Azkals matches moved to Dubai !

CFA officially announce the remaining matches of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying AFC 2nd Round Group A are relocated from Suzhou to Dubai. China have 3 matches to play: vs Maldives(Jun 3) vs Philippines(Jun 9) vs Syria (Jun 15). At least 1 of the matches is likely to be postponed.

Relocation from Suzhou to Dubai for the World Cup qualifying AFC 2nd Round Group A: due to the concern of Covid from Chinese authority, Maldives & Syria, who were scheduled to leave Dubai for China, have not got approval to enter. Cases are rising in southern China these days.

https://twitter.com/titan_plus

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Standings Group A

 

Today

China 7-0 Guam

Azkals squad for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

 Azkals squad for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers(TBC)

1. Baldissimo 2. Hartmann 3. Diano 4. Guirado 5. Silva 6. Winhoffer 7. Schröck 8. Woodland 9. Schipmann 10. Gayoso 11. Reichelt 12. Kempter 13. Tabinas 14. Bias 15. Steuble 16. Mendoza 17. Baas 18. Ott 19. Daniels 20. Kammeraad

https://twitter.com/filipinofootbal

Neil Etheridge, 8 others out for Azkals in World Cup qualifiers

 By: Mark Giongco

Beijing: Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has pulled out of the Philippines’ upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers in China PR, the Azkals confirmed on Saturday.

Etheridge is one of several withdrawals from the squad prior to their departure for Suzhou, where the Philippines will face China, Guam and the Maldives in Group A of the preliminaries.

Also dealing a huge blow to the Azkals’ bid is the absence of Patrick Strauss, Niko De Vera, Iain Ramsay, Carlie De Murga, Raphael Obermair, Gerrit Holtmann, Lloyd Fagerlie and Jesper Nyholm.

To fill the void, the Azkals have called up Kaya FC-Iloilo’s Kenshiro Daniels, United City’s Mike Ott and Azkals Development Team’s Quincy Kammeraad.

Daniels, Ott and Kammeraad as well as Justin Baas, who was also called up earlier this week, joined the rest of the team in their Doha camp on Saturday.

 The Azkals leave for Shanghai on Monday. They play three matches in China beginning with a clash against Guam on Thursday before taking on the host on June 9 and Maldives on June 15.

Read more: https://sports.inquirer.net/424436/neil-etheridge-8-others-out-for-azkals-in-qualifiers#ixzz6wFPPCwvk

UCFC releases Justin Baas and Mike Ott to join Azkals in China

 Due to some late withdraws within the National squad, UCFC releases Justin Baas and Mike Ott to join the Azkals in China. "This is not ideal for our own preparations for the AFC Champions League, but sometimes we are not in charge of a certain situation, and we all have to come together and make the best of it," states Eric Gottschalk of UCFC on the late call-up of some of his starters. Both players will miss the Dubai training camp and join their teammates Stephan Schroeck and Mark Hartmann for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in China instead. "We expect them to be match fit and ready to go when they join our squad on 17 June in Uzbekistan, and we shall have ample time to find our starting line-up for our first game," added Gottschalk.

Azkals Updates - Thursday

 Azkals in Doha

1. M. Baldissimo 2. M.Hartmann 3. N.D. Vera 4. M. Diano 5. A. Guirado 6. A. Silva 7 . M. Winhoffer 8. S. Schröck 9. L. Woodland 10. B. Schipmann 11. J. Gayoso 12 P. Reichelt 13. M. Kempter 14. J. Tabinas 15. O. Bias 16. Steuble 17. Mendoza 18. Fagerlie

Not going to Qatar and China : - Holtmann - Nyholm - Obermair - Not arrived : - Baas (coming soon) - Etheridge (honeymoon) - Strauss - De Murga - Ramsay

https://twitter.com/filipinofootbal

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

 

Azkals practice match vs India cancelled; Holtmann ruled out

by REUBEN TERRADO

 THE Philippine Azkals will no longer play a practice match against India in Doha as part of their build-up for the joint qualification for the 2022 Fifa World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Goal.com reported the game didn’t got the clearance from Qatar’s health ministry. India is also in Doha as it will play its own qualification matches in Qatar.

The Azkals are gearing up for the three remaining matches of the second round of the qualification where they will play Guam on June 3 and Maldives on June 9 to be played in a centralized venue in Suzhou, China.

The Philippines will now face China on a later date after it was moved to June 15.

But the Azkals also suffered a setback during the build-up as Gerrit Holtmann has officially been ruled out of participating with the national squad in the qualifiers.

