Azkals Look To Bounce Back

By PATRICK SALOMON

THE Philippines’ senior men’s national football team, known as ‘the Azkals’, are set to turn it up a notch tonight when they play their second friendly match in three days  against Bahrain’s under-23 Olympic team.

Their first meeting on Saturday, held at the National Stadium in Riffa, ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts, with Sayed Dhiya Saeed scoring the winning goal early in the second half.

‘The Azkals’ will be looking to turn the tables on their rivals this time around, and give what is expected to be a capacity crowd of Filipino supporters an evening to remember at the Muharraq Club stadium in Arad.

Head coach Hans Michael Weiss admitted, however, that ‘the Azkals’ will be far from full strength for the game, which kicks off at 7pm. Several ‘Azkals’ players have been unable to make it to Bahrain and are also expected to miss the Philippines’ match against Kuwait on Saturday in the all-important first leg of their second round qualifying clash for a 2014 Fifa World Cup berth.

 “We are missing five or six players; we are here with a young team and not our first squad,” Weiss told the GDN. “Even against Kuwait we will not be complete. It will be this team along with one or two additional players, and that’s it.”

“A STUNNING crowd of more than 12,000 supporters packed the National Stadium in Riffa on Saturday for the first friendly match between ‘the Azkals’ and Bahrain’s under-23 Olympic team, the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) clarified yesterday. The total in attendance was far more than the close to 5,000 which was reported yesterday in these columns. The BFA confirmed that more than a quarter of the 35,000-capacity facility was filled. Filipinos both from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia attended the match”

Despite this, ‘the Azkals’ went right back to work in preparation for tonight’s friendly, which will be a second opportunity for them to  adapt to the region’s sweltering summer temperatures and gauge their level of readiness before flying off to Kuwait tomorrow.

“Playing these games here against Bahrain are really a big help to our team,” said ‘Azkals’ co-captain Emelio Caligdong, who scored their lone goal on Saturday with a spectacular rocket from 30 yards out.

Challenge

“This is a good challenge for us. It is our first time to play a Middle East team, and it is helping us get ready for Kuwait,” Caligdong added. “We are also very happy with the great reception we have had from the fans here; we would like to thank everyone for that.”

‘The Azkals’ trained for over an hour early yesterday evening at tonight’s match venue. They capped it off with a scrimmage against the varsity football team from AMA International University Bahrain, who are the major sponsors of their visit. The game, which featured shortened halves, ended tied 1-1.

Right after their workout, Bahrain’s Olympic squad took to the pitch. Coach Salman Shareeda said that he too is looking forward to tonight’s clash.

“These matches are like a high form of training for both teams,” Shareeda said yesterday. “I am very happy to be playing these friendly games and we welcome the Philippine team to Bahrain.

“For tomorrow, we have 26 players who are fit and ready. I gave a chance to some players in the first game on Saturday, and tomorrow I hope to give an opportunity to others. It will be a good game.”

Meanwhile, coach Weiss acknowledged that the level of football in the Gulf is on a higher level than in the Philippines, where, largely because of ‘the Azkals’, the game is now experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity.

“Football is much more developed here; it is a religion here and they focus on it at a very young age,” Weiss said. “The game is definitely highly advanced, and right now we cannot compare it with that in the Philippines, where it is now only growing.

“We rely on strong character and on Filipino players from outside to help football develop and bring it to a different level. But to be really being established in the football world, it will take another three to five years at least.”

Tonight’s match caps the first ever Bahrain-Philippines Friendship Games which have been organized by Creator Marketing Consultancy, in partnership with the Bahrain Football Association and Philippine Football Federation.

Tickets for the game can be purchased at the venue.

Also yesterday, ‘the Azkals’ met with Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Maria Corazon Yap-Bahjin during their visit to the Philippine Embassy. 

Philippine Azkals 1 - 2 Bahrain (Highlights)

Brave Azkals Go Down Fighting

By PATRICK SALOMON

THE Philippines' senior men's national football team, more popularly known as 'the Azkals', put on a memorable show last night despite a 1-2 defeat to Bahrain's under-23 Olympic team.

The match was the first of two friendlies in three days between the two sides, and it kicked off the first-ever Bahrain-Philippines Football Friendship Games.

