I didn't watch the match and just going off higlights and game reports. I know it isn't that simple but I also think that the team got over confident after the SK loss and thought they could push the tempo against China. They should have stuck with their plan against SK.
Over confident wouldn't be the right word but rather over eager or even overzealous. Like I said, they were playing like they were trying to make amends from the first game and were trying too hard. They either couldn't get possession or when they did, they would just hoof it forward trying to find Patino which didn't work at all. In terms of how they were set up, it basically was the same game plan against Korea, 5-4-1. Although Schrock was used at LM while Carli came in at CB (weakest link at the back) and Woodland was the RWB. Ott was probably carrying a knock hence his omission from the starting lineup. Part of the problem was the mentality hence the aimless forward passes and rash challenges.
Too bad Jesper Nyholm(who was one of the highest rated centerbacks in the Allsvenkan) had those major injuries threatening his football career. It would have been nice to pair him up with Silva at centerback. He is also great with the ball on his foot helping the team keep possession in the back. He had already committed to the Azkals before the injury and would have been part of the roster in the Asian Cup if he was healthy.
I am trolling but I don't care. The Azkals always seem to succeed when the stadium is empty and no one cares about them. But when they cry and beg people to come and support them and fill the seats, they fail spectacularly and don't deliver. SGE has lost four matches in a row, with the South Korea loss being the only evidence that Filipinos can play football - kinda - at this level. The team is stacked with all these players that have European football experience ... and blood. They are taller, stronger, faster and allegedly more technically and tactically astute. You put them together on one team and it's still one big, ball of crap. We now have the diaspora "coming home" to play in that so-called professional league, but they seem to have now assimilated into the shit that is known as Philippine football. I am tired of supporting this team and consistently being disappointed by them. I read the forums and social media after tournaments like the Suzuki Cup and friendlies, and our ASEAN neighbors just love having a go at us ... and it's a well-deserved tradition on their part. It got old a while back. And the Philippine media doesn't help things by constantly coddling this group of players. With all the talent we have available to us coming from abroad, the team should be held to a higher standard. And should be playing at a higher standard. The media should be ripping them apart to wake them up. Instead, it's typically Filipino. We only like the words that we WANT to hear not what we NEED to hear. For me, the only consistent players in recent years have been Patino (when he does show up) and Daisuke Sato. As of recent, John Patrick Strauss and Alvaro Silva ... Yes, the players who play outside of the country. For the domestic players, I want to see more of Amani. He was maturing under Dooley but is now in the scrap heap. I couldn't care less that Phil Younghusband has been sitting on the bench because Chelsea was years ago and is no longer applicable. I hate when people keep bringing that up. It doesn't mean shit anymore. He's just like the rest of the crap pile. And I'm tired of the Northern European style of play and mentality. It may suit the outsiders, but it doesn't translate well into the local scene where the players are 5'3" tall. I'm just rambling. Maybe still reeling after that China loss, but I'm not gonna coddle anybody. They need to be taken to task. This shit is getting really old. You had a stadium full of OFWs who came to see you to feel a connection with their homeland, to display their Filipino pride, and you give them this? Especially after begging them to come to the game? Don't you feel any remorse for letting them down? I guess when you're Tisoy, you have that other half of you to fall back on, so you don't feel so bad. You can now escape behind the curtain. No more excuses. You guys are pieces of shit. Now that everything seems to be lost, you're now going to show up against the Kyrgyz? ... That's what I thought.
Trolling is putting it mildly! The fact you admit you're still reeling after the loss to China means you actually expected them to at least get a draw. Hell, it even looks like you expected them to win based on this post! That just says it all right there! Pathetic and ridiculous!
@iloilo1896 Hey man. This is our first time in the Asian Cup which is an achievement in itself. Very few Asian Cup first timers make it to the KO stage, so we shouldn't be expecting too much at this stage. There is still a chance though depending upon if we can win against Kyrgyztan and be among the 4 best third placed teams. As for the players I wouldn't doubt their commitment to the team. Some like Schrock for instance are proud Filipinos, even volunteering to play for us long before the Azkals were even set up in 2010. He was offered more money to play in Thailand but he prefers to play in the Philippines instead professionally because he loves the country. He even has the tattoo of the country on his body. Unfortunately unlike other countries in Asia, we don't have a strong professional league yet, so we are at a disadvantage in terms of the pool of players we can choose from. Even most of our brethren who were trained abroad who currently play for the team come from the minor leagues from their respective countries and not from the top tier. Until we do, countries like S Korea and China will always have an advantage over us. So we have to be realistic in our expectations. Having said that in the short term if we can convince a few more players of Filipino heritage who are playing in top tier leagues abroad to join the team, perhaps we can do better next time in time for the WC qualifiers.
Tap on the shoulder here from a site admin: there need to be more fans of the squad, not fewer, and turning on each other here in this thread (and elsewhere) isn't the way to do it. But if anyone continues to troll and/or insult others herein, I will ban them. Thanks in advance.