Holtmann’s club VFL-Bochum announced on its social media account that the Fil-German has not completed the required documents for him to be eligible for the Azkals to play in the joint qualifiers.

THE Philippine Azkals will no longer play a practice match against India in Doha as part of their build-up for the joint qualification for the 2022 Fifa World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Goal.com reported the game didn’t got the clearance from Qatar’s health ministry. India is also in Doha as it will play its own qualification matches in Qatar.

The Azkals are gearing up for the three remaining matches of the second round of the qualification where they will play Guam on June 3 and Maldives on June 9 to be played in a centralized venue in Suzhou, China.

The Philippines will now face China on a later date after it was moved to June 15.

But the Azkals also suffered a setback during the build-up as Gerrit Holtmann has officially been ruled out of participating with the national squad in the qualifiers.

Holtmann’s club VFL-Bochum announced on its social media account that the Fil-German has not completed the required documents for him to be eligible for the Azkals to play in the joint qualifiers.

https://www.spin.ph/football/fifa/azkals-practice-match-vs-india-cancelled-holtmann-ruled-out-of-qualifiers-a795-20210527?utm_source=Twitter-Spin&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20210527-twnp-football-azkals-practice-match-vs-india-cancelled-holtmann-ruled-out-of-qualifiers-a795-20210527-twfirst

Fil-German Obermair postpones Azkals debut

 by REUBEN TERRADO

The Philippine Azkals’ pool for the upcoming joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches in Suzhou, China, next month has just gotten thinner.

1. FC Magdeburg midfielder Raphael Obermair announced that he begged off international duty in a further blow to coach Scott Cooper and his staff.

Unlike fellow Fil-German Gerrit Holtmann, he was able to obtain his Philippine passport. However, the ongoing pandemic has forced him to postpone his Azkals debut.

“I was very pleased with the nomination and am immensely grateful that it worked so quickly with my passport, my Filipino citizenship. Especially during this coronavirus pandemic, the Philippine Football Federation has helped me so well,” he told the team’s official website.

“But I have decided to give up this journey now. I wouldn’t be able to travel until May 30th, I couldn’t even get to know the team and the whole team around me. And it is very important to me to get a good insight. In addition, we have had a stressful season in which there was virtually no winter break.”

This development compounds the issues surrounding the attendance of the Azkals as they are gearing up for the crucial qualifying matches in their training camp in Doha, Qatar.

Reports earlier stated that midfielder John-Patrick Strauss picked up an injury while playing for his team, FC Erzgebirge Aue.

Obermair would have been a welcome addition for the Philippines, which is set to face the likes of Guam, Maldives, and China, considering that the 25-year-old midfielder’s contributed five goals and six assists in 25 appearances for 1. Magdeburg this season. Nevertheless, he is not closing his doors from an eventual debut for the Azkals.

I’m very proud, even if it’s a small country in terms of football. But I keep hearing that the national team is very important in the Philippines. I am also told very often when I will be playing for the national team. My mother is also really looking forward to seeing me in this special jersey,” said the 6-ft-0 footballer.

“In any case, I would be happy if the next international trip works out, hopefully this year.”

https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/fil-german-obermair-postpones-azkals-debut/209122

 

 

India likely to play Philippines in an Unofficial Friendly before World Cup Qualifiers

 By SHREYASH INGALE

The Indian national football team arrived in Doha a few days ago to play their remaining World Cup qualifiers against Qatar, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Igor Stimac has already announced his squad as crucial players like Brandon Fernandes, Sunil Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad have made their comeback. After stunning performances in the AFC Champions League, Glan martins got his first call-up, but unfortunately, his teammate Seriton Fernandes misses out due to Covid. Now the star-studded Indian team is likely to face the Philippines in an unofficial friendly to prepare for the crucial games ahead.

“The AIFF is in talks for a training match with the Philippines in Doha ahead of India’s first match against Qatar on June 3. If it happens, it will be a closed-door match with no spectator or TV allowed as both teams are inside a very secured bio bubble. It is also not a FIFA day,” a source close to the development informed IFTWC.

