Azkals try to seize the moment

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

SINGAPORE—Unfazed by the thought of playing in enemy territory in its most important match in tournament history, the Philippines aims for a maiden championship appearance against three-time winner Singapore in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals Wednesday at Jalan Besar Stadium here.

The two sides battled to a scoreless draw in Manila last Saturday, which means a goal by the Azkals here could pile up the pressure on the Lions, who are heavily favored to advance considering their wealth of experience.

The Azkals’ chances haven’t been better, though. Two years ago, in a similar stage, they were down 0-1 on aggregate to an Indonesian side backed by about 70,000 supporters in Jakarta heading into the second leg.

This time, the Azkals will have to deal with an 8,000-strong crowd, playing in a faster artificial pitch, and a squad with a winning tradition.

A scoring draw would be enough but experienced defender Rob Gier thinks it would be foolish for the Azkals to take that mindset.

“We don’t want it to end tomorrow night (Wednesday night),” said Gier, referring to their Suzuki Cup journey.

The Lions have the dual task of scoring and preventing the Azkals from doing the same. If the match stays goalless after regulation, extra time will be needed with a penalty shootout as the ultimate decider if no team finds the back of the net.

“We’ve always been saying that this is what we’ll all be waiting for,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “We don’t want to settle for just another semifinal appearance.”

“This is the best chance we will ever have,” said striker Phil Younghusband. “The good thing about our team is that whether we are home or away, we still feel we can win the game.”

The Azkals took time to settle on the ball in the first leg in Manila, where the Lions dominated the opening 45 minutes. With their midfielders finding their rhythm, the Azkals showed some attacking bite in the second half.

“One of the plus things about the last game is that we know we could still play better,” said Younghusband.

One thing constant for the Azkals in the tournament has been their solidity on the defensive end with Gier and Juani Guirado manning the fort.

Jerry Lucena returns to the side since the 1-0 win over Vietnam in the group stage in Bangkok and Azkals coach Michael Weiss sees the Fil-Danish standout as a stabilizing factor in the middle.

Weiss said the Azkals must produce the same kind of fighting spirit they showed in the second half of the first leg to stand a chance against the Lions.

“Singapore will have a small advantage because of their experience, but the boys are hungry and eager to show what they can do,” he said.

inquirer.net 

Azkals back in Manila after historic run in Nepal

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals are back home after their successful stint in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.

The Azkals secured their best finish ever in the tournament, beating Palestine in the battle for third.

Striker Phil Younghusband also received the Golden Boot award after scoring six goals, the most in this year’s tournament.

“Masayang masaya ako, pero nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng teammates ko kasi kung wala sila, imposible 'to,” Younghusband said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo.

Angel Guirado, who scored two goals for the Philippines, added that their third place finish would not have been possible without their team work.

“Talagang team work ang nangyari kaya kami nanalo,” he said in Spanish.

His brother, Juani, was also complimented for his goal during the Palestine game.

“Yes, my first goal is important. But what’s more important is the union of the team... maraming salamat,” he said.

The Azkals made a two-hour stopover in Cebu to meet some of their fans before heading to Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

Team manager Dan Palami was thankful for the reception accorded by their followers.

“We are happy to be back, there's no place like home. Tayong mga Pilipino 'pag nakakabalik sa bansa natin, talagang masayang masaya. That's why we're quite happy with the reception that we received here and, of course, being back kung saan kami belong,” said Palami.

Palace congratulates Azkals

Meanwhile, Malacañang commended the Philippine football team for its accomplishments in Nepal.

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the team exceeded the expectations of its peers.

“The Aquino administration believes this is an attitude that all Filipinos can learn from and apply. Our Philippine Azkals have made all of us believe that when the Filipino remains dedicated, and works hard, then our country can continue enjoying success, both on and off the football pitch,” she said.

Despite being pitted against formidable teams like North Korea, India and Tajikistan, the Philippine Azkals managed to slip into the semifinals.

