Azkals rue officiating in loss to Thais: 'First goal came from a corner that wasn't really a corner'

• From: Karlo Sacamos

WHILE not taking anything away from Thailand, the Philippine men’s football team rued the “dubious” officiating in their 3-0 loss to the host team in the second leg of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semifinals at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

The Azkals felt there were questionable calls and non-calls that went in favor of the Thais all throughout the crucial match, none more evident than the linesman’s decision to award the Thais a corner that translated into the first goal barely six minutes into the match.

“It’s already very difficult to play against a very strong team and against those fans, but it’s more difficult when you play, I normally don’t like to say this, against the linesman,” Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said. “The first goal came from a corner that wasn’t really a corner.”

Chanathip Songkrasin capitalized with a strike from the middle off a header by Narubadin Weerawatdodom, who caught a pinpoint cross from Kroekrit Thawikan from the left side.
“The first goal put us under a hell of a lot of pressure,” skipper Rob Gier said. “But if you look at where that goal stemmed from, they won a corner, but there was never a corner.”
“I don’t like to make excuses and dig out referees and linesmen,” the veteran defender said. “But for me, that was a big decision he got wrong. It kept us on the back foot. From there, it was always going to be an uphill struggle.”
“But Thailand deserved the win,” Dooley said.
“There were some dubious calls from the referee, but you can’t really blame them,” Azkals manager Dan Palami said. “At the end of the day, we create our own chances — or lack of it — and that’s how it is.”
“Let’s go back to the drawing boards and ask yourself how you can get over this next barrier,” he added.
Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta echoed Palami’s sentiments.
“We expect that (officiating) in their home,” said Araneta, a former national team player. “It’s just a lesson that we just have to be focused on the game and not on the officiating.”

spin.ph

‘Azkals must raise level of play a little bit’

By Cedelf P. Tupas

BANGKOK—In a scene that has become all too familiar, the Philippine Azkals once again came to grief with another great opportunity gone begging.
This time it came on a humid Wednesday night in the Thai capital, where the Azkals couldn’t cope with the Thailand onslaught and fell in a 0-3 setback in the second leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals at a packed Rajamangala Stadium here.
And for the third straight time, the Azkals failed to find the back of the net in the tournament’s knockout stage.
Coach Thomas Dooley Azkals and manager Dan Palami admitted the Thais were the better team with a boisterous flag-waving crowd of 50,000 backing them up.
“With the level that they play and the environment that they have (here), it’s almost impossible not to play good,” said Dooley. “You still have a chance if you stay defensively organized and they can’t go through.”
Unfortunately for the Azkals, it took just six minutes for the Thais to break them down. The early goal proved to be a heavy blow, but the knockout punch came at the hour mark as the Thais doubled the lead.
Notwithstanding the loss, Dooley said the Azkals’ performance in the tournament showed that the team is headed in the right direction.
“Were moving forward in the right direction,” he said. “We just don’t have a trophy and that’s what we’ve been praying for. Obviously we want to play at a different level and we all have to raise that level a little bit.”
The Azkals registered their most convincing victories in the competition in this edition of the tournament, drubbing Laos (4-1) and Indonesia (4-0) in Hanoi to advance to the semifinals with a game to spare.
They also snapped their losing streak to the Thais when they held them to a scoreless draw in the first leg in Manila. But the Azkals’ inability to score in the home game came back to haunt them here.
Having backed the team for the past four years, Palami felt the pain of losing again. But the Azkals boss said there were still plenty of positives to draw from the setback.
“I don’t know what to say because I am used to it. But a loss is always painful, especially this one because I know we could have gotten it if we kept our composure,” said Palami.
“It’s back to the drawing board for us and ask ourselves how can we get past this next barrier.”
Palami admitted the crowd played a huge factor in the victory.
“It was intimidating and it took awhile for the players to settle down,” he said. “Maybe before we start dreaming about championships, maybe we could also start dreaming about fans really showing up for big games at home like the semifinals (last Saturday).”


