corporate sponsors for the team to sustain its training and preparation for the qualifying tournament for the World Cup.
Last month, he said they will need around P15 million for their preparation, including their training in Germany.
Event organizer Jmar Eduarte said fans can help the Azkals by purchasing Azkals merchandising goods during the event that will start at 4 p.m. at Trinoma. —Francis Santiago
MJC to host baseball tilt
Four champion teams are set to slug it out starting today for the 1st Dominador Pangilinan Youth Baseball Invitational at the San Lazaro Leisure & Business Park in Cavite.
Hosted by the Manila Jockey Club Inc. (MJCI), the four-day tournament will be headlined by the Little Razcals who will represent the country this year in the Protect Our Nation’s Youth (PONY) World Series in the United States.
The three other teams in the single round robin format are the 2010 Metro Schools League champion Marikina Broncos, PONY Asian Championship bound Habagat, and South Asia Nankyu Championship bound Bagwis.
Players from all four teams are 12 years old and below and with the exception of the Marikina Broncos who are a selection of the best baseball players from across the country.
Jins to train in Korea
Looking ahead to next year’s London Olympic Games, members of the Smart Olympic Taekwondo Team will undergo an exclusive training in Korea from June 6-18 in preparation for the world qualification tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan on June 25 to July 4.
The SMART team will be composed of John Paul Lizardo, Marlon Avenido, Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison, Jose Anthony Soriano, Jyra Marie Lizardo, Pauline Louise Lopez, Jade Zafra and Maria Camille Manalo.
“They’re the best among the current crop of Filipino fighters,” noted Philippine Taekwondo Association vice president Sung Chon Hong.
PH London games point man
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has appointed amateur boxing vice-president Manny Lopez as chief of mission to the 2012 London Olympics. Lopez’s naming also coincided with the appointment of two other key officials to the 26th Southeast Asian Games this November in Indonesia.
“London is already asking questions so I have no choice but to make an appointment,” said POC president Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco during yesterday’s General Assembly at Wack Wack. The POC likewise designated wushu chief Julian Camacho and tennis secretary general Romeo Magat as deputy chiefs of mission to the Indonesian SEAG as Sim Chi Tat of canoe-kayak kept his position as chief of mission. —Nick Giongco
Petron racing
H3 Autoworks top guns Pepi Santos and Edison Cayco try to seal the win in their respective divisions when the Petron Northern Series-2011 National Drag Racing stages its championship leg on Saturday at the Clark International Speedway.
Santos and Cayco are expected to close out their campaigns on high note in the event sponsored by Petron, supported by Yokohama Philippines, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM, Aeromed, and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.
Mizuno upset by Azkals' 'snub'
By DING T. MARCELO - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — The shock defeat of the Philippine Football team has left not only its coach and team officials disappointed, it also upset one of the Azkals’ major backers in a different sort of way.
Mizuno, which has supported the Azkals “when they were nothing,” said it was deeply hurt when the team played against a United Football League selection without wearing the company’s jerseys.
Benny Gopez, whose company Mastersports is the sole distributor of Mizuno products for nearly 30 years, said that by using another jersey, the Azkals may have violated a contract it had signed with Mizuno in which the team agreed to use its jerseys in both local and international competitions.
“We love the Azkals,” Gopez said, “what we can’t understand is why it suddenly decided not to use our jerseys.”
Gopez, former president of the golf and volleyball associations, recalled that when the Azkals were the team Filipinos knew nothing about, and they went around looking for sponsors who mostly rejected them, Mizuno offered to support them “not for personal gain but because we have faith in them and that football needed all the help it can get.”
“Now that they are big and popular,” Gopez said, “they apparently have forgotten who helped them when they were nothing.”
Azkals team manager Dan Palami, in explaining the switch, said it was not their deliberate intention not to use Mizuno jerseys.
The jerseys, he said, arrived late and they didn’t have time to put in the names of the other sponsors on the shirts.
“Had we been given the uniforms in time to print our other sponsors, we would have gladly worn it,” Palami said.