The Filipino booters lost its semis match-up to Turkmenistan, but finished strong against Palestine to nab third place.

It is the highest finish ever for any Philippine team in international football.

ABS CBN News

AFC Challenge Cup Final - North Korea qualify for Asian Cup !

AFC Challenge Cup final :


North Korea 2-1 Turkmenistan at full time.

North Korea qualified for 2015 Asian Cup !

Weiss gripped by third-place thriller

Kathmandu: Philippines coach Michael Weiss admitted that the goal-fest in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Third-place Play-off took him completely by surprise as the Azkals edged Palestine 4-3 on Monday.
Phil Youngusband kicked things off in the fourth minute and reclaimed the Philippines' lead with a 24th minute penalty after Abdulhamid Abuhabib had equalised for Palestine four minutes earlier.

Angel Guirado, returning after missing the semi-final through suspension, made it 3-1 just before the break and while Abuhabib closed the gap with his second of the match in the 67th minute Angel's bother Juan Guirado restored the Philippines' two-goal cushion two minutes later.

Fahed Attal scored Palestine's third and although the West Asians pushed hard for the leveller the Philippines held out for the 4-3 win.

"Nobody would have expected the match to go that way," Weiss said after the Philippines' dramatic denouement at the Dashrath.

"It was a thriller. A do-or-die game and we were lucky in the end."

While fortune may have played a part in the third-place match, there can be no doubting it was an impressive campaign from the tournament outsiders, with the Azkals defeating former champions India and Tajikistan only to be narrowly beaten by 2010 runners-up Turkmenistan in the semi-finals.

And for Weiss Monday's outcome was a fair result for the Philippines and their fans the world over.

"Overall I think we deserved to finish third and I thank my players for their never-say-die attitude," said the German.

"I also want to take the opportunity to thank all our fans in the Philippines, in the Gulf, in Europe and all over the World who have supported us. Without them, what we have achieved would not have been possible.

"I am very proud to be part of this development of Philippines' football and I look forward to it continuing."


afc.com

Philippines 4-3 Palestine

Kathmandu: The Philippines ended an impressive 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign in third place as Phil Younghusband's double propelled the Azkals to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Palestine in an absorbing encounter between the two beaten semi-finalists.
Youngusband took his individual tally to five as the Azkals took the lead with just four minutes into Monday's meeting at the Dashrath Stadium before Abdulhamid Abuhabib's sweetly-struck right-foot curler drew Palestine level in the 20th minute.

The Philippines reclaimed their advantage from the penalty spot just four minutes later as Younghusband scored his sixth of the campaign before Angel Guirado, returning after missing the semi-final through suspension, made it 3-1 just before the break.

Abuhabib closed the gap with his second of the match in the 67th minute only for Juan Guirado to restore the Philippines' two-goal cushion two minutes later.

Fahed Attal scored Palestine's third and although the West Asians pushed hard for the leveller the Philippines held out for the 4-3 win.

The Philippines got off to a blistering start when an intelligent ball from skipper Emelio Calgdong released Younghusband down the left flank and the 24-year-old cut inside towards goal and skilfully escaped the attention of two defenders before firing low past Palestine captain Ramzi Saleh for his first of the match.

Palestine should have drawn level three minutes later when Husam Abusalah sprung the Philippines offside trap to release Fahed Attal but he missed the chance to extend his record as he mishit his shot with only keeper Eduardo Sacapano, who was coming in for the suspended Neil Etheridge, to beat.

A lapse in concentration at the back from Khaled Mahdi, one of just four players in the Palestine squad that featured in the goalless draw with the Philippines in the qualifiers, gave Paul Mulders a golden opportunity to double the Azkals' advantage but Saleh did well to block the ADO Den Haag winger's shot with his leg.

A period of Palestine pressure followed, with Khader Abuhammad off-target from the same area as Attal's earlier miss before Mohammed Mohammed showed some deft skills to fashion a shooting opportunity only to see his 19th minute effort cannon off the crossbar.

