28 March 2024
OPINION: PFF Fan Zone and Mess Hall a success, but the football is still a work in progress
By RYAN FENIX
There was a time in the not so distant past where a trip to downtown Manila to catch the Philippines play football matches was filled with a sense of dread and foreboding.
dingy M.H. del Pilar Street fronting the Rizal Memorial Stadium was dimly lit and sometimes stank of human waste, and food options were limited to an overcrowded McDonald's or restaurants in the old Harrison Plaza which has seen better days.
Thankfully, all of these seem to be in the past, as the PFF put in place a Fan Zone and Mess Hall that not only gave fans a multitude of activities and food options, it also provided what the English may call a 'proper game day atmosphere'.
Football merchandise was available, as are football booths from well-known brands. One can take your pick on the food you wish to eat, and have I mentioned that liquor is available?
The fans repaid this effort by coming in droves, breaching the 10k strong target set by the PFF, even if entrance to the bleachers remain painfully slow.
Now, if only we could similarly give the same rave reviews for the football on display.
Fans were hopeful that the former Azkals (more on the moniker later) would continue the defensive solidarity shown in Basra, Iraq a few days prior, where they held the much higher ranked Iraq scoreless for 83 minutes before eventually succumbing to a 1-0 defeat.
Instead, the match in Manila was effectively over as a contest after 38 minutes as Iraq pounced on a multitude of errors to cruise to a 3-0 lead at that point.
Iraq continued to put on the pressure and eventually ended the game 5-0 winners, leaving the Philippines winless in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and leading new coach Tom Saintfiet to apologize to the fans post match.
"I am very sorry and apologies for the big defeat,” said the Philippines coach, adding that his team "tried to play more football than in Iraq,” but "we lost because of individual mistakes, which will be addressed in closed doors."
Santi Rublico once again showed tremendous promise and Coach Tom has hinted at a number of potential new names for the team in the June international window, including winger Raphael Obermair, who plays for SC Paderborn in 2.Bundesliga in Germany.
The Philippines is a team in transition, and the new PFF administration led by President John Gutierrez will be keen to get a good run of results to kick-start their term.
Off the pitch, they have made great strides. The big clock at the Rizal Memorial Stadium is finally working after 100 years and the locker rooms have reportedly been renovated and refurbished.
They have also done away with the Azkals moniker, wanting a fresh start for the men's team under their watch.
But the old Azkals nickname, whether they like it or not, has resonated with the fans and has stuck, with members of those in attendance joining in an "Azkaaaals" chant midway through the first half.
It remains to be the easiest and most recognizable way to bring in the masses to the game with the invite of 'Tara, nuod tayo ng Azkals mamaya' (Let's go watch the Azkals later) self-explanatory and in no need further expounding.
But whatever they will be called in the future, the Philippine Men's National Football Team, even after an embarrassingly heavy home defeat, can count on their fans, led by the Ultras Filipinas, for support.
26 March 2024
25 March 2024
PH coach Saintfiet sees ‘Surprise in Manila’ happening
By: Jonas Terrado - @inquirerdotnet
Coach Tom Saintfiet offered some silver linings on the defeat the Philippine men’s football team absorbed at the hands of Iraq in the World Cup/Asian Qualifiers match on Thursday.
For Saintfiet, the team formerly known as the Azkals almost achieved what it wanted in Basra, so close that it needed a late goal from Iraq to come away with a 1-0 win.
I’m not happy with the loss because I hate losing,” said Saintfiet. “But I’m very proud of the performance of my team. I knew that we would play against a strong team.”
Mohanad Ali produced the eventual winner for the Iraqis in the 84th minute, a moment that the hosts were able to get after being frustrated with a resolute Philippine defense, including some saves from veteran goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Etheridge and the Philippines’ hopes of a tie ended when Ali pounced on a long ball and beat two defenders before scoring the only goal at Basra International Stadium.
“I think the Philippines can compete and the goal was to try a point. Like I said, my team did very well but one moment of lack of concentration and the opposing team utilized it,” the Belgian coach said.
“The Iraqi team, for most of the time, had no solution against the tactical discipline of the Philippines. We analyzed Iraq. We knew the qualities of Iraq, the wingbacks and the wings. We tried to close the errors and it was clear that for most of the time, Iraq had no answer, but they won so in the end, they did everything right.”
Taking pride
Saintfiet, however, can take pride in how the Philippines conducted itself, given the challenges leading up to the match.
“We started three days ago, I saw my players for the first time. Some on Monday and some on Tuesday. The progress is very good.”
But there’ll be no excuses the next time when the Philippines takes on Iraq anew, this time in the friendly confines of Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The loss kept the Philippines below Group F with just one point in three matches. To reach the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers, the Filipino side must win its next three matches, the others being against Indonesia and Vietnam on the road in the next window.