Read more: http://sports.inquirer.net/169775/azkals-must-raise-level-of-play-a-little-bit#ixzz3Ld2DD7uL
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YouTube : Thailand vs Philiippines: AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 - Semi Final (2nd Leg)

Azkals fall short again as 3-0 shutout against Thailand deny them of berth in AFF Suzuki Cup finals

From: Karlo Sacamos

BANGKOK - There are some ghosts that just refuse to be slayed. The Philippine men's football team fell prey to Thailand once again, 3-0, on Wednesday, and in the process, fell short of a finals berth in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup at the Rajamangala Stadium. The Azkals fell behind just six minutes into the match and never recovered from then on as they wilted under pressure playing in front of a boisterous crowd at the packed 80,000-seat venue. “Sometimes, if you want to win games like this in that kind of a stadium with so many fans and against a very strong team, everything has to fall in place, and it didn’t work in the right direction,” Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said. It was another heartbreaking result for the Filipino booters, who had aimed for no less than a title following two runner-up finishes in the AFC Challenge Cup and the Philippine Peace Cup earlier in the year. It was also the Azkals' 16th loss in 19 outings to the Thais, who have had their numbers for over four decades. Needing just a scoring draw to advance after holding the Thais to a scoreless draw in the first leg, the Azkals seemed to play without a sense of urgency and as a result, paid the price after Chanathip Songkrasin broke through their defense six minutes in with a strike from the middle that Patrick Deyto failed to save. Although the Azkals held the fort the rest of the first half, until Kroekrit Thawikan added to the Filipinos' misery with two goals in the second half for a Thai side that hardly missed top strikers Kirati Keawsombat due to injury and Adisak Kraisorn to suspension.   The Azkals heard the boos from the crowd every time they touched the ball, with the loudest jeers toward young defender Amani Aguinaldo, who drew the foul in the first leg that led to the red card and suspension of Adisak. Martin Steuble conjured the Azkals’ best scoring chance in the second half with a long-range attempt from the left side that was just denied by the Thai goalkeeper.

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/azkals/news/philippine-azkals-lose-to-thailand-bangkok-semifinals-return-leg-football-soccer

Azkals boss Dan Palami plays it safe as players get death threats ahead of Bangkok tie

• From: Karlo Sacamos

BANGKOK – This edition of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup is getting hostile.

After a commotion in the Malaysia-Vietnam semifinal pairing where Malaysian home fans turned violent following their national team’s 2-1 loss to Vietnam in the opener, the other Last Four matchup is also heating up.

Philippine men’s football team manager Dan Palami aired security concerns, saying some Azkals are receiving death threats on social media from Thai fans ahead of the second leg of their semifinal showdown on Wednesday at the Rajamangala Stadium.

“Normally we wouldn’t take it seriously, but with what has been happening in the past matches where some fans take it to another level, I think it’s better to be on the safe side than on the sorry side,” Palami said on Tuesday.
The Azkals boss declined which players have been getting the threats owing to security reasons, but assured they are safe after management has made communication with tournament organizers, the Philippine embassy, and security coordinators.
“We have managed to address these concerns…and I think everything is covered.”
Still, the Filipino booters are bracing for a hostile environment before an expected jampacked 80,000-seat venue.
“We just want to make sure the players are insulated from all these,” Palami added. “It’s our job from the management side to make sure all our players are protected.”

Follow the writer on Twitter: @KarloSacamos

spin.ph

PH Azkals train sights on upset of Thais

By Cedelf P. Tupas

BANGKOK—The Philippine Azkals arrived in this bustling metropolis Monday with their sights trained on pulling off what could be an even bigger upset than the one they produced four years ago in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup.

After holding three time champion Thailand to a goal-less draw in the first leg of their semifinal tie, the Azkals have no recourse but to deliver another brilliant performance Wednesday night, this time in enemy territory, to keep their bid for a first major title alive.