He also said the team did not wear a competing brand, what they wore was a backup practice jersey. He added that they always wore Mizuno shirts but the Sunday game was only a practice and exhibition match.
He recognized Mizuno’s contribution to the national team.
“Indeed Mizuno was there before the Azkals made their name, and for that, despite better offers from competitors, we extended their lapsed contract for one more year,” Palami said.
Gopez admitted they are not really big sponsors, only suppliers of the team’s apparel, but he said the Azkals management should not forget those who supported them in their hour of need.
Following unprecedented success in international campaign, the Azkals have become the newests darlings of Philippine sports, their top players matching the celebrity status of the country’s more popular basketball players.
“But they have to return to their beginnings,” said Gopez.
He wryly noted that the team that beat the Azkals, the UFL selection, during their exhibition game last Sunday, wore Mizuno jerseys.
“Isn’t that poetic justice,” Gopez said. “Our jerseys also bring luck.”
MANILA, Philippines — The shock defeat of the Philippine Football team has left not only its coach and team officials disappointed, it also upset one of the Azkals’ major backers in a different sort of way.
Mizuno, which has supported the Azkals “when they were nothing,” said it was deeply hurt when the team played against a United Football League selection without wearing the company’s jerseys.
Benny Gopez, whose company Mastersports is the sole distributor of Mizuno products for nearly 30 years, said that by using another jersey, the Azkals may have violated a contract it had signed with Mizuno in which the team agreed to use its jerseys in both local and international competitions.
“We love the Azkals,” Gopez said, “what we can’t understand is why it suddenly decided not to use our jerseys.”
Gopez, former president of the golf and volleyball associations, recalled that when the Azkals were the team Filipinos knew nothing about, and they went around looking for sponsors who mostly rejected them, Mizuno offered to support them “not for personal gain but because we have faith in them and that football needed all the help it can get.”
“Now that they are big and popular,” Gopez said, “they apparently have forgotten who helped them when they were nothing.”
Azkals team manager Dan Palami, in explaining the switch, said it was not their deliberate intention not to use Mizuno jerseys.
The jerseys, he said, arrived late and they didn’t have time to put in the names of the other sponsors on the shirts.
“Had we been given the uniforms in time to print our other sponsors, we would have gladly worn it,” Palami said.
He also said the team did not wear a competing brand, what they wore was a backup practice jersey. He added that they always wore Mizuno shirts but the Sunday game was only a practice and exhibition match.
He recognized Mizuno’s contribution to the national team.
“Indeed Mizuno was there before the Azkals made their name, and for that, despite better offers from competitors, we extended their lapsed contract for one more year,” Palami said.
Gopez admitted they are not really big sponsors, only suppliers of the team’s apparel, but he said the Azkals management should not forget those who supported them in their hour of need.
Following unprecedented success in international campaign, the Azkals have become the newests darlings of Philippine sports, their top players matching the celebrity status of the country’s more popular basketball players.
“But they have to return to their beginnings,” said Gopez.
He wryly noted that the team that beat the Azkals, the UFL selection, during their exhibition game last Sunday, wore Mizuno jerseys.
“Isn’t that poetic justice,” Gopez said. “Our jerseys also bring luck.”
Greatwich can't play in Azkals' games vs Sri Lanka
by Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-British player Chris Greatwich still won't be able to join the Philippine Azkals in their games against Sri Lanka in the first round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Greatwich, who played a major role in the Philippine Azkals' successful stint in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup last December, said he also won't be able to join the Azkals' training camp in Germany.
"With it being mid-season here in the US and my playing and work commitments, the dates given weren't feasible so I reluctantly declined the opportunity to join the team," he said through his Twitter account.
Greatwich is currently working as the head coach of the Morris County Colonials U20s (Under 20) team in the US Youth Premier Soccer League.
Greatwich said he already asked Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss to allow him to join the team later.
Weiss, however, deemed it important for Greatwich to at least participate in their German training camp.
"He felt it was important that I integrate with what is a new squad and had to be in Germany. While I was disappointed with this decision, I understood his reasons and have to accept it as he is the coach," said Greatwich.