Iraq is still the group leader with nine points, followed by Indonesia with four points and Vietnam with three.
“I think we need to be competitive with Vietnam and Indonesia and I’m impressed with my players that in a short period of time, we could be difficult opponents for Iraq,” said Saintfiet. “But in five days’ time, we will play again and we need to be fresh. Hopefully, we get to surprise Iraq in Manila.”
https://sports.inquirer.net/558537/ph-coach-saintfiet-sees-surprise-in-manila-happening
FIFA World Cup qualifier Philippines vs Iraq
Only 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗧 before the kickoff! 
Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the history!
Make sure to wear 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 to show support and unity!
𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗩𝗦 
𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗤
: Tue, March 26
: Rizal Memorial Stadium
: 7:00 PM
Women's NT friendlies against South Korea in April !
Philippines women's NT will play two friendlies against South Korea in April !
The friendlies will take place in Icheon Sports Complex on April 5 and 8.
22 March 2024
Pre-season PFL friendlies
Pre-season friendlies
also : Garelli 0-3 Manila Digger
Pre-season friendlies tables
Click to expand.
21 March 2024
20 March 2024
Saintfiet harps: We are ready to compete against Iraq
By: Jonas Terrado
Coach Tom Saintfiet offered plenty of positives to the way the Philippine men’s football team conducted its preparation for the first of two matches with Iraq in this month’s World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers window.
“I was satisfied with the progression we made. The motivation and cooperation is on a high and we are ready to compete against Iraq,” said Sainfiet as the team formerly known as the Azkals looks to steal points against the Iraqi side on its home turf.
Saintfiet’s coaching debut is set on Thursday local time in Basra (early Friday Manila time) where the Philippine side look to display what the new man in charge has been harping on.
The team spent the past week in Dubai where the Belgian coach held camp for the 28 players composed of veterans, youngsters and first-timers.
“They are all good players,” said Saintfiet. “I have a team of quality players with the right mentality with a lot of discipline and it will be tough for me as the coach to make the choice.”
Among those expected to play for the Philippines for the first time are brothers Matthew and Michael Baldisimo, who were tapped by Saintfiet for this window.
But Saintfiet will be missing a key piece in Spain-based Santi Rublico, who’ll be serving a one-match ban for accumulating two yellow cards during the November window against Vietnam and Indonesia.
Rublico will be available for the return match with the Iraqis on Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Philippines is in third place in Group F with one point, equal with Indonesia, but five below Iraq and two behind second-running Vietnam.
Iraq won its first two matches against Indonesia at home and Vietnam away during the November window.
Saintfiet: We are ready to compete against Iraq
Philippine Men’s National Football Team head coach Tom Saintfiet hailed the competitiveness of the squad ahead of the team’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers tie against Iraq on 21 March 2024 at the Basra International Stadium.
The squad was finally complete over the past two days and conducted their training sessions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before flying out to Iraq for the match.
“It was a great camp, we know we had a limited time, but the organization and staff was top-notch,” said Saintfiet. “I was satisfied with the progression we made. The motivation and cooperation is on a high and we are ready to compete against Iraq.”
The Belgian coach underlines that the squad has what it takes to take on the Lions of Mesopotamia in the two qualifier matches.
“They are all good players,” added Saintfiet. “I have a team of quality players with the right mentality with a lot of discipline and it will be tough for me as the coach to make the choice.”
https://pff.org.ph/2024/03/20/saintfiet-we-are-ready-to-compete-against-iraq/
Pre-season PFL friendlies
Pre-season PFL friendlies
United City Fc 2-0 Taguig Fc (Ricky Sendra and Mark Hartmann)
Kaya Fc 4-3 Davao Aguilas
16 March 2024
15 March 2024
Paasa, pabida, palpak’
The squad list of the Philippine National Men’s Football Team is out early this week. Despite the hype and reports claiming that several high profile foreign-based players have committed to suiting up for the flag and country against Iraq, only a few actually were included in the list. Which simply means, all the hype and the claims are nothing but hype and claims. In short, paasa, pabida, palpak. Committed is miles apart from actually showing up when it matters.
The team, formerly known as the Azkals, will have the old reliable OGs, some returning and several new faces including a collegiate player from a school where a key official of the Philippine Football Federation also occupies a very important position. He must be mighty proud that his ward has made it to the squad set to leave tomorrow for the Dubai camp before the team faces Iraq on the 21st in Basra. The Designated Kit Man is hoping that this kid will make the best of his debut with the national team.
