Azkals resume training for World Cup qualifying match vs Sri Lanka

The Philippine men's football team, the Azkals, will resume its training on May 9 to begin its build-up for its first round tie against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifier, said team manager Dan Palami.

Palami, who graced Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, said that the Azkals will train at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City until May 23 before heading to Cebu for a team building session from May 25 to 31.

The Azkals will then head to Germany for another training camp from June 12 to 26 where they will also play tune-up matches with German Division II and Division III teams.

"The players who will play for the team against Sri Lanka will most likely be there in Germany," said Palami.

After Germany, the team will go straight to Sri Lanka to play the first leg on June 29.

The Azkals are also hoping to practice at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in early June where they expect the field to be ready in time for the July 3 second leg.

"Hopefully, we could take advantage of the familiarity of the field," said Palami.

Palami said that Rizal is already fit for playing but there are still minor holes in the field that requires minimal repairs.

During the Holy Week break, the Azkals have organized training camps in the United States and Germany in hopes to discover players not only for the national team but also for the Under-23 players that will compete in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News