Greatwich is best remembered for scoring crucial goals for the Azkals in their Suzuki Cup games against football powerhouses Singapore and Vietnam.
He remains hopeful that he can rejoin his team in their future games.
"Hopefully it won't be too long before I don the National Team jersey again," said Greatwich.
"I wish the guys every success and I will be our biggest supporter in the forthcoming games."
The away-game between the Philippine Azkals and the Sri Lankans will take place in Colombo on June 29.
The home game will take place 4 days later at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-British player Chris Greatwich still won't be able to join the Philippine Azkals in their games against Sri Lanka in the first round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Greatwich, who played a major role in the Philippine Azkals' successful stint in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup last December, said he also won't be able to join the Azkals' training camp in Germany.
"With it being mid-season here in the US and my playing and work commitments, the dates given weren't feasible so I reluctantly declined the opportunity to join the team," he said through his Twitter account.
Greatwich is currently working as the head coach of the Morris County Colonials U20s (Under 20) team in the US Youth Premier Soccer League.
Greatwich said he already asked Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss to allow him to join the team later.
Weiss, however, deemed it important for Greatwich to at least participate in their German training camp.
"He felt it was important that I integrate with what is a new squad and had to be in Germany. While I was disappointed with this decision, I understood his reasons and have to accept it as he is the coach," said Greatwich.
Greatwich is best remembered for scoring crucial goals for the Azkals in their Suzuki Cup games against football powerhouses Singapore and Vietnam.
He remains hopeful that he can rejoin his team in their future games.
"Hopefully it won't be too long before I don the National Team jersey again," said Greatwich.
"I wish the guys every success and I will be our biggest supporter in the forthcoming games."
The away-game between the Philippine Azkals and the Sri Lankans will take place in Colombo on June 29.
The home game will take place 4 days later at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Fil-Dutch pro booter tries out for Azkals
Peter Atencio (Manila Standard Today)
FILIPINO-Dutch Paul Mulders, a 30-year old football pro, planed in recently to try out for the Philippine National Azkals.
But national coach Michael Weiss said Mulers came in too late and will not be picked when he announces the final composition of the team seeing action against Sri Lanka in their two-game home-and-away series on June 29 and July 3 for the he World Cup qualifying matches.
“There will be no more new players for the team. He (Mulders) will not play for Sri Lanka, but later on,” said Weiss last Friday during the Azkals’ workouts at the pitch of the Rizal Memorial football stadium in Vito Cruz.
The 5’9” Amsterdam-based Mulder has been playing professional soccer for the last 10 years and is currently under contract with Ado Den Haag.
Mulder, whose father is Dutch and mother is from Isabela in the Philippines, is an attacking midfielder.
Weiss said the Azkals will have a complete team when they leave for a two-week training in Durren, Germany starting on June 12.
Weiss will choose from seven aspirants, namely former national player and Fil-Australian Lee Gunn, Fil-Iranian Misagh Bahadoran, Fil-Americans James Rochiletes, OJ Porteria, Neil Ignacio and Nathan Burkey and London-based Alvin Sarmiento.
Meanwhile, organizers said tickets for the Philippines’ 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on 3 July 2011 in Manila are almost sold out.
The game, which serves as the second leg of the first round World Cup qualifiers will be played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Around 28,000 seats of tickets worth P200 to P3,000 have been put on sale last week. But Philippine Football Federation officials said they were surprised upon learning that most of the tickets were gone within two hours. Peter Atencio
FILIPINO-Dutch Paul Mulders, a 30-year old football pro, planed in recently to try out for the Philippine National Azkals.
But national coach Michael Weiss said Mulers came in too late and will not be picked when he announces the final composition of the team seeing action against Sri Lanka in their two-game home-and-away series on June 29 and July 3 for the he World Cup qualifying matches.
“There will be no more new players for the team. He (Mulders) will not play for Sri Lanka, but later on,” said Weiss last Friday during the Azkals’ workouts at the pitch of the Rizal Memorial football stadium in Vito Cruz.
