by Edward Lao, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
LONDON - The Philippine Azkals' first choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has confirmed he will be playing in the national team's friendly match against Malaysia on February 29.
The match, taking place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, is the final tune-up game for the Azkals ahead of this year's AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.
Malaysia, currently 150th in the FIFA world rankings, is the defending 2010 Suzuki Cup champion. Etheridge feels it will be a stern test to see how far the Azkals have progressed since their last tournament.
"It will be a massive test for us to see where we stand at the moment. Obviously getting to the semi-finals two years ago was a massive achievement for us and we want to continue progressing and making steps in the right direction,” Etheridge said.
The Azkals, ranked 156th in the FIFA standings, stunned Asian football when they made it to the semi-final stage of the 2010 Suzuki Cup.
Philippine Head Coach Michael Weiss and Manager Dan Palami have stated they want to emulate that achievement by reaching the semis of this competition. Etheridge believes that anything can happen.
“In football, I've said it many times before, that anything is possible. We didn't expect to get to the semi-finals of the Suzuki Cup two years ago. We were the biggest underdogs there, the lowest ranked team, and lost over two legs, one zero, one zero, against Indonesia, which is a very strong team. In all honesty, it was unexpected, but we believe we can take steps forward and become a much stronger force in football", Etheridge said.
European-based Filipinos Paul Mulders, Ray Jonsson and Rob Gier will all be suiting up for the Azkals in the Challenge Cup, while Stephan Shrock and Dennis Cagara will be confirming their availability as the tournament nears.
Etheridge wants to participate but is unsure whether he will be released by his employers - English Premier League side Fulham FC.
"I know that Fulham want me to stay around the club as often as possible. As much as I'd love to go to the Challenge Cup, because it's a great competition and we've got such a hard group, and I want to compete, it's too far away really to say whether I'll be there or not yet", he said.
The Philippines is pooled in the same group as India, Tajikistan and defending Challenge Cup champions DPR Korea (North Korea). The AFC Challenge Cup will take place from March 8-13.
ABS CBN News
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