The deserved equaliser did come a minute later with Abdulhamid Abuhabib curling the ball superbly into the top corner only for all their good work to be undone in the 24th minute, when Caligdong was tripped in the box allowing Younghusband to confidently slam home his sixth of the tournament from the penalty spot.

With four minutes of the half remaining Angel Guirado got in behind the Palestine defence and easily slipped the ball past the advancing Saleh for the Azkals' third as the Philippines took a commanding lead into the interval.

Marwin Angeles replaced injured skipper Caligdong in the second half with James Younghusband, also back from suspension, taking over the captain's armband.

Neither side was able to really test their opponent's keeper in the first 20 minutes of the second period but when there was finally a shot on target it was made to count with Palestine drawing level in the 67th minute.

The ball was worked across the face of the Philippines' penalty area, finding its way to the unmarked Abuhabib, who lashed home his second of the match.

But again, the Philippines hit back almost immediately, when good build-up play from James Younghusband and Angel Guirado sent Angel's brother Juan through on goal and the 32-year-old coolly slotted the ball past Saleh to make it 4-2 in the 69th minute.

Palestine reduced the deficit less than ten minutes later when Attal scored his ninth AFC Challenge Cup goal after the Philippines failed to clear the ball before Abuhabib was denied his hat-trick and the equaliser in the 81st minute thanks to a fine reflex save from Sacapano.

Palestine pushed hard to get back on level terms but the Philippines were not be denied the win in an epic conclusion to their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign.

afc.com

AFC Challenge Cup - Philippines 4-3 Palestine FT

Third place Match


19 March 2012 14:30 PHILIPPINES-PALESTINE Dashrath Stadium


16.45 (4.45) in Manila

FIFA Ranking :

Philippines 156
Palestine 160

Last match 23. March 2011 in Yangon : Philippines 0-0 Palestine


Post news , predictions, line-ups in comments

--------------------------------------------------------

Azkals XI: Sacapano, De Murga, Gier, Sabio, Jonsson, J Guirado, Mulders, J Younghusband, Caligdong, A Guirado, P Younghusband

4 min 1-0 Phil Younghusband
21 min 1-1 Abuhabib
25 min 2-1 Phil Younghusband (PK)
42 min 3-1 Angel Guirado
67 min 3-2 Abuhabib
68 min 4-2 Juan Luis Aldeguer Guirado
78 min 4-3 Fahed Attal

4-3 FT!

Subs :

46 min Chieffy out , Marwin Angeles in
75 min Rob Gier out , Jason de Jong in
90 +3 min Mulders out , Misagh Bahadoran in

Attendance : 1000

Weather : good , sunny , 23 degr


Match summary LINK

Weiss presents case for defence

Kathmandu: Philippines coach Michael Weiss is hoping that newcomer Eduardo Sacapano will have a relatively trouble-free Challenge Cup Finals debut thanks to a solid defence in Monday's third-place play-off against Palestine.

The Philippines Army stopper will be making his first appearance in Nepal to replace suspended first-choice keeper Neil Etheridge, who misses out on the Azkals' finals match after being red-carded two minutes into stoppage-time of the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Turkmenistan following an off-the-ball incident with goal scorer Gahryman Chonkayev.

"Apart from the last ten minutes against Turkmenistan our defence has been quite stable and I hope it will be the same tomorrow so that Sacapano doesn't have much work to do," Weiss said at the pre-match press conference.

At 31, Sacapano is not exactly a novice but he has been benefiting from practicing alongside goalkeepers with experience at clubs in Europe in the shape of Etheridge, an understudy to Australia international Mark Schwarzer at English Premier League side Fulham, and Roland Muller, who is with German second division side MSV Duisburg.

Sacapano has been with us at the training camps in the build-up to the Challenge Cup and has done well," continued Weiss.

