AFF Suzuki Cup: Stacked Azkals lineup looks to impress “This is definitely one of the strongest teams we have ever put together for a Suzuki Cup,” said Phil Younghusband, who did not train on Tuesday because he was nursing a minor cold. The Suzuki Cup has been reformatted, with each team getting two home games in the group. Instead of 4 teams battling for two semis spots in the group, 5 teams will now duke it out for the semis slots. The Azkals play Singapore on November 13 in Bacolod, travel to Malaysia to face Timor Leste on the 17th, tackle Thailand in Panaad on the 21st, then finish the group with a difficult road game against Indonesia in the cauldron that is Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno on the 25th. The Azkals are mostly two-deep with quality players on every spot. And new blood is boosting the team. New blood John-Patrick Strauß is a new addition who got his first cap against Oman in the last FIFA window. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder plays for FC Erzgebirge Aue in the second tier of German football, an extremely high level. “He is technically very sound, hardworking, and can really interrupt play,” said Younghusband. “He does a lot of the work that goes unnoticed.” Strauß was en route to the Philippines on Tuesday and is expected to be in Bacolod later in the week until the end of the competition. Another key pick up for the Philippines is Filipino-Spanish central defender Alvaro Silva. He has played for the Philippines in friendlies in the past, but now with a passport, he can play in a competition. Silva was with Kedah in Malaysia last season after transferring from Hanoi. Silva is 34 but looked very sharp in training. The Azkals website lists him as “unattached” to a club now. “Alvaro is not the kind of central defender I want to play against,” admitted Younghusband. The Azkals skipper noted his physicality, even against players who don't have the ball. Silva follows in the tradition of Rob Gier and Juani Guirado: the smart, experienced bulwark of the defense. Behind Silva will be one of 3 goalies. Neil Etheridge is the likely starter for the first two games, then either Fil-Dane Michael Falkesgaard or Pat Deyto will play the remainder of the matches after the FIFA window concludes. “We are really blessed to have good keepers,” said Younghusband. “We are spoiled for choice and any of them can come in and do the job.” The Azkals leading scorer was also effusive in his praise for new recruit Amin Nazari, whose father is Iranian and mother is Pinay. He grew up and was developed in Sweden, just like elder brother Omid, who plays for Ceres. Omid is cap-tied to Iran and can never play for the Azkals, but Amin seems committed to the Philippines. The defensive mid plays for IFK Mariehamn in the Åland Islands, a Swedish-speaking archipelago that is part of Finland. The club plays in the Finnish league. “He is technically very good and keeps possession well,” said Phil. “But he plays in a very cold country and may find the conditions here difficult.” Nazari played for the Philippines against Bahrain in the recent friendly in Oman. He was at training on Tuesday. The Fil-Iranian is not listed in the squad of 29 for the AFF championship, and Azkals boss Dan Palami said there are still some wrinkles to be worked out regarding his eligibility with FIFA. It's not clear if he can play in this Suzuki Cup but the outlook could be rosier for him for the AFC Asian Cup in January. The team said they will whittle the squad down to a final 23 but can still add some players in the event of injury. Storm clouds While there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, there are causes for concern. Javier Patiño is in the roster. It is likely he starts against Singapore next Tuesday in Panaad and versus Timor Leste in Kuala Lumpur 4 days later. But team officials told me that his club may give him their blessing to play after the FIFA international window shuts on November 20, ruling him out of the match against Thailand on the 21st and versus Indonesia on the 25th. Clubs are typically not obliged to release players for international duty outside of the windows. This kept him off the Suzuki two years ago, when he was still with a Chinese club and the Suzuki was held completely outside FIFA dates. Now Patigol plays for Buriram United in Thailand. Why Patiño may not be allowed to play for us while Buriram's Pansa Hemviboom, Siwarak Tedsungnoen, Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri, Saisalak Haiprakorn and Supachai Jaided can presumably play the whole tournament for Thailand is perhaps best explained by the club. Stephen Palla, another Azkal, is also on the Thunder Castles payroll. I have not heard that he is being held back after the window, but we shall see. One can only surmise that Patiño may have a different contract from the one all of these other players have inked. One that stipulates his contract may be voided if he gets injured playing outside of a FIFA date. (FIFA date injuries while on