Azkals face Malaysians in friendly

BY BONG PEDRALVEZ


FOOTBALL chief Mariano Araneta Jr. and German coach Michael Weiss like the prospects of the Philippine Azkals when they play Southeast Asian soccer powerhouse Malaysia in friendly match on Feb. 29 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

"With our defense improving and our attack reinforced with the return of Phil Younghusband, I believe we stand a very good chance of beating Malaysia," said Araneta, noting the addition of fellow Barotac Nuevo native and comebacking Ruben Doctora Jr. in the lineup.

"What we need are quick strikers and I believe Doctora can also supply that," said Araneta of the 26-year-old standout of second running Giligan FC in the UFL.

The stocky but speedy forward is set to suit up in front of the hometown crowd opposite another national squad for the first time since playing for the Azkals in the 2008 Asian Challenge Cup group eliminations in Iloilo.

With Phil Younghusband and Fil-German Denis Wolf tipped to be the starting forwards in spearheading the attack against the reigning Southeast Asian champions, Doctora, fellow Ilonggo Ian Araneta and Misagh Bahadoran will be coming off the bench to provide instant offense should the need arise.

Weiss echoed Araneta’s hopes, saying: "I rate our chances good against Malaysia."

He pointed out the return of Phil and James Younghusband, who missed the Azkals’ last tune-up match against the Australian Olympic Under-23 squad in Doha that ended in a 1-2 loss, would boost the transition from defense to offense.

"We should be more uniform and compact defensively that will help us switch fast to offensive-oriented play," Weiss said. "With Wolf and Phil pairing off for the first time in front of the home crowd, the game should be exciting."

Weiss and Araneta’s renewed optimism were also based on the fact Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will be back in harness to mind the net, although the German mentor said he was just at home with Fil-German goalie Roland Muller.

"I’m confident with either (Muller or Etheridge) one," he said.

Araneta said Muller would not be available for the Malaysia friendly but will play for the team in next month’s AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal.

For his defenders, Weiss said he will pin his hopes on Juan Luis Guirado, younger brother of striker Angel, Ray Jonsson, Jason Sabio or Dennis Cagara "if he can make it."


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