"He has been learning a lot from Neil and from another Germany-based keeper Roland Muller."

In addition to the introduction of Sacapano, Weiss welcomes back key players James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, both suspend for the semi-final, while Jason Sabio returns from injury as the Philippines look to end on a high.

"We have come a long way and at the start of the tournament nobody gave us much of a chance," said the former Kyoto Purple Sanga and China U-20s assistant coach.

"With our friendlies at our training camps and our match with Malaysia in Manila we have played nine games in little over a month and the team is shaping up very well.

"This has been a good tournament for us and we are taking the third-place match very seriously. We see this as our final and we will do our best to bring pride and glory to the country."


afc.com

Etheridge rues 'bad' behavior

By Olmin Leyba

KATHMANDU – Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was so fired up that when he left the pitch after getting sent off for clipping a Turkmenistan player in Friday’s AFC Challenge Cup semifinal game, he did not immediately realize the consequences of his action.

It was only while alone in the changing room that the red card he got at the second minute of stoppage time in their numbing 1-2 loss to the Green Men really sank in. And he quickly felt regret and remorse.

“It’s obviously disappointing personally. My unprofessionalism at the end of the game was unlike me and it was very unprofessional of me so I’ll take full responsibility and I know I will miss the last game of the competition,” said Etheridge.

The Fil-British custodian lost his cool and kicked goal scorer Gahryman Chonkayev in the leg, the Green Men midfielder apparently getting under his skin.

The caution left the Azkals with only 10 men in the last two minutes and consequently, Etheridge will be suspended in the Azkals’ third-place match with Palestine on Monday. It will be the only game he’ll miss for Phl here.

“It’s a heat of the moment situation. I think I deserved what I received. At the same time, I’ve had a good competition, made some good saves, and it’s disappointing watching the game from the sidelines. But I’ll be giving the boys full support,” said Etheridge, who was sent off for only the second time in his career.

Second choice keeper Eduard Sacapano is expected to man the goal in place of the Fulham keeper when the Azkals gun for third place as valedictory to their unexpected Last 4 showing in the tournament.

philstar

Sacapano set to grab opportinity

Kathmandu: Eduardo Sacapano is relishing the chance to represent the Philippines in the final match of their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign, with the Philippines Army keeper set to replace the suspended Neil Etheridge for Monday's third-place play-off against Palestine.

Etheridge ended an impressive tournament on a low note when he was sent off in stoppage-time of the Azkals 2-1 semi-final defeat to Turkmenistan following an off-the-ball incident with goal scorer Gahryman Chonkayev.

"It's a great opportunity to play in the third-place match," said Sacapano, who will be making his first international appearance since the Philippines' 2-1 loss to Mongolia in an AFC Challenge Cup pre-qualifier in Ulan Bator last year.

"Neil has been doing a really good job in the tournament and I have been learning a lot from him," Sacapano said of the Philippines number one, who is understudy to Australia international Mark Schwarzer at English Premier League side Fulham.

Etheridge was arguably the keeper of the tournament until his moment of folly in the semi-final, saving a penalty against defending champions DPR Korea and keeping a clean sheet against 2008 winners India in the Group Stage.

"It was very unprofessional so I have to take responsibility for my actions," Etheridge said reflecting on his altercation with Chonkayev.

"Obviously my unprofessionalism at the end of the game was unlike me. It was the heat of the moment and I probably deserved what I received.

"It will be disappointing to watch it from the side-lines, but I will give the boys my full support and attention on Monday. And I will learn from my mistakes."


afc.com

YouTube - AFC Challenge Cup 2012. Turkmenistan - Philippines (2:1 - all goals)

YouTube - AFC Challenge Cup 2012. Turkmenistan - Philippines (2:1 - SECOND HALF)

YouTube - AFC Challenge Cup 2012. Turkmenistan - Philippines (0:1 - FIRST HALF)

AFC Challenge Cup 2012: Philippines Coach Michael Weiss: This Is A Very Disappointing Loss

Philippines National football team coach, Michael Weiss said the loss to Turkmenistan was very frustrating and was hard to believe.