The Filipino side is no stranger to hammering out big feats, having beaten then defending champion Vietnam in Hanoi four years ago, but the Thais are a challenge unlike any other as they have been the benchmark in the sport in the region for the past two decades.

While the league where the players in the Philippines are culled from is still developing, the Thai Premier League, where the War Elephants get their pool of players is considered one of the strongest in the continent.

And even with a young side, the War Elephants are brimming with confidence they can get past the Azkals.

“One hundred percent, we will go to the next round,” said Thai midfielder Charyl Chappuis. “For us, it was important that the Philippines did not score [in the first leg]. We are not so happy because we wanted to get the win, but we think we have the advantage at home.”

The Azkals likewise believe there were plenty of positives coming out of their performance in the first leg.

“I thought we were excellent and the commitment was what exactly I expected it would be,” said skipper Rob Gier.

Gier is relishing the thought of the Azkals defying the odds once more on Wednesday at the iconic Rajamangala Stadium where a sellout crowd of 80,000 is expected.

“They thought the Thais were going to walk over us and we’ve proven that they are in a game now and that they have to bring their A Game if they want to beat us,” said Gier.

The away goals rule give the Azkals another glimmer of hope as a scoring draw will be enough for them to advance to their first finals appearance in the tournament.

“I think if we put in a performance like in the first leg there’s no way we could not score a goal,” said Gier, predicting that the Thais will be having trouble dealing with teammate Phil Younghusband whom he considers the “best striker in Southeast Asia.”

Read more: http://sports.inquirer.net/169574/ph-azkals-train-sights-on-upset-of-thais#ixzz3LLPMAjV1

Azkals boss not taking chances as Thailand likely without strike stars in return leg

From: Karlo Sacamos

THE Philippine men’s football tries to pounce on a Thailand side that could miss two prolific scorers in the return leg of their Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semifinals in Bangkok on Wednesday. Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang said starting forward Kirati Keawsombat could be “out” after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half of the Manila tie. Super sub Adisak Kraisorn is set to miss their home game due to a suspension after picking up a straight red card for hitting Azkals defender Amani Aguinaldo in the scoreless draw. “Good thing one forward is injured and the other can’t play,” Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said. “But on the other hand, they have so many good players who are sometimes better than the starter.” “We know we’ll play against eleven,” the German-American mentor added. “They’ll try everything to beat us at their home, so we just have to be ready.”

The Azkals, who arrived in the Thai capital on Monday, need at least a scoring draw to advance to the finals for the first time. The 23-year-old Adisak scored a brace in the 3-2 win against Malaysia in the group stage. He basically averages one goal per match for Thailand, having scored six times in six appearances for the senior team since last year. Kirati, on the other hand, has registered six goals in 25 appearances for the senior team since 2009. “It’s a big loss,” Thai midfielder Charyl Chappuis said. “They’re two amazing strikers who help us a lot. But in the end, we know that this can happen and we are prepared for this.” Besides, the Thais managed to hold even with a man down in their away match. “It was okay as our players learned how to play with only ten men,” Kiatisuk said. “One hundred percent we go to the next round,” Chappuis added.

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/news/azkals-suzuki-cup-philippines-thailand-asean-football-thomas-dooley

Scoring draw will be enough, but Palami says Azkals going for win in Bangkok tie

From: Karlo Sacamos

A SCORING draw will be enough, but the Philippine men’s football team is aiming for no less than a victory in the return leg of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semifinals against Thailand on Wednesday in Bangkok. The Azkals held the 10-man War Elephants to a scoreless draw in the first leg last Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium - a breakthrough against a team that had beaten them 14 straight times and 15 in their last 17 meetings. That’s what gives team manager Dan Palami confidence heading into enemy territory. “Now that we now how they play and we’ve tested their mettle, I think we can actually pull off a win,” the Azkals boss said. “Before it was improbable, but now, we’ve gone from improbable to possible.”