Close to 5,000 Filipinos braved yesterday's heat and humidity and flocked to the National Stadium in Riffa for the tie. Some were at the venue as early as 3pm, more than four hours ahead of the game's 7pm kick-off.

Such was the star power of the visiting 'Azkals', who were battling not only the talented hosts but also jet-lag and an all-new climate. They received inspiration though from their legion of fans, who cheered them on at their every kick.

"It felt like a home game," 'Azkals' captain Alexander Borromeo told the GDN. "The way the fans were cheering for us; it was great."

Sayed Dhiya Saeed scored the winning goal for Bahrain early in the second half. With the opposing defence napping, he received a brilliant pass right in the face of goal, and all he needed was to tap the ball past 'Azkals' goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano, who had guessed the wrong way.

Earlier, Abdulwahab Al Malood opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing a solo run on the left of the box with a fancy dribble and a superb shot past Philippine defender Anton del Rosario. Al Malood's strike powered into the top-left corner of the net, giving the hosts the early advantage.

But while Al Malood's shot was impressive, Emelio Caligdong's equaliser five minutes before half-time was a sight to behold.

Operating on the left flank, Caligdong unleashed a rocket from nearly 30 yards out that flew into the top-left corner of goal. Bahraini goalkeeper Eyad Nasser Salem had no chance of stopping the well-hit shot, and the Filipino fans erupted in celebration.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as only four minutes after the re-start, Saeed put Bahrain back in front with his tap-in from close range. Though it lacked the flare of the game's first two goals, it did its job for Bahrain.

'The Azkals' had a few chances to level the scores in the second half, but couldn't supply the finishing touch.

"It was a good experience for our side against a good Olympic team from Bahrain," 'Azkals' coach Hans Michael Weiss told the GDN. "We were missing a couple of players here and there, but big credit to our guys who overcame their fatigue and the heat tonight.

"I was happy with the game, and I am looking forward to the second match. It will be a different day, so hopefully a different game."

Popular 'Azkal' James Younghusband, who hit a long-range shot just right over the crossbar during the first half, commented: "It was a good test for us; especially to get used to this weather before Kuwait next week. Everyone worked hard, and we did well to keep the game close.

"The fantastic thing from tonight was all the support we got; it was outstanding to see all the fans come here and give us a cheer."

The 'Azkals' and Bahrain's Olympic team are set to meet once again tomorrow at the Muharraq Club stadium in Arad. The match starts at 7pm.

The Friendship Games have been organised by Creator Marketing Consultancy in partnership with the Bahrain Football Association and Philippine Football Federation. AMA International University Bahrain are the major sponsors.

For inquiries on tomorrow's game, call Rem on 36064822, Chris on 37768683, Rene on 39678323, Edith on 39678313, Nino on 36271121 or Rod on 36598588.

Bahrain's Olympic team are using the Friendship Games to help prepare for their upcoming campaign in the main round of Asian qualifying for next year's London Olympic Games. 'The Azkals', meanwhile, are gearing up for their matches against Kuwait later this month, which are in the second round of continental qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. 'The Azkals' are expected to fly directly to Kuwait City from Bahrain for the first leg scheduled on July 23. The return match will be played in Manila on July 28.

Friendship Games sponsors: AMA International University Bahrain, Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Shawarma Express, Staz, Yum Chow Asian Cuisine, Fakhrawi Frames, Caravan, Nonoo Exchange, Treobiz, Fil-Am Association, McDonald's, Zens Flower, Dabarkads Restaurant, Fitness First, Impression Beauty Salon and Spa, Sahari Computer, Hot Pot Restaurant, Bahay Kubo Restaurant, Houras Consultancy, Chuckay Restaurant, GDN and Abante Middle East.

PFF Appeals Azkals' Suspension

By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star

Manila, Philippines - Still keeping its hope up that the suspension on Azkals Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock will be lifted for their July 23 match with Kuwait, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) made a renewed appeal to the International Football Federation (Fifa) through theAsian Football Confederation (AFC).

This after Filipino officials got a letter from Fifa director of legal affairs Marco Villiger and head of disciplinary governance Marc Cavaliero, telling them that Fifa couldn’t act on appeal yet since it was filed by the PFF instead of a confederation, in this case, the AFC.