Speaking with the press in the post match conference Coach, Weiss said, "This is a very disappointing game. We were closer to the victory but we settled down too deep. I wish we could have given them more pressure after taking a lead. But we failed to do so".

"If we had full squad today, we would have beaten them. The levelling goal which we conceded was unnecessary. The second goal was due to mistake by defenders. But overall, we did well in the entire tournament. We are ambitious to play for third place".

The third place match will be played on the final day - 19th of March.

goalnepal

Turkmenistan 2-1 Philippines

Kathmandu: Turkmenistan will get another crack at AFC Challenge Cup glory after Gahryman Chonkayev's late winner gave the 2010 runners-up a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Philippines in the first of Friday's semi-finals at the Dashrath Stadium.
The Philippines took a 25th minute lead when Phil Younghusband headed home his fourth of the campaign only for Turkmenistan Player of the Year Arslanmyrat Amanov to equalise in the 79th minute before Chonkayev settled the contest with four minutes left to play.

The Azkals went into the match without the influential duo of James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, who was the standout player in the Philippines' superb come-from-behind win over Tajikistan, setting up Phil Younghusband for the equaliser before netting the late winner.

Paul Mulders moved into midfield to replace Guirado while Angel's brother Juan dropped into defence, with Jason Sabio absent with a knee injury.

Misagh Bahadoran came in for James Younghusband, the Azkals' captain in their their opening match against defending champions DPR Korea, with Jason de Jong was making his first appearance in the tournament.

A loss of concentration in the Turkmen defence allowed Phil Younghusband a shot on target but his eighth minute shot flashed just wide of Rahmanberdi Alyhanov's right post before the Central Asians advanced up field with Elman Tagayev drawing a fine save from Neil Etheridge.

In the 17th minute Younghusband showed some nimble feet to charge past three Turkmen defenders only to see his shot blocked at the near post before the former Chelsea reserve acrobatically volleyed Guirado's long throw just wide eight minutes later.

But the goal the Philippines had been threatening came a minute later and it was no surprise that it came from Younghusband, with the 24-year-old heading home Mulders' cross for his tournament-leading fourth of the campaign.

Turkmenistan pressed for the equaliser with Gahryman Chonkayev rattling the underside of the bar before Amanov tested Etheridge with a shot from distance as the game reached the half-hour mark.

Three minutes later Alyhanov had to be alert to block a shot from Philippines' skipper Emelio Caligdong before the Turkmenistan captain comfortably stopped a long-range free-kick from Younghusband.

The Turkmen had a glorious chance to level when Chonkayev's cutback across the face of goal gave Amanov open target but a rare error from the Turkmenistan Player of the Year saw him scuff his 41st minute shot and just a minute later Etheridge stood tall to block Chonkayev from close range.

Turkmenistan did have the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time but Guvanch Rejepov was offside when he headed home Amanov's dangerous free-kick.

Six minutes into the second-half Ruslan Mingazov shot high and wide after being sent clear by Umidjan Astanov, who was booked a minute earlier for a wild lunge at diminutive winger Caligdong, before Etheridge safely gathered Serdar Annaorazov's effort from distance as Turkmenistan battled to get back into the semi-final.

A mistake from Guirado gave Turkmenistan 63rd minute free-kick which came to nothing before a stray pass in the Turkmen defence allowed the speedy Caligdong to intercept possession before Annaorazov but his pass across goal was fired wide by Younghusband.

The Philippines again came close when substitute Lexton Moy's 74th minute drive following some good build-up play from Ray Jonsson and Mulders and the Azkals' failure to extend their advantage was punished five minutes later when Ammanov equalised with a superb low drive.

Things got worse the Philippines when Guvanch Abylov robbed fellow substitute Roel Gener and set up Chonkayev who scored the winner with four minutes left to play.