Palami felt the Azkals could’ve scored a goal and won in the opener had they drawn a penalty after Phil Younghusband was tripped by a Thai defender inside the box in one play in the second half. “Maybe a penalty given in one of the occasions where it could’ve been warranted, it would’ve been a better result.” Still, Palami believes it’s just a matter of time before the Azkals break through the Thai defense. “If we can withstand the pressure of their fans and we play aggressive and strong like we played here, I think we might just get that goal, finally.”

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/news/scoring-draw-is-enough-but-victory-possible-for-azkals-against-perennial-tormentor-thailand-in-bang-says-manager-dan-palami

YouTube : Philippines vs Thailand: AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 - Semi Final (1st Leg)

AFF SUZUKI CUP: All tied up in Manila

MANILA (6 Dec 2014) – The ‘thrilla’ in Manila fell a little short on the night as the Philippines battled three-times ASEAN champions Thailand to a scoreless draw in the first leg, semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup that was played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

With 180 minutes to go for a place in the next round, it was quite obvious that both teams were not about to commit too much and risk it all on the night as they look for the glaring opportunity before going forward.

With Adisak Kraisorn incising the Philippines backline with Charyl Chappuis dribbling the midfield, the Thais came close early in the game but just managed to find the side of the net.

The best chance in the game for the home team came in the 40^th minute with a stinging freekick from Philip Younghusband that forced an outsretched save from Thai custodian Kawin Thamsatchanan.

Some good one touches between Younghusband, Misagh Bahadoran and Manuel Ott almost caught the Thai backline flat footed while a break on the left from the inspired former Chelsea reserves forced a lucky tackle from a recovering Thai defender.

In the 68^th minute, the Philippines gained an advantage when Adisak Kraisorn was red carded for an off the ball incident against Abenaldo but the home team just could not make it count as they now wait for the return leg.

The second leg semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup will be played on 10 December at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

aseanfootball.org

Azkals treating Suzuki Cup home semifinal against Thailand as a 'do-or-die encounter'

From: Karlo Sacamos

THE Philippines’ journey toward regional football supremacy reaches a crucial juncture as the Azkals host Thailand in the first leg of their Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semifinals on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. After falling short of a finals berth in the past two editions of the tournament, the Filipinos are eager to prove they have what it takes to get over the hump this time. And they hope to gain a huge head start against a seemingly unconquerable foe in the War Elephants as they brace for the return leg on Wednesday at the 80,000-seat Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. That’s why they’re treating the home match that kicks off at 8 p.m. as a do-or-die encounter as they seek to protect home turf. “It’s now or never,” skipper Rob Gier said on Friday. “Big games require big performances from our biggest players. It’s as simple as that.” “We know what’s required now.” The Thais, though, have had the Filipinos’ number for over three decades, having beaten them in their last 14 meetings and all but two of their last 17. But that is enough motivation for the Azkals, who have made breakthrough after breakthrough all throughout the year under coach Thomas Dooley. “The guys are hungry,” Gier said as the team is coming off a timely wake-up call in a 3-1 loss to Vietnam in the group stage. “Everyone’s just raring to go.” “The coach’s going to have a difficult time picking the team because everyone’s a hundred percent ready.” Even Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang admitted the Philippine team that they outclassed, 3-0 in a friendly last month is just a shadow of the squad they’re set to face in front of enemy’s lair. “It was just a friendly,” Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang said. “But the real game is tomorrow and it’s more important.” But Azkals team manager Dan Palami remained wary of the mighty Thais, who are seeking a fourth straight AFF championship crown. “We know Thailand is a very strong team and they’re as motivated as we are,” the Azkals boss said. “But we’ll be there and make sure that whatever happens, the Filipinos will be proud to see us fight tooth and nail tomorrow.” “The team has accomplished a lot of firsts, so this could be one of those firsts again.”