international duty are usually covered by insurance.) At any rate, one hopes this becomes something like the Jordan Clarkson situation, where after much back-and-forth, the NBA allowed him to play for Gilas in the Asian Games. It's my understanding that negotiations between the Azkals and Buriram could be ongoing. We desperately need Patino's firepower. He has scored 6 goals for the Azkals in 13 caps. Watch this space. Another cause for concern is the fitness of the Ceres Negros players, namely Mike and Manny Ott, Curt Dizon, Kevin Ingreso, Martin Steuble, Stephan Schrock, Patrick Reichelt and Carlie De Murga. None are hurt, but all played their last competitive game on September 22, when they were eliminated from the PFL Copa Paulino Alcantara in the group stage by Davao. That means when we take the field against Singapore, many of our starters will not have played a competitive club match in over one and a half months. That's far from ideal. If It is any consolation, they did look pretty sharp against Mongolia, winning 3-1 over three 30-minute periods. The elder Ott even scored a goal. Let's hope the boys have been keeping fit during their respite. www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/football/215983-philippine-azkals-give-coach-sven-goran-eriksson-new-challenge
Malditas march on to round 2 of the Olympic qualifiers after smothering Mongolia The Philippines progressed to the second round of Women's Olympic qualifiers with a match to spare following their 5-1 rout of Mongolia Sunday afternoon (evening Manila time) in Hisor, Tajikistan. Following the withdrawal of UAE and Macau in Group B. the qualifying format was tweaked instantly with the top two sides in each group automatically qualified, with the two best third place finishers completing the cast for round two. Despite the late change in format, Let Dimzon's Malditas showed no signs of slowing down in Group A play, with debutant Shelah Cadag notching her second hat-trick in three matches to set up Tuesday's tiff with Michelle Pao and Chinese Taipei for the group's top honors. Cadag put the Filipinas ahead eight minutes into the match, and then added another one fifteen minutes later before being pegged back by an Undrakh Ulziibayar penalty deep into added time for a 2-1 halftime lead. However, Camille Rodriguez resumed normal services at the hour mark, with Kyla Inquig netting her first full international strike in the 81st minute. Cadag completed the hat-trick five minutes before full time to complete the rout. Philippines: Palacios (GK), Long, Rodriguez, Dolino, Cadag, Castañeda, Tomanon, Bernal, Lemoran, Inquig, Impelido (C) subs used: Lopez, Navaja, Lustan www.dugout.ph/2018/11/malditas-march-on-to-round-2-of-olympic.html?fbclid=IwAR1ENwlp6jN-OdTRk3t1CGdDx1MZdxvZ3q1HO-MU7FaUAqD7vTj94i4SG5A
Patino misses the Suzuki Cup again after saying that he sustained an injury. He says he will be back for the Asian Cup roster. His regular Suzuki Cup absences is somewhat suspicious, shows lack of commitment and makes you think of ulterior motives. His Thai club was already hesitant on releasing him despite the other Thai players being released. They know how dangerous he can be against Thailand.
With a world-famous coach, homefield advantage, and fresher legs, the Philippine Azkals plunge into action against a Singapore side that is coming off an inspiring win over Indonesia as the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup get underway Tuesday night in this football-mad city. It will be an intriguing match-up between the Azkals, now guided by the legendary Sven-Goran Eriksson, and the Lions, who arrived just three days after booking the full three points at home with a thrilling 1-nil decision against Indonesia, at the iconic Panaad Stadium. tv5.espn.com/story/_/id/25253617/azkals-gear-suzuki-cup-debut-vs-dangerous-singapore
If I have my timezones correct that is like 4AM pacific. You going to try and catch these Pelefan? 6AM is a bit more manageable
I don't know yet. It depends upon how tired I am from the previous workday. I think the Singapore game is at 8AM Manila time which would mean 5:30AM CST and 8:30AM PST. Maybe but not sure yet. Philippines MNT Matches in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 Date No. Match Kick-Off Venue 13 November 2018 8 Philippines vs Singapore 7:30 PM Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium 17 November 2018 11 Timor Leste vs Philippines 8:00 PM Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium 21 November 2018 15 Philippines vs Thailand 7:30 PM Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium 25 November 2018 20 Indonesia vs Philippines 7:00 PM* Gelora Bung Karno Stadium *(8:00 PM Manila time) Check the videos on the espn 5 article for interviews and comments, including a Neil Etheridge interview and Sven Eriksson presiding over the final practice. Neil will probably just play the first 2 games before returning to the English Premier League after which Falkesgaard will take over for the rest of the tournament.