The Philippines disappointment was compounded in stoppage-time when keeper Etheridge was red carded for an off the ball incident involving goal scorer Chonkayev.


afc.com

AFC Challenge Cup semifinal : Philippines vs Turkmenistan 1-2 FT

AFC Challenge Cup

16 March 2012 14:30 Philippines vs Turkmenistan Dashrath Stadium

16.45 (4.45 pm) in Manila

Starting XI:


Goalkeeper
Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge

Defenders
Carlos Alberto Olaivar Martinez Murga
Juan Luis Guirado
Robert James Dazo Gier
Ray Anthony Pepito Jonsson

Midfielders
Misagh Medina Bahadoran
Marwin Janver Malinay Angeles
Jason Nicolas Maria Dantes De Jong
Emelio Asada Caligdong (C)

Forwards
Philip James Younghusband
Paul Mulders


James Younghusband and Angel suspended . Jason Sabio injured

Jason de Jong , Misagh Bahadoran and Marwin Angeles in

Last match :

Philippines vs Turkmenistan 0-5 . 18. April 2009 AFC Challenge Cup qualifier

Neil Etheridge , Rob Gier and Chieffy played . Jason de Jong came in as sub

FIFA ranking : Philippines 156 - Turkmenistan 166


News, updates , livestream links , predictions , post in comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines 1-0 25 min Phil Younghusband
Turkmenistan 1-1 81 min Arslanmyrat
Turkmenistan 1-2 88 min Chonkayev

Neil Etheridge red card 90 min

Match summary link
1-2 FT Turkmenistan to final. Philippines in third place match

We are not on holiday says Azkals skipper

Kathmandu: Skipper Emelio Caligdong is determined that the Philippines' historic progression to the semi-finals of the AFC Challenge Cup will not be the end of the Azkals' achievements in Nepal as they prepare to take on Turkmenistan in Friday's final-four fixture.



An opening defeat to title holders DPR Korea was followed by stunning victories over 2008 winners India and inaugural champions Tajikistan with the performance of the Philippines one of the highlights of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

The progression of the pre-tournament underdogs has captured the imagination of fans and media in the Philippines, Nepal and throughout Asia but Azkals captain Caligdong is insisting the job is far from over and that the team will by no means resting on their laurels.

"We are not here on holiday," the skilful left-winger quipped at a packed pre-match press conference.

"We are here to represent our country and to do the best we can."

Caligdong, who thought he had cleared Alexey Negmatov's header only for referee Ryuji Sato to have adjudged the ball had crossed the line as the Tajiks took a 1-0 lead against the run of play, stated confidently that the Philippines are more than capable of claiming another notable scalp when they take on the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup runners-up Friday.

"We are so happy to be here in the semi-final. We respect Turkmenistan but know we can beat them...anything is possible."


