Overseas-based players Angel Guirado and Dennis Cagara have been released by their respective clubs and will be back in harness for the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final between the Philippines and Singapore in Manila on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
National team liaison officer Ace Bright said on Wednesday that he talked with Guirado and Cagara on the phone to confirm the news.
"They will play in the home game (if selected). I am trying to get their plane tickets so they can be back in Manila at least by Friday,” he said.
Cagara, who plays for German Third Division Club Karlsruher, and Guirado, of Indian side Salgaocar, were not with the team when they flew back home on Saturday from the Group A matches in Thailand.
Following an initial 2-1 loss to hosts Thailand, the Azkals bounced back with victories over Vietnam and Myanmar to secure a semi-final spot for the second straight time in the regional football showcase after placing second in the group behind the Thais.
The duo’s availability has boosted the stock of the Filipinos in their quest to reassert mastery over The Lions, who they beat in back-to-back friendly matches recently.
Two years ago, the Azkals missed the opportunity of playing the semis in front of their own fans for the lack of a suitable venue but an upgrade to the Rizal Memorial Stadium has paved the way for a first-ever AFF Suzuki Cup match on home turf.
Guirado made an impact after coming on as a substitute in the last two matches and the bull-like striker scored the second goal in the 2-0 victory over Myanmar, latching on to a through ball and powering a left foot shot into the net.
“Boss, thank you very much for your attention to my (situation),” Guirado wrote on the social networking site Twitter by way of thanks to team manager Dan Palami.
Cagara has been a daunting defensive presence and will be eager to reprise his role alongside fellow defenders Rob Gier, Juani Guirado and Ray Jonsson, who, according to Palami, is recovering fast from his quadriceps injury and could play this weekend.
Also tipped to be back in fighting form is versatile midfielder Patrick Reichelt, who broke several teeth after colliding with Angel Guirado in training in Bangkok, but has had them fixed by the dentist since returning to the country.
Jerry Lucena, who left the team after turning out in the second game against Vietnam to play for his Danish Superliga Club Esbjerg also this Saturday, may be back for the second leg in Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium next Wednesday.
AFF Suzuki Cup website
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National team liaison officer Ace Bright said on Wednesday that he talked with Guirado and Cagara on the phone to confirm the news.
ReplyDelete"They will play in the home game (if selected). I am trying to get their plane tickets so they can be back in Manila at least by Friday,” he said
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Friday? Acebright knew that there was a good chance they were going to be released and he is only arranging for them to arrive by Friday. That doesn't give the players time to recuperate and rest esp. for Cagara who will have a long flight from Europe only to have a game the following day. Do your job acebright and learn to anticipate the teams needs.
You said it right. This is professional football- your mind and body must always 100% ready. Especially for this important match. Many Pinoys don't understand this readiness principle.
DeleteAngel wouldnt have any problems but I'm a little worried for Cagara. This is just ridiculous . Haven't we learned from past results when our European based players are coming in less than 24hours before the game.
ReplyDeletethen you can just field him for a half. these are young and physically fit players. they are not old like you
ReplyDeleteJet lag has very real physical & mental effects.
ReplyDeleteTime difference & flight schedules mean no Euro
can arrive in MNL the same day he takes off.
Cagara will be nowhere near ready to play.
Any news on Mueller?
ReplyDeleteAce not so bright should start working on Jerry Lucena's iterninary. The players doesn't need this extra stress imposed to them because of inadequacy
ReplyDeleteKung magsalita kayo kala nyo ganun kadali yun trabaho na Sir Ace. Kayo nalang kaya gumawa ng paraan?
ReplyDeleteSabihin mo sa putris na Sir Ace na amo mo hindot ka umayos siya. Kung hindi ay malilintikan siya sa akin.
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