Phil Younghusband will make his 100th international appearance for the Phillippine national football team tomorrow, a Philippine record. He also holds the record for most number of goals at 51. He has scored in every Suzuki Cup(AFF Championship) he has participated in(4 in total) and is going for a record 5th AFF Championship tournament.
Still haven't found any link that is available for the US. The official livestream is not available in the US.
The Philippine Azkals has announced the 24-man lineup for their upcoming 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup campaign which kicks off on Tuesday, November 13th against Singapore at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod. Full squad list: GOALKEEPERS NEIL ETHERIDGE- CARDIFF CITY FC (EPL) MICHAEL FALKESGAARD - BANGKOK UNITED FC (THAILAND) PATRICK DEYTO - DAVAO AGUILAS BELLMARE FC DEFENDERS CARLIE DE MURGA - CERES NEGROS FC ALVARO SILVA - UNATTACHED LUKE WOODLAND - BURIRAM UNITED (THAILAND) DAISUKE SATO - SEPSI SFÂNTU GHEORGHE (ROMANIA) MARTIN STEUBLE - CERES NEGROS FC PAUL MULDERS - CERES NEGROS FC AMANI AGUINALDO - CERES NEGROS FC STEPHAN PALLA - BURIRAM UNITED FC (THAILAND) MIDFIELDERS STEPHAN SCHROCK - CERES NEGROS FC MIKE OTT - CERES NEGROS FC MANNY OTT - CERES NEGROS FC JOHN-PATRICK STRAUSS - FC ERZGEBIRGE AUE (GERMANY) IAIN RAMSAY - FELDA UNITED FC (MALAYSIA) KEVIN INGRESO - CERES NEGROS FC JAMES YOUNGHUSBAND - DAVAO AGUILAS BELLMARE FC ADAM REED - DAVAO AGUILAS BELLMARE FC FORWARDS PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND - DAVAO AGUILAS BELLMARE FC PATRICK REICHELT - CERES NEGROS FC JOVIN BEDIC - KAYA FC ILOILO CURT DIZON - CERES NEGROS FC JARVEY GAYOSO (RESERVE) - ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-s...-strauss-banner-azkals-suzuki-cup-2018-lineup Team Manager: Dan Stephen Palami Coaching staff: Sven-Goran Eriksson – Head Coach Scott Cooper – Senior Technical Advisor Chris Greatwich – Assistant Coach
Reichelt gives Sven-Göran Eriksson winning debut as Azkals squeak past Singapore The Philippines' quest for the AFF Suzuki Cup went on a strong start after grinding out a close 1-0 win over four-time champions Singapore Tuesday evening in Panaad. Sven-Göran Eriksson nearly walked through the tight-rope on to start his tenure with the Azkals until Patrick Reichelt saved the Swede's blushes with a late second half strike on Phil Younghusband's record-setting day of playing his century of matches. It was a lethargic first half for both sides, most notably for the hosts as they were frustrated by the compact defence of Singapore, with memories of that goalless stalemate in Bocaue fresh on their minds. Phil Younghusband got the best gift on his 100th appearance as the Philippines pipped Singapore. AFF Suzuki Cup Eriksson made two interesting changes just before and right after half-time, with James Younghusband providing the strength and power that the visitors like, when he forced Hassan Sunny into a flying stop in the 63rd minute. Just as would Sunny thought of his invincibility, the Azkals finally got his goal breached in the 78th minute, when the skipper picked out the Ceres Negros man in a tightly guarded penalty box and Reichelt made no mistake in hitting his effort from seven yards out. Debutante John-Patrick Strauss nearly put the match to bed a minute before full time when he hit his left-footed shot wide to the right. The majority of the 4,327 supporters inside the hallowed Negrense ground was in ovation after the younger Younghusband, who debuted for the Philippines on the same pitch a dozen years ago, gave way to Curt Dizon to cap off his century of Azkals caps. Philippines: Etheridge (GK), De Murga, Mike Ott (James YH 46'), Woodland (Sato 36'), Manny Ott, Phil YH (C) (Dizon 90+6'), Schröck, Steuble, Mulders, Reichelt, Strauss Singapore: Hassan Sunny (GK), Hamzah, Ramli (Ishak 66') (Mahler 71'), Hanapi, Yacob, Harun (C), Irfan Fandi (Khairul Amri 86'), Ilkhsan Fandi, Baharudin, Quak https://www.dugout.ph/2018/11/reich...ECURJlGKMtqR6Bpcr7F4igotrM_OpWzJmwdxEOTcjJY-U