The 5’9” Amsterdam-based Mulder has been playing professional soccer for the last 10 years and is currently under contract with Ado Den Haag.
Mulder, whose father is Dutch and mother is from Isabela in the Philippines, is an attacking midfielder.
Weiss said the Azkals will have a complete team when they leave for a two-week training in Durren, Germany starting on June 12.
Weiss will choose from seven aspirants, namely former national player and Fil-Australian Lee Gunn, Fil-Iranian Misagh Bahadoran, Fil-Americans James Rochiletes, OJ Porteria, Neil Ignacio and Nathan Burkey and London-based Alvin Sarmiento.
Meanwhile, organizers said tickets for the Philippines’ 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka on 3 July 2011 in Manila are almost sold out.
The game, which serves as the second leg of the first round World Cup qualifiers will be played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Around 28,000 seats of tickets worth P200 to P3,000 have been put on sale last week. But Philippine Football Federation officials said they were surprised upon learning that most of the tickets were gone within two hours. Peter Atencio
Little Azkals rout Cambodia, 4-0
By Mars Alison (Cebu Daily News) - INQ
The Philippine Under-13 team tagged the Little Azkals added another win to their tally in yesterday’s resumption of matches of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Malaysia.
The Little Azkals once again shutout Cambodia, 4-0, yesterday morning with its first goal scored just three minutes into the match courtesy of Jeremiah Borlongan of the Cagayan de Oro Misamis oriental Football Association.
The Filipino booters continued their attack with Davao’s Darios Jed Diamante adding a goal in the 15th minute of the game. Springdale’s Lorenzo Ceniza completed a hat-trick for the Little Azkals 11 minutes before the second half.
The Little Azkals did not let up in the second half and wrapped up the match with another goal courtesy of Javier Romero Salas of Davao in the 46th minute.
Head coach Oliver Colina attributed the win to the fact that team has now adjusted and is starting to pick up their game. However, Colina said the Little Azkals have not yet shown their full potential.
He said this might be because the team is not comfortable playing under the scorching heat of the sun. It was a different story in the afternoon, as the Little Azkals match against Singapore was abandoned with the score pegged at 0-all due to heavy rain and lightning.
All coaches are having a meeting as of presstime to decide on whether or not to continue the match.
Today, the Philippines will go up against Malaysia in the morning and Laos in the afternoon.
The Philippine Under-13 team tagged the Little Azkals added another win to their tally in yesterday’s resumption of matches of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Malaysia.
The Little Azkals once again shutout Cambodia, 4-0, yesterday morning with its first goal scored just three minutes into the match courtesy of Jeremiah Borlongan of the Cagayan de Oro Misamis oriental Football Association.
The Filipino booters continued their attack with Davao’s Darios Jed Diamante adding a goal in the 15th minute of the game. Springdale’s Lorenzo Ceniza completed a hat-trick for the Little Azkals 11 minutes before the second half.
The Little Azkals did not let up in the second half and wrapped up the match with another goal courtesy of Javier Romero Salas of Davao in the 46th minute.
Head coach Oliver Colina attributed the win to the fact that team has now adjusted and is starting to pick up their game. However, Colina said the Little Azkals have not yet shown their full potential.
He said this might be because the team is not comfortable playing under the scorching heat of the sun. It was a different story in the afternoon, as the Little Azkals match against Singapore was abandoned with the score pegged at 0-all due to heavy rain and lightning.
All coaches are having a meeting as of presstime to decide on whether or not to continue the match.
Today, the Philippines will go up against Malaysia in the morning and Laos in the afternoon.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Reality check: UFL side stuns Azkals
By Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA— A friendly match against hastily formed UFL All-Star team turned out to be a cold reality check for the Philippine Azkals.
An injury-time goal by Sudanese striker Izo El-Habbib lifted the All-Stars to a thrilling 4-3 upset over the Azkals on Sunday night in a friendly match played before a crowd of 10,000 at the University of Makati pitch.
