Azkals Seek Upset vs N Korea

By JONAS TERRADO
March 8, 2012, 10:41pm
Match Friday (Halchowk Stadium, Kathmandu)

5 p.m. — Philippines vs North Korea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals hope to put off-the-field distractions aside when they clash with defending champion North Korea Friday at the start of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup at the Halchowk Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Plagued by lineup problems and the sexual harassment allegations filed by Cristy Ramos against Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado to the Asian Football Confederation, the Azkals seek to upset the Nokors in the match slated at 3 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Manila time).

But even without the distraction, very little chance is given to the Azkals when they go up against the North Koreans whose football skills are regarded much superior than the Filipinos.

The North Koreans, like their southern counterparts, are Asian powerhouse having had stints in the World Cup.

But the Philippines will be there trying as its puts its fate in the hands of brothers Phil and James Younghusband, recently-healed Chieffy Caligdong and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Etheridge received the green light to play in this tournament from his English club Fulham. Teammates Paul Mulders and Dennis Cagara also received the go signal from their respective European clubs.

However, Stephan Schrock won't be playing for the Azkals in Nepal.

Although listed in the initial roster, he was not included in the final 23-man lineup submitted by the team on the eve of the event.

Coach Michael Weiss again sang the same tune during the pre-tournament press conference that the Azkals had lack of preparation heading to Nepal but is hopeful of at least a semifinals berth.

"I have to tell you frankly that our preparation was not good but we are here to play for the championship," said Weiss as quoted by GoalNepal.com.

The Azkals will have their hands full against North Korea, which made the World Cup while defeating Turkmenistan in the AFC Challenge Cup finals in Sri Lanka two years ago.

The rest of the team are Ed Sacapano, Paolo Pascual, Rob Gier, Juan Luis Guirado, Jason Sabio, Roel Gener, Misagh Bahadoran, Jason de Jong, Nestor Margasse, Marwin Angeles, Ray Jonsson, Nate Burkey, Roxy Dorlas, Carli de Murga and Ian Araneta.

Manila Bulletin