Philippines Asian Cup destiny down to do-or-die match vs. Kyrgyz Republic There were three parts to the Philippines plan of action at the Asian Cup. The first was to not lose to South Korea by many. The second was to take a point from China. The third was to defeat the Kyrgyz Republic in the final Group C showdown. With four of the six third-placed teams going through to the last 16, that would almost certainly be enough. As it stands, three points may well do. The plan started well. The Azkals worked their socks off in Dubai against South Korea, fighting and running for everything. It took a well-taken second-half goal from one of Asia's most in-form strikers Hwang Ui-jo to settle the 1-0 win. The highly-fancied Taeguk Warriors were impressed with an opponent that had been dismissed in Seoul. "We knew they would work hard and be tough to break down," Korea coach Paulo Bento said. "But they had a really good shape and they played intelligently. "It was a very tough opening game for us." It was expected to be even tougher for China. There was confidence back in Manila and also in Abu Dhabi that the second phase of the plan would be successful and the required point would be taken. After all, China are not regarded to be as strong as Korea and their form going into the Asian Cup was far from great. Marcello Lippi's men were dreadful in the first half of their opening match against the Kyrgyz Republic, and only levelled the scoreline after the break thanks to a goalkeeping howler that is unlikely to be matched in this tournament, and many more to come. When the game ended in a 2-1 win for Lippi's side, there was a lot of Chinese relief and hope in the Philippines. Yet it never really happened for the Azkals when they faced China in the United Arab Emirates capital. With stalwarts Phil Younghusband and Manny Ott on the bench, Sven-Goran Eriksson's men started well. Before Wu Lei opened the scoring with a sublime chip from the edge of the area on the half-hour, the Southeast Asians had looked comfortable. The Chinese had managed to create just one chance and the men in white, roared on the majority of a vocal 16,000 crowd, had got themselves into promising positions. The team had considerably more possession than in the first game, without being able to find the right final ball or a cross into the area of enough quality. China's defence could have been tested more. Once the first goal -- the first of two beauties from Wu Lei -- went in, it was a different matter. The 5-4-1 that served the team so well against Korea was not conducive to chasing the game against a Chinese side that was happy to sit back and deal with the balls into the area. Wu Lei reminded the Azkals that they were not at the AFF Cup any more. The Asian Cup is a step up and, while the 3-0 scoreline was a little harsh, it showed that the Philippines still have some way to go. It was always likely, then, that the equation going into the final game was going to be simple: the Azkals must beat the Kyrgyz Republic. The difference between the reality and the plan is that with zero points on the board, a win may not be enough for the Philippines for a place in the second round. Four points would have been almost certain to be one of the four best third-placed finishers in the six group. With three it depends very much on other results and luck. "We always play to win and we are looking at Kyrgyzstan now," Azkals midfielder Manny Ott told ESPN. "Last time we played them we won 2-1 and we will be looking at a repeat of that." More than a single goal victory would be good as the battle for the four best third-place spots could be tight. In Group B, both Syria and Palestine have a point each and still have to face Australia and Jordan respectively. It is quite possible that both West Asian teams could end up with less than three. In Group D, both Vietnam and Yemen are pointless. The Southeast Asians will be expected to take the three points and then goal difference comes into play. Then Lebanon and North Korea as well as Oman and Turkmenistan are also pointless. It gives encouragement. "There is hope but there is a small hope," said Eriksson after the China loss. If the Philippines win on Wednesday then there may be a little more than the Swede suggests. For the Philippines, the Asian Cup is not yet over. http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/phi...ny-down-to-do-or-die-match-vs-kyrgyz-republic
We still have a game to play guys. A place in the KO stage is still up for grabs. Why not discuss that instead huh?
Bahrain has taken one of the 4 best 3rd place slots at 4 points. Thailand ended up in 2nd place in Grp A also with 4 points but with a win over Bahrain. The 3rd and 4th places teams in Grp D, E and F all have 0 points just like the Philippines and Kyrgyztan(Grp C) while those in Grp B(Palestine and Syria) have 1 point each. With 3 more spots available, the final group match will determine who makes it through. Each of the 10 remaining eligible teams need a win to stand a chance with goal differential being just as important if teams are tied on points. http://www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/afc.cup
I'm not feeling the least bit optimistic about this match, as we are now relying on other countries to help us through to the next round. I just hope that the Azkals can at least put up a respectable showing against a Kyrgyz side that gave China a difficult time in their opener. This will be just a glorified kickabout.
Palestine, the 3rd placed team in Grp B only managed 2 points, so it is up to the teams in C, D, E and F to get a win to clinch the 3 remaining spots. Palestine still have a chance though if only 2 other 3rd placed teams get a win and they have better goal differential than the rest. Judging from the previous games in the tournament those wins(with the better goal differentials) will most likely come from Grps D, E and F, so even if the Philippines wins its match against Kyrgyztan, there is no guarantee it will advance.
