MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong arrived in Manila on Saturday to rejoin the Philippine Azkals for their World Cup qualifier against Kuwait.
De Jong, who played for the national team in the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, arrived from Belgium via Hong Kong.
“I think we have a good chance [against Kuwait] because I saw the game last time, especially the game in Rizal,” he said.
He will join Filipino-Danish Jerry Lucena, Filipino-German John Patrick Hinrichsen, and Filipino- Icelandic Ray Jonsson in beefing up the Azkals in the absence of team captain Aly Borromeo and midfielder Stephan Schrock.
Borromeo and Schrock were suspended for 1 game after getting 2 yellow cards each in the first-round tie against Sri Lanka.
De Jong said the Azkals have shown vast improvements in their game as shown by their 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka last week.
“We have a lot of quality in the team. I can see also the other boys, they developed very well. I think we have a big chance to defeat Kuwait,” he said.
De Jong said he has been spending time training in Belgium to maintain his conditioning.
“I've been training with my last team in Belgium to keep fit… I feel great to be back,” said the Fil-Dutch.
The Azkals' away game against Kuwait is on July 23.
The home game will take place 5 days later at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
ABS CBN News
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this is another "quick fix" if the german coach will not practice the team in their build up after transition, then nothing will happen. the talent of our players can't be denied but the direction of play is not very visible. even the set pieces are a mess.
ReplyDeleteThe coach must put things into order unless he want to fail. During the last game, there was no visible pattern of movements, the players do their own thing. it was good that some are giving the pass, but we need more connection.
i don't see de jong giving a boost to this team, it's the german coach who should put things in the right direction.
with the situation of not having your skipper and schrock present, a quick fix is what you need.
ReplyDeletegiven what he's had to work with, i cant really blame the coach. then again, that's how international play usually works.
although i dont know why he didnt play schrock as a fullback and mulders as a midfielder in the sri land match, afterall, schrock is a natural fullback and mulders is a natural midfielder.