Going back to the absence of notable names such as Gerritt Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Sebastian Rasmussen and others, some say “availability” is one of the reasons why they won’t be in Iraq and Manila during the third week of March. What does “availability” mean? Is it because of injury? Is it because of club commitments? Is it because of personal reasons? Or is it because of the same old pabebe Azkal wannabe syndrome?
A source at the PFF, when asked about the exclusion of these players in the list, aptly summed it up when he responded: “I wish I knew.”
I wish I knew, too.
But rather than harping on those who are not present, again, I would rather wish those who always heed the country’s call, the returning players and the rookies flying to Dubai, all the best. The games against the 59th FIFA-ranked Iraq will not be easy. The team is also coming from the Asian Cup so the odds are pretty stacked up against the Philippines.
And for those who had so many things to say about the Azkals, players, coaches and management and know even more than your ordinary keyboard warriors and Monday morning strikers, make sure to be present on March 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The team needs your presence. ‘Wag lang sa social media kayo pabibo at maingay!
Speaking of odds, what are the chances that so many job openings are available at the PFF? People who love football, have the necessary qualifications and would love to relocate to Carmona, Cavite now have several job opportunities to work with the PFF. From what I read, these openings include legal officer, marketing officer, program officer, accounting assistant, club licensing officer, international relations officer, production unit officer, media officer and multimedia designer. Is the PFF expanding its manpower to further boost football all over the country? The next logical question is: has so many people resigned from the PFF in such a short time since the new bosses took over? Perhaps the biggest question is ‘anyare’?
Speaking of moving on, two friends will officially end their stints at the PFF after several years. Cedelf Tupas and Icko De Guzman have tendered their resignations with the NSA and by April 1 will either be jobless or going on a much-deserved vacation. Whatever they intend to do, good hunting my friends!
Cedelf and Icko have done so much for the PFF and football in general during their stay. Much of these do not show on any statline or the usual stories about the national teams. They have worked mostly on the sidelines and even more behind the scenes.
But there are three things I would like to thank them for: for helping and enabling the PFF to broadcast games of our national teams no matter where they play regardless of the time zones and circumstances. Especially when no mainstream media do not have the interest, the air-time and the nationalistic pride to air the games live. These two, including the many silent workers in the PFF, moved heaven and earth to ensure local fans have the opportunity to see the national teams – the Azkals, the Malditas and the youth teams – in action live.
The second thing: Making the football press closer, updated, accessible and a beat apart from the usual sports press. Being part of the Philippine Football Press Corps GC has made life easier and bearable even when results are too depressing.
The third thing is: Thank you for being real friends. That no matter how we argue, bash each other and have petty misunderstandings the whole time, at the end of the day, we are still friends. Go get them, Cedelf and Icko!
https://manilastandard.net/sports/sports-headlines/sports-columns/the-designated-kit-man-by-erel-cabatbat/314426015/paasa-pabida-palpak.html
11 March 2024
10 March 2024
The best of luck Azkals
March 7, 2024, 7:05 pm
The Philippine Men’s National Football Team will fly to Dubai for a four-day training camp in the United Arab Emirates next weekend. From the initial announcement made by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the national team, formerly known as the Azkals, will train in Dubai from March 16-20, 2024.
The same announcement mentioned that the final squad will be revealed before the team leaves for the Middle East.
A press conference is set on the 20th with new Coach Tom Saintfiet and team captain and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. The team will then leave for Basra to face Iraq on March 22.
After the away game in Iraq, the team will return to the country for its home game against the same opponents on March 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Another presser is set with Saintfiet, plus another player on the 25th.
A source told The Designated Kit Man that Saintfiet is scouting and probably convincing foreign based Filipino players to suit for the sun and three stars soon. He will meet the rest of the team (for those who are not flying out of Manila) in Dubai for the short camp before the game against Iraq.On the local front, there are at least 34 players, who are trying to impress the coaching staff why they should be part of the Dubai Camp.
A source told The Designated Kit Man that Saintfiet is in Europe scouting and probably convincing foreign-based Filipino players to suit for the sun and three stars soon. He will meet the team in Dubai for the short camp before the game against Iraq.
A check with someone close to Rasmussen, however, revealed that nothing is definite yet with his availability to return to the national team. Rasmussen currently plays forward for Hobro in the Danish 1st Division. Several months ago, the same source told me that Rasmussen was very inclined to make his return in the World and Asian Cup qualifiers.
Just hoping that Saintfiet and his staff will have enough time to assemble the best team possible against the mighty Iraqis.
https://manilastandard.net/sports/314423621/the-best-of-luck-azkals-ej-ryan-isabelle.html
Preseason friendly - Kaya Fc 3-0 Loyola
Kaya Fc Iloilo won 3-0 against Loyola fc in a preseason friendly on Saturday.
Pic : Nikko dela Cerna/Facebook
09 March 2024
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