All the players except the ones who played in AFC Champions League and AFC Cup qualifiers haven’t had much action after the Indian Super League came to an end. Just after the conclusion of ISL, India played against Oman and UAE, where we saw many young players got their debuts and managed to impress head coach Igor Stimac. Igor Stimac had planned a preparatory camp in Kolkata, but the idea wasn’t feasible because of increasing Covid cases. The game against the Philippines would help our players to get back to match fitness and get ready for the decisive games against Qatar, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Ranked 124th in the world, the Philippines are a side that relies heavily on their origin players. Their key players like custodian Neil Etheridge and winger Gerrit Holtman have had their chance to shine in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Although the Philippines are ranked below India, It will be a stern test for the blue tigers. On the other hand, the Philippines haven’t played a single game since November 2019, which might be an advantage for India, who have had the chance to face quality opponents like UAE and Oman.

The All India Football Federation has almost agreed on all terms with the Philippines Football Federation, and the friendly is set to take place in the next few days. The game will not be telecasted and will be played inside closed doors. But the players will get much-needed game time to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.

https://iftwc.com/india-likely-play-philippines/

Azkals Update Monday - Baas get late call-up

 Justin Baas of @UnitedCityFC_PH has also been called up to the team currently in Doha, Qatar preparing for the joint qualifying tournament for the Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.

UCFC books Dubai camp

 

By

 Ian Suyu

United City FC (UCFC) is set to fly to Dubai to kick off its preparations for the AFC Champions League in Uzbekistan next month.

UCFC co-owner Eric Gottschalk yesterday said they are bracing for a three-week camp in the bustling Middle East city with almost a month before their maiden appearance in the prestigious inter-club tourney set from 25 June to 11 July.

He said going to Dubai is such a logical move since they are having difficulty launching their training camp in Manila due to tight quarantine restrictions.

“Dubai was an easy option to choose since there is no quarantine at the moment and all the facilities have opened up,” said Gottschalk, whose team is expected to leave for Dubai on 30 May.
“We will train there for three weeks and play some practice matches before going straight to Uzbekistan.”

The four-time Philippines Football League (PFL) champion was placed in Group I together with Japan League champion Kawasaki Frontale, Chinese Super League powerhouse Beijing Guoan FC, and the winner in the playoff match between Daegu FC of Korea and Chiangrai United of Thailand.

With this, UCFC beefed up its roster by signing some reinforcements like American defender Johnny Campbell, Korean booter Da-Hwon Jung and Azkals youngster Justin Baas early this year.

Spanish striker and AFC Cup all-time scorer Bienvenido Marañon is expected to lead the squad in the training camp as he was not able to join the Azkals in Qatar due to the delay of his naturalization papers.

Meanwhile, UCFC skipper Stephan Schrock and striker Mark Hartmann, are set to join the team once they finish their national team duties in the FIFA World Cup and AFC Cup Qualifiers in Suzhou, China this June.

“I think everybody is in extremely high spirits and excited that this (training) is finally getting started,” Gottschalk said.

“At the same time, I’m not worried because these are professional players so they will be physically and mentally prepared for our training camp.”

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/05/23/ucfc-books-dubai-camp/

Azkals Updates - Sunday

 Azkals arrived training camp in Qatar :

Matt Baldissimo Mark Hartmann Niko De Vera Mar Diano Angel Guirado Alvaro Silva Mark Winhoffer Stephan Schröck Luke Woodland Bernd Schipmann Jarvey Gayoso Patrick Reichelt Michael Kempter

Not arrived : - Strauss (match today) - Holtmann (match today ) - Obermair (played yday) - Fagerlie (?) - Etheridge (just married) - Bias (coming soon) - De Murga (?) - Nyholm (not going) - Steuble - Mendoza - Tabinas - Ramsay

Carli De Murga may not be going to Qatar . Expect late additions to the squad list !

Schrock, Etheridge ready to lead Azkals in World Cup Qualifiers

 Veterans Stephan Schrock and Neil Etheridge headline the 25-man squad called up for the training camp in Doha, Qatar and the three remaining matches in the joint Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Suzhou, China.

The Azkals are holding a training camp in Doha, Qatar from May 22 to May 31, 2021, before flying to China for their matches against Guam (June 3), China (June 9) and the Maldives (June 15).

“Stephan Schrock and Etheridge are the core of this team in terms of the commitment and the things they do to talk to other players,” said Cooper.

The Manila-based players are scheduled to leave for Doha on Friday morning, while the rest of the squad are arriving on different flights from Thailand, Germany, Malaysia and the United States, among others, in the succeeding days.

Although they are still completing requirements for their registration, Gerrit Holtmann, Jesper Nyholm, Raphael Obermair, and Lloyd Fagerlie have also been called up by coach Scott Cooper.

Cooper did not select naturalization candidate Bienve Marañon and Jesse Curran as both are not able to process their documents in time for the trip. But he expects the duo to be part of the team in the future.