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/news/azkals-hope-to-gain-head-start-against-thais-in-suzuki-cup-semis-first-leg

AFF SUZUKI CUP: Media Advisory

MANILA (4 Dec 2014) – Please be informed that the Team Managers’ meeting and also the pre-match Press Conference for the first-leg, semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 between the Philippines and Thailand will be held as per below:

TEAM MANAGERS’ MEETINGS – Philippines vs Thailand
Date: 5 December 2014
Venue: Manila Hotel
Time: 1000hrs

PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE – Philippines vs Thailand
Date: 5 December 2014
Venue: Manila Hotel
Time: 1130hrs

aseanfootball.org

AFF SUZUKI CUP: Thais aim for away goal

BANGKOK (2 Dec 2014) – Away goal will be the order of the day for Thailand as they look to stamp their authority against the Philippines whom they will be up against in the first leg semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup this weekend.

The Philippines will entertain Thailand at home at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on 6 December.

“We must score at least an away goal,” said Thai coach Kiatisak Senamuang.

“We have to seize the advantage otherwise we will be under pressure playing at home for the return leg.”

Part of Kiatisak’s confidence came the fact that the Thais were the only team to win all their matches in the group stage. They beat Singapore 2-1 before edging Malaysia 3-2 and then Myanmar 2-0 in their final Group B tie.

Thailand had also beaten the Philippines in a friendly just prior to the start of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

“We know the Philippines well but still we have to be prepared as they will be playing at home.” Added Kiatisak.

“Our goal is to win the AFF Suzuki Cup as a New Year’s present for Thailand,” added Kiatisak.

aseanfootball.org

PFF expects sellout crowd for Azkals' Suzuki Cup semis home tie vs Thailand.

From: Karlo Sacamos

THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) hopes to have a sellout crowd inside the Rizal Memorial Stadium, which hosts the Azkals’ semifinal home match in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup against Thailand on Saturday as tickets to the event started selling on Tuesday night. Tickets, which range from P2,000 to P100, are sold via TicketWorld through its online booking and ticket outlets nationwide. TicketWorld tickets, though, are reservations only and need to be exchanged for actual game tickets on match day, which kicks off at 8 p.m., at designated ticket booths in front of the grandstand entrance of the Rizal Coliseum. Game tickets will also be sold at the said booths. “We wish the stadium will be filled with spectators to cheer for and further inspire the team,” PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes told Spin.ph on Tuesday. “The prices are substantially lower than the prices in 2012,” he added as the prices two years ago went as much as P3,000 to a low of P300. See the full price list and its corresponding seat below: P2,000 – Lower Grandstand (Tier 1) P1,000 – Lower Grandstand (Tier 2 left and right) P1,000 – Upper Grandstand (Tier 2 center) P500 – Upper Grandstand (Tier 3 extreme left and right) P300 – Bleachers (center) P100 – Bleachers (left, right, and behind the goals)

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/azkals/news/pff-esellout-crowd-for-azkals-suzuki-cup-semis-home-match-as-ticket-prices-substantially-lower-than-those-in-2012-edition

Sending-off in Swiss league game makes 'keeper Roland Muller available for Azkals home stand

From: Karlo Sacamos

THE defensive boost the Philippine men’s football team is expecting in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup could be arriving earlier. Originally available only starting in the semifinal away match against Thailand on December 10, goalkeeper Roland Muller could make it in time for the Azkals’ home game on Saturday. Coach Thomas Dooley said the Filipino-German goalkeeper incurred a red card in his club Servette FC’s penultimate match of the Swiss league season, sidelining him for the team’s last match. The sudden development could make him available for national duty for an Azkals side that’s seeking to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Vietnam in the final day of Group A hostilities in Hanoi and eager to clinch a breakthrough Finals appearance in Southeast Asia’s showpiece tournament. “We’re still awaiting confirmation from the club (if he could come earlier),” Dooley said on Tuesday in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. If Muller is released, Dooley said the 26-year-old goalkeeper could arrive in Manila as early as Thursday. Muller, the Azkals' last line of defense in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup, could challenge Patrick Deyto for the starting spot.