“According to Fifa, it should be the AFC that should make the appeal. So we already wrote the AFC, through general secretary Alex Soosay, to appeal on our behalf, and they said they will endorse it to the Fifa,” PFF president Nonong Araneta told The STAR yesterday.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed (that the said penalties won’t be carried over in the second round against Kuwait),” Araneta added.

The PFF is asking the Fifa for consideration on the two cumulative yellow cards slapped on Borromeo and Schrock in the first round of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Sri Lanka. The subsequent one-game ban has left a huge hole in the Azkals’ midfield against second round rival Kuwait in their away leg on July 23.

“Kuwait isn’t subject to some risk of sanctions since they did not play in the first round like us. They would field an intact lineup and it would be fair for us if we’ll be able to field an intact lineup, too,” Araneta said.

While awaiting Fifa’s action on their appeal, Borromeo and the rest of Azkals left for Manama, Bahrain yesterday via Hong Kong for their final buildup for the Kuwait series.

The Azkals are scheduled to play two friendlies against Bahrain’s under-23 Olympic squad tonight at the National Stadium in Riffa and Monday night at the Muharraq Club stadium in Arad.

“Bahrain will be the ultimate test. We don’t have so much luxury of time, we’ll be going to Kuwait on 20th. We have to work on our game in general,” Azkals coach Michael Weiss said in a TV interview on the eve of their departure.

Azkals Prepare for 'Hot' Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals will fly to Bahrain on Friday to begin their acclimatization process for their away game against Kuwait.

The Philippine team hopes that a few days training in Bahrain will help them get used to the scorching heat in Kuwait, where temperatures can go as high as 45 degrees Celsius.

The Azkals will have 2 friendly games in Bahrain, which is also among Asia’s football powerhouses.

“I'm excited, I've never been there,” said Azkals’ Nate Burkey. “I'm curious to see the country, what it would be like. Just ready to get focused on this game.”

The team’s conditioning coach already prepared things that they would need to help the Azkals get used to the heat in the Middle East.

“We're preparing icebags, sprays and sunglasses.... lahat,” said Joseph Malinay, the Philippine team’s conditioning coach.

Filipino-foreigners who were not present during the first phase of the Azkals’ training, like Neil Etheridge, Ray Jonsson and Rob Gier, will join the squad in Bahrain.

Azkals midfielder Jason de Jong is hopeful that they can pull off an upset even in hostile territory.

“You’ll never know. The ball's round... the last time we went to Suzuki Cup, they said we cannot beat Vietnam, but we beat them 2-0. So you never know,” he said.

The Azkals' away game versus the Kuwaiti Al-Azraq (The Blue) will take place at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium, Hawalli on July 23.

This will be followed by the home game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 28.

Kuwait is 102nd in the FIFA world rankings while the Philippines is 159th. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

Aly To Act As Azkals’ Scout

TEAM skipper Aly Borromeo will have another role to play when the Philippine Azkals meet the Kuwait Al-Azraq in the first leg of their 2014 FIFA World Cup second-round qualifiers on July 23 at the Mohammad Al-Hammad Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait.

Armed with a chalkboard, a pen and paper, Borromeo will serve out his one-game suspension by scouting the opposition from the comfort of the stands.

“I will be there on the stands, being more of a scout, and taking notes of the game, probably with a chalkboard. This will be a good experience,” said Borromeo after one of the team’s daily practices at the Rizal Memorial football grounds.

Borromeo and Fil-German Stephan Schrock were penalized during the second leg of the Philippines-Sri Lanka match last July 3 with their second yellow cards and will therefore miss the first leg of the Philippines-Kuwait face off due to their one-game suspension.

Nevertheless, the two will still join the trip to the Middle East.

The Azkals will leave today for Bahrain, where they will play tuneup matches against the Bahraini national Olympic team.

The encounters will be held at 7 p.m. at the National Stadium on July 16 and at the Muharraq Stadium in Muharraq two days later.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss hopes this will get the team ready for their away-game against the higher-ranked Kuwaitis, who are coached by Serbian Goran Tufegdzic.

Talal Al-Mehteb, the media Officer of the Kuwait Football Association, told the Arab Times during a press briefing at the KFA Headquarters in Adailiya on Monday evening that the Kuwait National Team has been undergoing rigorous training.