afc.com

Sans two aces, Azkals battle Turkmen side

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

KATHMANDU—On the brink of another milestone, the Philippine Azkals stand undaunted. The Azkals, buoyed by a renewed belief in their abilities, take on 2010 finalist Turkmenistan in the semifinals of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup today at the Dashrath Stadium here.
Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. (4:45 p.m. in Manila) with the Philippines gunning for a first finals stint in the tournament where it achieved little success in the past.
Defending champion North Korea, which defeated the Philippines, 2-0, last Friday, is favored to prevail in the other semifinal duel with Group A runner-up Palestine. The winners will clash for the title and the AFC Asian Cup berth that awaits the champion on Monday.
The Azkals will miss two of their attacking linchpins in James Younghusband and Angel Guirado, who scored the game-winner in the do-or-die duel with Tajikistan, 2-1, last Tuesday. Younghusband also assisted on the two goals his younger brother Phil scored in the 2-0 triumph over India.
Guirado and Younghusband will sit out the match because of suspension for accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage, while another player, defender Jason Sabio, is doubtful because of a knee injury.
“It’s unfortunate that we have two of our main players out due to suspension, but I think—and I have strong belief on the players that will be asked to step in—will play beyond their potential just because they know what’s at stake in the match,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.
“We have every right to be confident going into the game,” said Phil Younghusband, who is one of the tournament’s leading scorers with three goals.
“Thinking about it now, we are better conditioned because we were able to play North Korea in the group stage and not in the semifinals.”
The Azkals returned to training yesterday afternoon after enjoying lunch of Filipino dishes like adobo, pancit bihon and puto prepared by a small group of Filipinos in this landlocked city.
In their only meeting in the 2009 tournament, Turkmenistan crushed the Philippines, 5-0, in the Maldives, but some of the remnants of that side believe that the Azkals have a better team now.
“There’s nothing special with Turkmenistan,” said striker Ian Araneta. “The time when we faced them, our preparation wasn’t that good.”
Nonetheless, defender Rob Gier, who helps coach Michael Weiss with scouting, believes the Azkals are in for a rough outing against a team that defeated host Nepal, 3-1, and Maldives, 3-0.
“I think it will obviously be a close game,” said Gier. “I expect them to play like Tajikistan with a slightly different formation. They are going to be a physical team, but I dont see any reason why we cant win.”
Weiss believes that playing free from the burden of expectations will serve the team in good stead.
“We have nothing to lose,” said Weiss. “We can play with a free mind and we can play on the offensive now.”
Without Guirado and James Younghusband, Weiss could recall Misagh Bahadoran and Marwin Angeles back into the starting eleven. Jason de Jong, a defensive midfielder, could also make his first appearance in the tournament because of the duo’s absence.


inquirer.net

Absence of James, Angel a ‘big blow’

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

KATHMANDU—Philippine Azkals’ striker Phil Younghusband, the country’s leading scorer in the AFC Challenge Cup here, feels he is benefitting from the team’s improved play and said that the absence of his older brother James and Angel Guirado will be a “big blow” against Turkmenistan.
Phil is tied with North Korea’s Pak Nam-chol as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals from three matches.
But he has been quick to give the credit to his teammates, particularly the defensive line consisting of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Ray Jonsson, Carli de Murga, Jason Sabio and Rob Gier.
“We’ve been playing well together,” said the 24-year-old striker, who has 21 goals in 32 appearances for the country. “Obviously, the attack has been getting praise because we have been scoring, but it’s been a total team effort.”
The suspension of older brother James and Guirado for accumulated yellow cards means Phil will be missing two familiar faces in the attack line.
“I have a connection with brother and me, and Angel (Guirado) we’re also starting to have a connection,” said Phil. “It’s a big blow for me personally. The last game I couldn’t have done it without Angel (Guirado).”
Younghusband could be paired up with Fil-Dutch midfielder Paul Mulders, who set up the Fil-British striker for the first goal in the friendly against Nepal.
The Netherlands-based Mulders, who missed a clear-cut chance in injury time against Tajikistan, believes he can still come up with a stronger performance.
“I was only able to adjust to the time difference two nights ago,” said Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch first division. “I still feel I can do better.”
With Mulders around, Phil believes he still has solid attacking support. “I love playing with Paul,” he said. “He puts pressure on the ball and loves to attack. I don’t know who coach (Michael Weiss) will pick but if I have Paul with me there, I’m confident.”

Azkals dreaming big after making history

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


KATHMANDU—Two wins.

That’s what separates the Philippines from bagging the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, whose champion gets an automatic berth in the prestigious AFC Asian Cup in 2015 in Australia.

The job will be easier said than done though for the Azkals, who came here as the lowest-seeded squad and brought down a couple of former champions to make the semifinals for the first time.

Standing in the way of the Azkals in the semifinals on Friday is 2010 finalist Turkmenistan, which defeated the Philippines, 5-0, in 2008 and blitzed past Nepal and Maldives to gain top seed in Group A here.