The Azkals, after taking the lead through Chieffy Caligdong’s 10th minute opener, needed to muster two equalizing goals until El-Habbib, who plays for Global Smartmatic, struck a thunderous shot from a tight angle to break the nationals’ hearts.
Eric Dagroh, Kaya Cignal’s Ivorian striker, scored twice and Mark Hartmann, the prolific Fil-British attacker for the Loyola Meralco Sparks, added another goal for the UFL All-Stars, who thoroughly exposed gaps on the Azkals defense.
“I’m a little disappointed,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss. “Its an indication that we have to improve. We lost a match that we shouldn’t have lost.”
The Azkals are preparing for the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying first-round home-and-away against Sri Lanka on June 29 and July 3.
Simon Greatwich equalized for the Azkals with a follow up on James Younghusband’s saved header in the 62nd minute, before substitute Ian Araneta tied the match for the last time in the 84th minute by heading home a cross from Caligdong.
Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo and Jason Sabio—paired up at central defense for the first time since the 3-0 win over Bangladesh in the AFC Challenge Cup—committed costly errors that Dagroh was quick to pounce on.
Borromeo was dispossesed by El-Habbib at a dangerous area and Dagroh turned Sabio for a cool finish in the 41st minute, evening the match at 1-1 at halftime.
Hartmann’s curling free kick from just outside the box sailed into the top corner to give UFL a 2-1 lead, after Sabio, hobbled by a shin injury, fouled Sabio.
Another missed clearance by Borromeo handed Dagroh another opening in the 75th minute and the Ivorian made no mistake slotting the ball past Etheridge.
“Some players in the defensive line didn’t have their best day,” Weiss said. “It may sound ridiculous but I think we clearly dominated the match.”
The match, a season-ending showcase of the league, also turned out to be a tribute for retiring national player Yanti Barsales, who captained the Azkals in the first 15 minutes, before he was substituted by newcomer Nathaniel Burkey, a Fil-Am striker.
The Philippine Team that won against then defending champion Malaysia in the Southeast Asian Games in 1991 was also honored at half-time.
MANILA— A friendly match against hastily formed UFL All-Star team turned out to be a cold reality check for the Philippine Azkals.
An injury-time goal by Sudanese striker Izo El-Habbib lifted the All-Stars to a thrilling 4-3 upset over the Azkals on Sunday night in a friendly match played before a crowd of 10,000 at the University of Makati pitch.
The Azkals, after taking the lead through Chieffy Caligdong’s 10th minute opener, needed to muster two equalizing goals until El-Habbib, who plays for Global Smartmatic, struck a thunderous shot from a tight angle to break the nationals’ hearts.
Eric Dagroh, Kaya Cignal’s Ivorian striker, scored twice and Mark Hartmann, the prolific Fil-British attacker for the Loyola Meralco Sparks, added another goal for the UFL All-Stars, who thoroughly exposed gaps on the Azkals defense.
“I’m a little disappointed,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss. “Its an indication that we have to improve. We lost a match that we shouldn’t have lost.”
The Azkals are preparing for the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifying first-round home-and-away against Sri Lanka on June 29 and July 3.
Simon Greatwich equalized for the Azkals with a follow up on James Younghusband’s saved header in the 62nd minute, before substitute Ian Araneta tied the match for the last time in the 84th minute by heading home a cross from Caligdong.
Azkals skipper Aly Borromeo and Jason Sabio—paired up at central defense for the first time since the 3-0 win over Bangladesh in the AFC Challenge Cup—committed costly errors that Dagroh was quick to pounce on.
Borromeo was dispossesed by El-Habbib at a dangerous area and Dagroh turned Sabio for a cool finish in the 41st minute, evening the match at 1-1 at halftime.
Hartmann’s curling free kick from just outside the box sailed into the top corner to give UFL a 2-1 lead, after Sabio, hobbled by a shin injury, fouled Sabio.
Another missed clearance by Borromeo handed Dagroh another opening in the 75th minute and the Ivorian made no mistake slotting the ball past Etheridge.