The team has just concluded its training camp in Lebanon from June 27 to July 7, when it played two friendly matches against Lebanon and Oman. Peter Atencio

Fifa tells AFC: Decide on 2 Azkals’ Suspension

By Cedelf P. Tupas

Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA—The ball is now in the hands of the Asian Football Confederation as far as the one-game suspension of Philippine Azkals duo Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock in the World Cup Qualifying duel with Kuwait is concerned.

Responding to the appeal to rescind the away-game ban on the two players, the International Football Federation (Fifa) yesterday directed the Philippine Football Football Federation to seek the endorsement of the AFC to cancel the suspension.

In a July 14 letter to the PFF, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer, Marco Villigel, Fifa director for legal affairs, and Marc Cavaliero, head of Fifa disciplinary and governance, said the football governing body can only act on the appeal at the request of the AFC.

The two Fifa officials cited Article 37 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, which states that the “FDC may cancel cautions that have not resulted in expulsions to restore balance among teams that have not played the same number of matches during the first round of competitions.”

Borromeo, the Azkals skipper, and Schrock, who made a sterling debut as an attacking midfielder, picked up a yellow card in each of the two legs in the 5-1 first round aggregate victory over Sri Lanka.

Ranked 102nd by Fifa, Kuwait, also known as the Al-Azraq, has already been seeded to the second round of qualifying.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta yesterday said they have already sought the endorsement of the Malaysia-based AFC on the matter. He expects to get the soonest response on Monday.

Despite the uncertainty of his status for the first leg in Hawally, Kuwait on July 23, Borromeo yesterday joined the Azkals on their trip to Manama, Bahrain, where they will play a couple of matches against the Bahrain Olympic Under-23 squad.

Also joining the trip to Bahrain was Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Guirado, who scored in the 4-nil rout of Sri Lanka in the home leg.

Rafa Garcia, Guirado’s cousin, who also acts as his interpreter, said the former Spain third division standout is still nursing a knee injury and might see limited minutes in the two exhibition matches in Bahrain.

“Angel really wants to be ready for Kuwait,” Garcia said of Guirado, who already has three goals in five international matches for the Azkals.

Filipinos in Kuwait Catch Azkals Fever

KUWAIT – Fans of the Philippine Azkals in Kuwait are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Philippines new sports heroes.

The Azkals, who already left the Philippines for their acclimatization in Bahrain, are scheduled to play against the Kuwait Al-Azraq in Hawalli on July 23.

Filipinos based in Kuwait have also caught the Azkals fever and are now busy printing Azkals t-shirts, badges and banners which will be used in their away game in Kuwait.

“Ginawa namin ito pang-suporta lang actually sa team Azkals. Proud nga tayo dahil makakarating ang Philippine team dito. Kaming grupo gumawa kami ng paraan para suportahan [sila],” said Azkals fan Nelson Lacson.

“Kaya dito, go, go kami sa Azkals. Support the Azkals,” said another Azkals fan, Romano Roman.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait is also helping the Filipino community in Kuwait in their efforts to boost the morale of the Philippine Azkals.

“This is one occasion that the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community here in Kuwait should join forces together in showing their unity in boosting the morale of the Filipino football national team,” said Ambassador Shulan Primavera.

Impressed

The Kuwait Football Association is also preparing for the arrival of the Azkals.

Talal Al-Mehteb, Kuwait Football Association Media Officer, said their local organizing committee has already laid out plans in welcoming the Philippine national team.

Kuwait Football Association headquarters

“Everything is ok, moving smoothly…but we are waiting from the Philippine team to confirm their time of arrival to Kuwait, to prepare the technical meeting, the press conference for them,” he said.

Al-Mehteb said the Kuwait football team was impressed with the Azkals’4-0 victory over the Sri Lankan Brave Reds early this month.

Despite its higher ranking, Team Kuwait refuses to underestimate the Azkals.

“Most of them are professionals. It's a big problem for our team,” said Al-Mehteb. “All of our players are non-professionals, but we are all preparing for them now.”

The away game will take place at the Qadsia Club Stadium.

The Kuwait Football Federation prepared security measures as fans are expected to fill up the 25,000-seater football stadium

“But I don't think there will be a problem. Kuwait is a peaceful country and they can enjoy with the Kuwait people,” said Al-Mehteb.