The Azkals, relying on swift counter-attack football, have turned out to be the surprise package of the tournament in this laid-back city in the Himalayas.

A 0-2 loss to defending champion North Korea was followed by a resounding 2-nil drubbing of India and a come-from-behind 2-1 tripping of another former champion in Tajikistan.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss and manager Dan Palami moved to temper the expectations after the back-to-back victories.

“I know the people and the mentality [of the team]. They are proud. They are extremely excited and cool at the same time in order to win it,” said Weiss, whose squad was treated to a sumptuous dinner by India-based Filipino diplomats at a restaurant in the city’s tourism district of Thamel.

Match bans

The Azkals will miss two key players for the clash against Turkmenistan with James Younghusband and Angel Guirado suspended for yellow cards against North Korea and Tajikistan.

Defending champion North Korea and Palestine—two teams that were billed to go further in the tournament—will dispute the other semifinal berth at the Dashrath Stadium with the winner advancing to the final on Sunday.

Regardless of the result on Friday, the Azkals are sure to play on Sunday.

While the Challenge Cup is for less-developed football nations, the Asian Cup features the biggest squads in the continent like Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Save for a few minor knocks on Jason Sabio (knee) and Juani Guirado (thigh), the Azkals, who were given a free day yesterday, remain free of health concerns in the leadup to their biggest match since they faced Kuwait in the second round of World Cup Qualifying.

Weiss has ruled out recalling more players to the side, particularly Fil-Danish leftback Dennis Cagara, who recently signed with FSV Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.

“It affects the team but we have to cope with it,” said Weiss of the impending absence of his two wingers. “But we have fantastic spirit and the players are performing over their level. We can even make it with this group.”

Except for the World Cup Qualifying, the Azkals have actually managed to produce the results needed in major tournaments and Weiss could not help but draw parallelisms to his own national team—Germany, which has reached the semifinals of the last two World Cups and the final of the European Cup.

“We’re like Germany. We do well in major tournaments,” said Weiss.

“The first two games are scrappy, but then they find their rhythm and get into the competition. So obviously the Philippines is a competition team.”

The Azkals lost a series of exhibition matches against Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy, CF Madrid, Incheon Citizen and the Olympic teams of Uzbekistan and Australia before seeing action here.

“When our backs are against the wall, we manage to pull through and that’s what has endeared this team to its fans,” said Palami.

Weiss said that the task is by no means easier: “It grows with every bigger task. So the next task is bigger than Tajikistan, which is Turkeministan.”


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But Tajiks’ coach says PH has ‘no chance’

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


KATHMANDU—There’s one person who isn’t a fan of the Philippine Azkals’ playing style in the AFC Challenge Cup here.

After watching his team get the boot from the Philippines Tuesday, Tajikistan’s Bosnian coach Kemal Alispahic quickly dismissed the Azkals as a title contender in the tournament the Tajiks won in 2006.

“No chance,” Alispahic told a couple of Filipino reporters Sunday night at the Everest Hotel where the teams playing in Group B are billeted.

“Turkmenistan is very good. The Philippines do not play football.”

Alispahic, who speaks little English, even went to the extent of gesturing hand signals to illustrate that the Tajiks are supremely above the level of the Filipinos in football.

The Bosnian coach, who is only 20 days into his job with the Tajik national team, didn’t give the Azkals credit for the win, saying his squad beat themselves.

“My players were tired,” said Alispahic, whose squad took a first half lead, before yielding two to the Azkals in the second half. “It would have been different if we had more rest.”

Alispahic took a swipe at the Azkals’ defensive and counter-attacking style: “The Philippines only knows how to play long balls.”

Azkals coach Michael Weiss said the Azkals are only starting to pick up their rhythm what with players coming in and out of the squad because of club commitments.

“We cannot play Barcelona football, but we can play very well tactically-disciplined football,” said Weiss in reference to the Spanish club, considered as the best team in the world because of its superb passing game and goal-scoring abilities.


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