FORWARDS
Mark Hartmann
Angel Guirado

MIDFIELDERS
Stephan Schrock (CAPTAIN)
Patrick Strauss
Iain Ramsay
Gerrit Holtmann
Raphael Obermair
Patrick Reichelt
Oliver Bias
Jarvey Gayoso
Matthew Baldisimo
Mark Winhoffer
Lloyd Fagerlie

DEFENDERS
Carlie De Murga
Alvaro Silva
Luke Woodland
Jesper Nyholm
Martin Steuble
Jefferson Tabinas
Mar Diano
Niko De Vera
Michael Kempter

GOALKEEPERS
Neil Etheridge (VICE-CAPTAIN)
Bernd Schipman
Kevin Ray Mendoza

http://theazkals.com/news/schrock-etheridge-ready-to-lead-azkals-in-world-cup-qualifiers/

Azkals coach Cooper targets sweep of June matches in World Cup qualifiers

by REUBEN TERRADO 

 AZKALS coach Scott Cooper believes the team is capable of sweeping their remaining matches, including a clash against China, in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month. Cooper expressed his confidence with the Azkals set to hold a training camp in Qatar before heading to Suzhou, China, site of the centralized matches of the competition that also serves as the qualifier for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. “We don’t have excuses,” Cooper said. “We have the time in Doha. We’ve already beaten Maldives and Guam away from home, we’ve tied with China here. It’s up to us and the staff to raise the bar. That’s what we are hoping to do with this national team. The Azkals will go up against Guam on June 3, China on June 9, and Maldives on June 15. Focus, however, is expected to be on the match against China as both teams look to secure the second spot in Group A and a place in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.

 Cooper likes the chances of the Azkals against China based on previous results that included a scoreless draw last October 15, 2019 in Bacolod City. At the same time, Cooper is also wary with reports of China fielding in naturalized players from Brazil for the World Cup qualifiers.

 https://www.spin.ph/football/fifa/azkals-coach-scott-cooper-confident-about-chances-vs-china-in-world-cup-qualifiers-a795-20210513

Neil Etheridge committed to Azkals duties despite busy summer, says Cooper

 by REUBEN TERRADO

THE stint of Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge in the coming 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month is uncertain due to personal commitments that include his upcoming wedding.

Azkals head coach Scott Cooper said Etheridge has expressed his desire to be part of the national squad for next month’s competition to be held in China in June under a bubble set-up.

However, Cooper also bared Etheridge’s busy schedule in the coming months.

“Neil is eligible. He is wanting to come,” said Cooper during Wednesday’s virtual press conference hosted by the Philippine Football Federation.

“He is just getting his passport renewed at this moment. Of course, Neil is getting married this summer right around the middle part of that. He is going to be with us to start off, then let’s see where it goes,” Cooper said.

Etheridge, considered as one of the best goalkeepers in Southeast Asia, played for the Azkals in their last three matches including a clean sheet in a scoreless draw against China on October 15, 2019.

This year, Etheridge played for Birmingham City in the English Football League Championship.

https://www.spin.ph/football/fifa/neil-etheridge-committed-to-azkals-duties-despite-busy-summer-a795-20210505?utm_source=Twitter-Spin&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20210505-twnp-football-neil-etheridge-committed-to-azkals-duties-despite-busy-summer-a795-20210505-twfirst

PH Azkals to set up training camp in Qatar

 By: Mark Giongco

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals are set for a training camp in Qatar as part of their preparations for the Joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asia Cup qualifiers in China next month.

The camp, which will be hosted by the Qatar Football Association, will be held from May 18-31 in Doha before heading to Suzhou, China.

“We have communicated with the Qatar Football Association to host our team for a training camp in Qatar,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta during a virtual presser on Wednesday. “As you know very well, it’s so hard to train in the Philippines right now. so we have decided to do the training camp in Qatar.”

The Azkals will be comprised of a 26-man pool in Doha, according to team manager Dan Palami.

The team is also slated to play friendlies against Palestine and Syria during the camp.

“We’re lucky other teams are there also so we can have the friendly matches before we go to China,” Araneta said. “And China is also arranging for the flights of the Group A teams to emanate from Qatar so ideally, we should be in Qatar doing the training camp.”
The Azkals, who are currently third in Group A with seven points, will face Guam, host China and Maldives in the centralized bubble.

Read more: https://sports.inquirer.net/422327/ph-azkals-to-set-up-training-camp-in-qatar#ixzz6u0DUI4wx