PH Azkals open 2018 Suzuki Cup bid with 1-0 win over Singapore Playing in his home pitch, Patrick Reichelt struck in the 78th minute as the Philippines subdued Singapore, 1-0, last Tuesday night to open its AFF Suzuki Cup on a winning note at Panaad Stadium here. Reichelt, the standout winger of Ceres-Negros, broke through the Singapore defense after brothers Phil and James Younghusband combined on the right as the Azkals finally unlocked a tight and compact Singapore defense. “It’s amazing, scoring at Panaad and getting the three points to start the tournament,” said Reichelt. “We had some problems at the start, but we changed the game in the second half. James (Younghusband) helped us a lot and we made everything quicker.” The goal was a fitting reward for the pressure put in by the Azkals right from the start. The home side bossed possession, but can’t seem to find that final ball to break down the Singaporeans. Stephan Schrock was excellent on the left and debutant Patrick Strauss also sparkled in midfield, holding his own against Singaporean star Harris Harun. More importantly, the Azkals pick up three points in what was considered as a potential banana skin for them. They also gifted coach Sven Goran Eriksson a victory in his debut. “We’re happy we got the three points, but it was a difficult game,” said Eriksson. “Singapore was playing direct and they were very difficult to defend. But tactically we made some changes and we showed good fighting spirit.” https://sports.inquirer.net/327365/ph-azkals-open-2018-suzuki-cup-bid-with-1-0-win-over-singapore
Player Ratings Philippines N. Etheridge (6): The most high-profile player of the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup, Neil Etheridge flew in from Cardiff to take part in the competition. He had an easy outing in his first match and was never really troubled. B. Woodland (5): Perhaps unfair to judge Woodland who played just half an hour before being substituted due to an injury. C. de Murga (6): Untroubled for almost the entire match and kept the Singapore forwards in check throughout. P. Mulders (6): Was as solid as his defensive partner and rarely put a foot wrong. However, at the end of the day, Singapore rarely attacked and all their best chances came via set-pieces. M. Steuble (7): Did look to threaten the Singapore backline on occasions, when he made the run from his own half. Put in a delicious cross for Strauss which he should’ve converted as well. M. Ott (6): Lacklustre from the Philippines wideman who was replaced for the second half by James Younghusband. P. Strauss (6): Didn’t really show his authority in the midfield in what was a closely contested tie. Should’ve put Philippines 2-0 up during the late stages but flashed his shot wide with the goal gaping. Manuel Ott (6): Today’s game was largely played in the midfield with very few clear-cut chances. As a result, neither side could really put their foot down and control the midfield. Ott didn’t help much either, despite looking promising on occasions. S. Schrock (7): Another high-profile player amongst the Filipinos, Stephan Schrock put in a good shift. However, he was not at the top of his game and lacked the finishing touch. P. Reichelt (8): Worked tirelessly to press the Singapore centre-backs and did trouble them on many occasions. Was finally rewarded for all his hard work in the 78th minute when he worked his way into the opposition box and put the ball in the net. P. Younghusband (7): Philippines’ Mr Dependable did look a bit rusty at times. He did, however, provide Reichelt with the assist for his goal. Substitutes D. Sato (6): Entered the fray early due to an injury to Woodland. Kept things nice and tight at the back. J. Younghusband (6): James was sent on by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson for the second half. He did look lively at times and even stung the Singaporean goalkeeper’s palms with a venomous shot during the later stages. C. Dizon (N/A): Entered the pitch in stoppage time. https://www.foxsportsasia.com/footb...018-philippines-1-0-singapore-player-ratings/
Seriously, people need to look at the facts before making claims! It all started with Cedelf Tupas and now everybody is running with it! Phil did NOT make his 100th appearance! You first need to determine what an 'A' international is, and from there more specifically, what matches the PFF counts as official 'A' internationals. One of Phil's appearances for the national team was against Cambodia in September 2012 which is NOT a full FIFA international. Another three of his supposed caps were part of the 2017 CTFA Cup which despite being recognized by FIFA, was NOT the full Philippines national team, not even close! Squad, coaching staff and even the kit... not the 'A' national team! The only reason they're recognized by FIFA is because the CTFA registered all matches in the tournament as 'A' matches. Same thing for the last month's Bangabandhu Cup. This is despite the respective FA's not knowing what standard of team each participant was going to send. Bottom line, a match being recognized by FIFA doesn't necessarily mean it's an 'A' match. In the same token that if a match isn't recognized by FIFA, doesn't mean it isn't 'A' match. Based on that, you still think Phil has 100 caps? Definitely not yet!