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/news/clubs-loss-is-countrys-gain-as-red-card-recipient-roland-muller-could-bolster-azkals-ahead-of-pr

Palami explains why he was forced to drop plan to hold Azkals match at Philippine Stadium

From: Karlo Sacamos

PHILIPPINE men’s football team manager Dan Palami explained that lack of time forced him to drop the Philippine Stadium as venue for the Azkals’ semifinal home match in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. The Azkals boss had earlier said he was eyeing the Iglesia ni Cristo-owned 25,000-seat stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan as a possible host of the Filipino booters’ home game against Thailand on Saturday. But time constraints, Palami said, forced the Azkals to turn to the ever-reliable 12,000-seat Rizal Memorial Stadium. “Considering the proximity of the home game date, the logistical requirements and preparation might be that it will be too difficult to hold it in the new stadium,” Palami said. “Personally, I would really want to play in a twenty-five thousand-seat stadium, of course, with twenty-five thousand people in attendance. But then again, with all the logistical requirements of a home game, with all the permits we have to get, maybe we’ll have to settle for Rizal for now.” “Hopefully when we get to the Finals, maybe then we could talk about the Philippine Stadium,” he was quick to add.

Palami cited one factor that could favor the Azkals in using Rizal, which has a pitch that was recently turned into artificial from grass. “Thailand is not really keen on playing on artificial pitch, so maybe that’s a good thing for us,” he said. “Most of the players we have on the team play on that turf for most time of the year.” “The littlest of advantages we can get, then let’s go for it.”

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/news/philippine-stadium-scratched-off-as-azkals-suzuki-cup-semis-home

Azkals suffer first loss in Suzuki Cup after 3-1 beating at hands of host Vietnam

From: Karlo Sacamos

HANOI - The honeymoon phase is over for the Philippine men's football team. Showing they still have a lot to improve on, the Azkals suffered a 3-1 beating at the hands of Vietnam at the end of the group stage of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup on Friday night at the My Dinh National Stadium. Facing a familiar foe that had the home crowd of more than 30,000 people behind them, the Azkals trailed early on and then fell into a deeper hole in the second half to suffer the disappointing defeat. Ngo Hoang Tinh, Vu Minh Tuan, and Pham Thang  Luong were on target for Vietnam, which scored twice just eight minutes apart early in the second half to take control. Paul Mulders, who came in as a halftime sub, provided a glimmer of hope with a goal in the 59th minute. But there were no miracles this time for the Filipinos.

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/azkals/news/azkals-lose-to-vietnam