“Some players in the defensive line didn’t have their best day,” Weiss said. “It may sound ridiculous but I think we clearly dominated the match.”
The match, a season-ending showcase of the league, also turned out to be a tribute for retiring national player Yanti Barsales, who captained the Azkals in the first 15 minutes, before he was substituted by newcomer Nathaniel Burkey, a Fil-Am striker.
The Philippine Team that won against then defending champion Malaysia in the Southeast Asian Games in 1991 was also honored at half-time.
Azkals near peak form for duel with Sri Lanka
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals still have their work cut out in the last three weeks in order to get in perfect game shape for their Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup with Sri Lanka.
“(We’re at) 60 percent (right now),” coach Michael Weiss said when asked to measure how the Azkals are in their buildup for the first leg in Colombo on June 29 and the second leg at Rizal Memorial on July 3.
Part of it, he explained, has to do with the fact that the team is not yet complete.
“Many key players (are still) missing (in our practices) like Aly (Borromeo), (Dennis) Cagara, (Stefan) Schrock, (Jerry) Lucena, (Angel) Aldeguer,” the German mentor said after the Azkals’ practice at the Rizal pitch.
Co-skipper Borromeo attended to a wake in the family while the Fil-foreign booters are based in Europe and will hook up with the rest of the Phl XI in their training camp in Germany from June 12-26. It’s in Germany where Weiss expects the Azkals to reach their peak in terms of physical and mental conditioning as well as team cohesion.
“They’ll all come to the camp in Germany, the whole team will be together in Germany,” said Weiss, whose crew is looking at playing five tuneup matches with German clubs during the two-week camp.
Weiss had previously lamented the Azkals’ lack of total focus on training due to other commitments. But now, he said he’s seen improvement in this aspect, it’s just that most of them are tired from playing too many games for their respective clubs.
“It’s better, but still we have games going on and not all players can fully concentrate. But this is the situation, there are several leagues here and we have to accept that,” he said.
The Azkals will play the United Football League (UFL) All-Stars today at University of Makati, which Weiss described as an “important test match” for them.
By Monday or Tuesday, Weiss said he will be ready to name the 25 footballers who will carry the country’s colors against Sri Lanka.
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals still have their work cut out in the last three weeks in order to get in perfect game shape for their Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup with Sri Lanka.
“(We’re at) 60 percent (right now),” coach Michael Weiss said when asked to measure how the Azkals are in their buildup for the first leg in Colombo on June 29 and the second leg at Rizal Memorial on July 3.
Part of it, he explained, has to do with the fact that the team is not yet complete.
“Many key players (are still) missing (in our practices) like Aly (Borromeo), (Dennis) Cagara, (Stefan) Schrock, (Jerry) Lucena, (Angel) Aldeguer,” the German mentor said after the Azkals’ practice at the Rizal pitch.
Co-skipper Borromeo attended to a wake in the family while the Fil-foreign booters are based in Europe and will hook up with the rest of the Phl XI in their training camp in Germany from June 12-26. It’s in Germany where Weiss expects the Azkals to reach their peak in terms of physical and mental conditioning as well as team cohesion.
“They’ll all come to the camp in Germany, the whole team will be together in Germany,” said Weiss, whose crew is looking at playing five tuneup matches with German clubs during the two-week camp.
Weiss had previously lamented the Azkals’ lack of total focus on training due to other commitments. But now, he said he’s seen improvement in this aspect, it’s just that most of them are tired from playing too many games for their respective clubs.
“It’s better, but still we have games going on and not all players can fully concentrate. But this is the situation, there are several leagues here and we have to accept that,” he said.
The Azkals will play the United Football League (UFL) All-Stars today at University of Makati, which Weiss described as an “important test match” for them.
By Monday or Tuesday, Weiss said he will be ready to name the 25 footballers who will carry the country’s colors against Sri Lanka.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Azkals-Sri Lanka July 3 match tickets sold out
By Earl Victor Rosero GMA NEWS
Some of the reserved bleachers tickets can still go to lucky football fans who want to be at the July 3 2011 World Cup Asian qualifiers match between the Philippine men's national football team or Azkals and Sri Lanka, according to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) organizing committee Friday.