If FIFA recognizes those matches as official, it is a cap. All the news articles(local and international) are running with it, so it would be hard to deny that at this point. If you want those articles reversed, write to the editor of those publications. Maybe they will issue a retraction.
Typical Pelefan logic... "Well, so and so said so therefore you can't deny it". As I've mentioned, Cambodia 0-0 Philippines on September 5, 2012 is not recognized by FIFA. Phil appeared in that. For arguments sake, if you only go by FIFA recognized matches then Phil still doesn't 100. Try denying that!
The Azkals won again but the result was not impressive against a weak link like Timor Leste, only a 3-2 margin. They should’ve not allowed those two late goals in 2nd half. Either way, a win is a win. They need to focus and turn things around now against a very good Thailand team on Thanksgiving Eve.
The weakness at centerback was exposed during the Timor Leste game, with Paul Mulders, a natural attacking midfielder fielded at that position, after injuries to Luke Woodland and after they were forced to cut Alvaro Silva and Amin Nazari due to passport and eligibility issues at this time. The 37 y/o Mulders was directly responsible for the penalty handed out to one of the Timor Leste and other defensive lapses. His lack of pace and unfamiliarity with the centerback position was a liability for the Azkals in this game.
Philippines 1:1 Thailand Philippines looked more impressive in this one. Thailand scored first, however. Bedic was subbed in with more than 10 minutes to go, and that paid dividends. The infusion of more energy from fresh legs resulted in a goal to tie the score. There were several very nice feeds from Schrock that should've been goals. One to Phil Younghusband and another to Sato. Schrock is clearly still a dangerous player for the opponents. In the last play of the game, during extended time, a set piece led to a chance for Thailand to win, but the shot was saved by the Philippines goalkeeper Falkesgaard. On to Indonesia.
They were definitely more impressive but that's more down to Thailand being happy to sit back most of the time. Had they pressed a bit more or put in more effort like Timor-Leste did, it would've been yet another disjointed display. As for the Philippines' goal, that's just weird. Nothing about that goal had anything to do with fresh legs. Everything about it was down to luck. Bedic's shot on goal took a wicked deflection which wrong footed Catchai. Without the deflection it would've been either a comfortable save or off target and out for goal kick. The deflection created spin on the ball which ended up being favorable. It hit the post and spun towards goal. Reports say it went off of Chatchai and in but looking at a replay from the behind the goal, that didn't happen. It looks like he got the slightest of touches which helped the ball in and thus would've been an own goal. But for arguments sake, lets say Catchai didn't touch it, it still comes down to being a lucky/fluke goal, not fresh legs! lol
Yes. He was only available for the first two games. Everybody else remains available. No replacements. How can you replace players in the middle of the tournament?
A bit of luck that the ball went in? Perhaps, but it wouldn't have gone in had the shot not been taken. It wouldn't have gone in had there not been aggressive pressing forward by Bedic. In the last ten or so minutes, I didn't see any other good chances from fast, aggressive play from those who had been playing the whole game, probably due to tired legs. Suggesting that the sub had no bearing on the final outcome, that all was down to luck.... well, you're entitled to your opinion.