Ticket for the Azkals’ away game against Kuwait are priced at 5 Kuwait Dinars (P765), 3 Kuwait Dinars (P459), and 2 Kuwait Dinars (P306). -- With a report from Maxxy Santiago, ABS-CBN Middle East Bureau

OFWs in Bahrain, Kuwait Gear Up For Azkals as FIFA Keeps Watchful Eye

By Earl Victor Rosero, GMA News

Hundreds of Filipino expatriates in Bahrain and Kuwait have mobilized for the matches of the men's national football team, more popularly known as the Azkals, in these Persian Gulf countries.

The team is winding up its training sessions in Manila and will head out to the Middle East Thursday while the global football community keeps an eye on the Azkals' historic series of wins.

Overseas Filipino workers in the countries the Azkals will visit have been coordinating their preparations on Facebook and through text messages. The Facebook group Azkals in Bahrain has about 200 members. While some sell Azkals T-shirts and bumper stickers, others arrange bus rides that will ferry Filipinos to the First Bahrain-Philippines Football Friendship Games.

The first friendly match of the Azkals with Bahrain's Under-23 olympic team will be on July 16 at the National Stadium in Rifa while Game 2 will be two days later at the Muharraq Club Stadium in Arad. Both matches are under the auspices of the Bahrain Football Association. The AMA University International Bahrain is listed as a major sponsor of the friendlies. Tickets to the games are priced at one Bahraini dinar or P114.

Over in Kuwait, northwest of Bahrain, Filipino expats there have set-up Facebook groups and event pages to coordinate their preparations and share information about the Azkals. Tickets to the World Cup Qualifier Round 2 match will be sold at two, three and five Kuwaiti dinars or P311, P467 and P770.

Some of the tickets will be available at various Filipino restaurants and stores in Kuwait City.

FIFA keeps watch

Going into Round 2 of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers, The Azkals have remained on the global radar of football, the FIFA website, where in another feature report, coach Michael Weiss and the team's preparations for their toughest match yet are highlighted.

FIFA took notice of the Azkals immediately after their historic victory over Sri Lanka in Round 1 last July 3. It was the Philippines, second attempt to qualify for the World Cup. The first try was during the 2002 cycle.

In the latest FIFA feature, Weiss took stock of the progress the team has made.

"The team have improved a great deal over the past months, particularly in regards to attitude. We have spent much on physical training so they are fit to compete at this level. They used to stick to long-ball tactics but now the team play a good passing game and are stronger in organisation," Weiss said.

Weiss praised team co-captain Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong, who will lead the Azkals on the pitch if captain Aly Borromeo will be unable to play to serve a one-game suspension after getting two yellow cards in the Azkals' Round 1 match against Sri Lanka. Filipino-German defender Stephan Schrock is also suspended for getting two yellow cards.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) said it will appeal Borromeo and Schrock's suspensions to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

"He is diminutive but is dynamic and creative. He can provide the team with attacking spark and leadership," Weiss said of Caligdong, who is an Airman in the Philippine Air Force. Caligdong made the first goal that ignited the Azkals' 4-0 win against Sri Lanka on July 3.

Azkals team captain Al Borromeo said, via Facebook the new FIFA article "gave him goosebumps". He also said he is "keeping his fingers crossed" on the appeal to FIFA.

Defense is top priority

Coach Weiss said good defense will be a key part of the Azkals' strategy against Kuwait on July 23 and July 28. The team is reinforcing its defensive line-up with the addition of midfielders Patrick Hinrichsen and Jason de Jong. Team manager Dan Palami said during the practice sessions at the Rizal stadium that they are working on getting two more Europe-based players, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara, to be part of the team's defense.

"We will change the central defense and try not to concede a goal in the first match. Kuwait are good at attacking and recently they thrashed Lebanon 6-0 in a friendly so we must stay compact and keep the back-line tight. If we can come away with a goalless draw, then things will be different when we play as hosts five days later," Weiss said in the FIFA feature.

Azkals-enforced Kaya FC to hold tryouts

Meanwhile, the Kaya Futbol Club, which has several Azkals as players, has announced it will have open tryouts on on July 25, 27, and 29 at 4pm at Manila Polo Club in Makati. Kaya FC also said its football academy will soon form a select team of 15 to 19 year old teens to train all year-round. 

"This team will have scrimmages with Kaya FC and every so often train with Kaya FC. If you want to enhance your skill level and one day play for Kaya FC and possibly the Azkals, this is your chance," the club said in a post on its official Facebook page. - JVP, GMA News