The fan management committee for the July 3 match said in Facebook posts, fans who are interested in joining the booster squad, nicknamed Kaholeros, may email their names and contact details to kaholeros@yahoo.com. About 200 Kaholeros will have reservations for seats at the white bleachers section.
Tickets for the match were quickly snapped up Friday. Bonnie Ladrido, chairman of the local organizing committee said, "We were caught off-guard. We didn't expect it to happen this fast."
Ladrido explained that the P200 tickets are "practically sold-out" because they had to set aside eight percent of the tickets, roughly 800, for Sri Lanka according to international football rules.
"If some of those Sri Lanka tickets will be freed, they will also be sold to the public," Ladrido said.
As of early Saturday afternoon, some of the pricier P2,000 and P3,000 grandstand tickets can still be had through Ticketworld.
Going, going, gone
The white bleachers tickets were gone within an hour after Ticketworld offered them via its website, at its ticket outlets in a bookstore chain and at other commercial areas. The white bleachers section is directly across the field from the covered grandstand.
Gobbled up next were the P200 tickets and then by mid-afternoon, the grandstand tickets that went for P2,000 and P3,000 were almost all gone.
Ladrido informed GMA News Online late afternoon Friday that "maybe only about 5 to 10 percent of the grandstand tickets are left."
Fans excited about PHL World Cup chances
Some fans, interviewed by GMA News Online while they queued for tickets, gave mixed reactions to the ticket pricing scheme.
Ernest Seña, a 21 year-old former national team junior golfer, said the tickets for the grandstand are "too expensive". He watched the Azkals game in Bacolod last February when all the tickets were priced at a flat rate of P300.
Seña said he had to see the Azkals play again because, "I have been a fan of football, not just the Azkals. This is the first chance since I was born that the Philippines has a chance to advance in the World Cup."
Marie Paat patiently waited in line while the Ticketworld outlet had to reboot its computer terminal as the ticket system coped with the flood of orders. She bought tickets as a birthday gift for her boyfriend, who she says is an Azkals fan.
"I'll be wearing blue because that is what the fans have been asked to wear during the match," Paat said.
Mia Montayre, who participated in a futsal summer camp recently organized by the Ateneo Football League, said the bleachers ticket prices "are fair because they are comparable to the prices for good seats for games of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP)."
Angelo Montibon also lined up for tickets. He plays FIFA on Playstation with some friends. "I'm eager to watch the game live."
PFF explains ticket pricing
In an earlier interview with GMA News Online, Ladrido said they reset to about 13,000 the number of tickets because they "want to avoid overcrowding at the stadium and also avoid over-selling tickets."
Ladrido also said the ticket prices reflect the fact that the PFF is basically shouldering the cost of renovating the stadium facilities "as its contribution to the efforts of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to support all sports in the country." He noted that other athletes and sports organizations also use the stadium.
The organizing committee head also said "Any proceeds left over from the July 3 match will be used to augment the budget for the grassroots, coaching, referee and other programs of the PFF. We also want some funds set aside for if and when lean times come."
Ladrido, who is also PFF treasurer, said the PFF "expects to receive about $300,000 to $500,000 this year from FIFA but $150,000 of that is earmarked for the grassroots program, coach development and training of referees."
The rest of the FIFA assistance will be for the acquisition of sports equipment and subsidies for the seven national teams to help them prepare for local and international competitions.
Stadium renovations
Preparatory work and clean-up of the Rizal stadium bleachers began Friday while the dismantling of the grandstand seats began early this week. "Work will also begin soon on the dressing room, media room and other facilities to make them meet specification of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Meanwhile, organizers said football fans will get to meet the "booster squad" at the Azkals' friendly game with an all-star selection of the LBC United Football League on June 5 at the University of Makati. That Sunday football match is a fundraiser organized by Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami and the UFL. Game tickets go for P100 each. - JVP, GMA News
Some of the reserved bleachers tickets can still go to lucky football fans who want to be at the July 3 2011 World Cup Asian qualifiers match between the Philippine men's national football team or Azkals and Sri Lanka, according to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) organizing committee Friday.