AFC Asian Cup 2019: We are not going home yet – Philippines manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Philippines head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has said that his players are not yet ready to pack their bags from the AFC Asian Cup 2019 and will give their all in their final group match on Wednesday. The Azkals will face Kyrgyz Republic in their final Group C match at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai where a win could bolster their chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams. “As long as it’s a possibility, we have to fight for it,” said the former England manager during the news conference ahead of the match. “I am sure that our players will go out [on Wednesday] and fight, and do everything to try and win the game. I am sure 100 per cent of that,” he said. “We know that we have zero points, and of course nobody is happy with that. We think we did rather good against Korea [Republic] and against China [PR]. [We were] little bit unlucky with the goals we conceded against China. I think we played better than 0-3, but that’s history now,” Eriksson said. “We have shown that we can play football. We are not going home yet, and we will see what happens in the last group game vs Kyrgyz,” said the former Manchester City manager. Eriksson said he believes Kyrgyz to be a tough opponent. “I think they did well in both games they played. They stood up to their opponents,” he said. “Against China they conceded two goals very easily and that changed that game. They had the chance to make a draw against them, they could have won as well, they had good chances.” “So they are in the same situation as we are. It’s not going to be an easy game. They believe as we believe, that they have a chance,” he added. https://www.foxsportsasia.com/footb...ing-home-yet-philippines-sven-goran-eriksson/
Wow! From reeling and ranting about failed expectations (Philippines beating China) which were never realistic to begin with, and now to this, not feeling the least bit optimistic against Kyrgyzstan. What an interesting turn of events. It makes you and your little rant even more stupid than it already was doesn't it?! Like I said before the tournament, there was nothing on the cards that would suggest the Philippines was gonna do anything significant or create any upsets. They would be lucky to limit Korea and China to no more than four goals which they did and it would be, at least for me, a job well done especially against Korea. I'm also sticking to what I said before the tournament for the match against Kyrgyzstan. They'd be lucky to get a draw.
Hey look. It's the virgin who can't play football ... The difference between you and I is that I can admit when I'm wrong. They are not going to win this match and will go home dissapointed. At least, they got a nice vacation out of it.
As far as this thread is concerned, there is never anything wrong with being optimistic for your country. Sure, there are people here who are unrealistic because they don't understand football. But, sometimes, it doesn't hurt. And it's always good to have balance and call the team out on its faults. The problem with you WEE_ViLL14 is that you bring all of your pent-up, sexually frustrated issues to this forum and it comes out in your entries. You need to relax, dude. There are other forums for that nonsense. Squeeze one out before you walk in here.
Looks who's talking, the old timer with tinted glasses. Is that the best you've got?! Using the same stupidity over and over again?! You go ahead and keep it up if makes you feel superior. I'm also not the one reeling and ranting from unrealistic expectations! But you continue and feel comfy on your pedestal as much as you want. It's one thing to be optimistic, but completely another to realistic. Like I've said and I'll repeat it for a mentally disabled person like yourself who can't seem to comprehend. There was absolutely nothing to suggest that the Philippines was gonna create any upsets. The lead up to the Asian Cup was mediocre at best! They capped off preparations with a 4-2 defeat in a friendly to Vietnam. Yet here you are being "optimistic" about beating a team like China?!?! LOL! You trying to say that there's nothing wrong with being optimistic is you trying to save face! You've been found already! Now get over yourself!
Nothing wrong with being a tad optimistic. It's just that sometimes it's taken a bit too far. I'm from a similar emerging footballing nation and it's quite staggering how much our media tends to big up our national team ahead of seemingly every match, then act all shocked when we predictably fall flat on our faces. I remember Afghanistan's fans doing the same thing during the qualifiers. Indian fans did something similar when they thrashed Thailand in the first game, and I've spoken to a few colleagues of mine, whom had never followed their national team before, but were utterly convinced that they were going to win this tournament after witnessing that match. It's endemic to fans of teams of this level. The important thing is to not beat up the players when this is all done and dusted. The problem is that our fans (and media) don't really bother to analyze our opponents properly ahead of tournaments and matches. In Maldives for an example, our so-called football journalists would struggle to name a starting XI before any match and would merely look at the FIFA rankings and go 'Meh' when they see a team ranked beneath us...and then wonder why we got completely outplayed afterwards.
"Tad optimistic"? Expecting the Philippines to beat China isn't just being "tad" optimistic. At this point in time, it's flat out stupidity! History, the lead up to the tournament and then the match against Korea, absolutely no hint that that the Philippines would create an upset.
WEE_ViLL14 ... You've been found ... but a long time ago. Everything you put out here just goes to show that you've got serious problems, man. I thought you were finished in this forum further up this page. You even said it would be the last one. Take your medication. There's obviously something wrong with you. I'll just let you ramble on.