Semifinal-bound Azkals keen to draw confidence from match against host Vietnam

From: Karlo Sacamos


HANOI - A Philippine men’s football team that faces little pressure aims to keep building confidence heading into the knockout stage of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup opposite familiar foe Vietnam in the final day of the group stage on Friday. Already through to the semifinals after two straight wins that saw them deliver an amazing performance, the Azkals remain eager to perform well against a side they have mastered in their last two meetings. The Filipino booters shocked the Vietnamese, 2-0, in the 2010 edition of the meet in a match that sparked the renaissance of the sport in the country. They replicated the feat two years ago when they nipped the Southeast Asian powerhouse, 1-0, thanks to a late winner by homegrown hero Chieffy Caligdong. Now, the two teams face off anew at 8 p.m. (PH time) with the hosts still considered the favorites as they play in front of home fans at the 40,000-seat My Dinh National Stadium. “They’re one of the favorites in the competition,” said skipper Rob Gier, one of the four remnants, along with Chris Greatwich and James and Phil Younghusband, of the 2010 team that made history and put the Philippines back on the Asean football map. “With a crowd cheering for them, it’s going to be a difficult game.” “But we’re underdogs who don’t have to win,” he added. “It’s just nice knowing that we can go into the game a little bit free knowing that we’ve qualified.” “But make no mistake about it; we want to top the group,” the Filipino-British defender continued. “We won’t be taking our foot off the pedal. We’re going for that win again for sure.” The Azkals only need a draw to achieve their objective, while a draw for second-ranked Vietnam will also be enough for the host team to advance. Vietnam coach Toshiya Miura remained wary of the Filipinos, but are hoping to snap the skid. “The Philippines is very strong and recently has been stronger than Vietnam,” the Japanese mentor said. Azkals coach Thomas Dooley stressed the team’s last two wins against the Vietnamese hardly matter as he wants to continue to see improved play from his boys. “The past games don’t mean anything,” the German-American mentor said. “Collective team effort, the strategy on how we want to play - these are the main focus. Everything else doesn’t matter.”

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/azkals/news/semifinals-bound-azkals-remain-eager-to-perform-against-host-vietnam

Patrick Reichelt out for Azkals match against Vietnam with knee injury

From: Karlo Sacamos

HANOI — The Philippine national football team’s Asean Football Federation Cup bid suffered another blow with Patrick Reichelt out due to a knee injury. Reichelt is set to miss the Azkals’ match against host Vietnam on Friday but Azkals coach Thomas Dooley is hopeful the Filipino-German striker would be fit to play for the Suzuki Cup knockout stage. The Philippine Azkals have secured a spot in the semifinals with the full six points from two matches, but the Vietnam game will affect the ranking.

Reichelt started against Indonesia after an impressive showing off the bench against Laos, but twisted his knee in the match against Indonesia. Starting center-back Juani Guirado suffered a hamstring injury early in the match against Indonesia and could be out for the remainder of the tournament.

“Patrick is out,” the German-American mentor confirmed. The semifinals will be played on the first week of December with first leg of the finals set on Dec. 17. Dooley said he will activate Paul Mulders from the reserve list, but remains undecided on who to insert in the starting lineup, with Mark Hartmann one of the possible choices. “We are thinking of a couple of possibilities,” Dooley said. “Do we go with speed or technique? It depends on the situation.”

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/azkals/news/patrick-reichelt-knee-injury-philippine-azkals-aff-suzuki-cup-football

FOOTBALL AZKALS Injured Juani Guirado confident Azkals backline will hold strong as they go deep in AFF Suzuki Cup

From: Karlo Sacamos

HANOI — Juani Guirado is confident the backline of the Philippine men’s football team will remain as sturdy as ever even in his absence potentially for the rest of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. The Filipino-Spanish center-back, who is expected to be out for at least two weeks after hurting his right hamstring in the Azkals’ 4-0 win over Indonesia, noted that the team's defense has conceded only one goal in two matches.

“We have the best defenders,” he said, referring to Amani Aguinaldo and Rob Gier, who came in for Guirado 14 minutes into the match. “We have Amani, we have Rob, so we have a lot of good players. But I’ll try to come back and fight for the team.” Guirado was left frustrated after coming off the match despite not nursing any injury for a while. “I don’t know what happened. I felt good and took care of myself. But I tried to sprint and I just felt pain in my hamstring and I couldn’t run.”

Alvaro Silva, another Filipino-Spaniard who were registered for the tournament, could also be a replacement once he gets his Philippine passport. “I don’t if Alvaro is ready, but Rob is ready always, works hard, and he showed he can also score, so I’m happy for him,” Guirado said. Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said starting right-back Simone Rota can also move to central defense then decide who to fill his place. Follow the writer on Twitter: @KarloSacamos

Read more at: http://www.spin.ph/football/azkals/news/juani-guirado-injured-philippine-azkals-aff-suzuki-cup-footbal