The fan management committee for the July 3 match said in Facebook posts, fans who are interested in joining the booster squad, nicknamed Kaholeros, may email their names and contact details to kaholeros@yahoo.com. About 200 Kaholeros will have reservations for seats at the white bleachers section.
Tickets for the match were quickly snapped up Friday. Bonnie Ladrido, chairman of the local organizing committee said, "We were caught off-guard. We didn't expect it to happen this fast."
Ladrido explained that the P200 tickets are "practically sold-out" because they had to set aside eight percent of the tickets, roughly 800, for Sri Lanka according to international football rules.
"If some of those Sri Lanka tickets will be freed, they will also be sold to the public," Ladrido said.
As of early Saturday afternoon, some of the pricier P2,000 and P3,000 grandstand tickets can still be had through Ticketworld.
Going, going, gone
The white bleachers tickets were gone within an hour after Ticketworld offered them via its website, at its ticket outlets in a bookstore chain and at other commercial areas. The white bleachers section is directly across the field from the covered grandstand.
Gobbled up next were the P200 tickets and then by mid-afternoon, the grandstand tickets that went for P2,000 and P3,000 were almost all gone.
Ladrido informed GMA News Online late afternoon Friday that "maybe only about 5 to 10 percent of the grandstand tickets are left."
Fans excited about PHL World Cup chances
Some fans, interviewed by GMA News Online while they queued for tickets, gave mixed reactions to the ticket pricing scheme.
Ernest Seña, a 21 year-old former national team junior golfer, said the tickets for the grandstand are "too expensive". He watched the Azkals game in Bacolod last February when all the tickets were priced at a flat rate of P300.
Seña said he had to see the Azkals play again because, "I have been a fan of football, not just the Azkals. This is the first chance since I was born that the Philippines has a chance to advance in the World Cup."
Marie Paat patiently waited in line while the Ticketworld outlet had to reboot its computer terminal as the ticket system coped with the flood of orders. She bought tickets as a birthday gift for her boyfriend, who she says is an Azkals fan.
"I'll be wearing blue because that is what the fans have been asked to wear during the match," Paat said.
Mia Montayre, who participated in a futsal summer camp recently organized by the Ateneo Football League, said the bleachers ticket prices "are fair because they are comparable to the prices for good seats for games of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP)."
Angelo Montibon also lined up for tickets. He plays FIFA on Playstation with some friends. "I'm eager to watch the game live."
PFF explains ticket pricing
In an earlier interview with GMA News Online, Ladrido said they reset to about 13,000 the number of tickets because they "want to avoid overcrowding at the stadium and also avoid over-selling tickets."
Ladrido also said the ticket prices reflect the fact that the PFF is basically shouldering the cost of renovating the stadium facilities "as its contribution to the efforts of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to support all sports in the country." He noted that other athletes and sports organizations also use the stadium.
The organizing committee head also said "Any proceeds left over from the July 3 match will be used to augment the budget for the grassroots, coaching, referee and other programs of the PFF. We also want some funds set aside for if and when lean times come."
Ladrido, who is also PFF treasurer, said the PFF "expects to receive about $300,000 to $500,000 this year from FIFA but $150,000 of that is earmarked for the grassroots program, coach development and training of referees."
The rest of the FIFA assistance will be for the acquisition of sports equipment and subsidies for the seven national teams to help them prepare for local and international competitions.
Stadium renovations
Preparatory work and clean-up of the Rizal stadium bleachers began Friday while the dismantling of the grandstand seats began early this week. "Work will also begin soon on the dressing room, media room and other facilities to make them meet specification of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Meanwhile, organizers said football fans will get to meet the "booster squad" at the Azkals' friendly game with an all-star selection of the LBC United Football League on June 5 at the University of Makati. That Sunday football match is a fundraiser organized by Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami and the UFL. Game tickets go for P100 each. - JVP, GMA News
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)