Philippines Football Thread II[R]

Discussion in 'Asian Football Confederation' started by Pelefan, Sep 29, 2016.

  1. rickie22

    rickie22 Member

    Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    Nov 25, 2017
    Vancouver, Canada
    In the final round of Asian Cup qualifying, I count four match days that fall in the traditional FIFA windows (November 2021 and March 2022). Etheridge and other Euro-based players could be released for those. Even if they use a squad similar to what was called up for the current set of matches, I think the Azkals have a good chance of getting through the final round of AC qualifying.

    (Again, not counting out a 2nd-place finish, but that would require Philippines to win their last two matches, China to lose their last two, overtake the enormous goal differential with China, and finish top 5 among the 2nd-place finishers.)
     
    Beavis Stiffler repped this.
  2. Beavis Stiffler

    Beavis Stiffler Member+

    May 14, 2011
    Naranja With Attitude. Straight Outta Houston.
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    Philippines
    Off topic, anyone thinking it’s a good idea for the AFC to start a Nations League like in UEFA and CONCACAF?

    I mean I like the setup and format of it. Sure, it takes away many international friendly/exhibition games but it gives the small countries more important games than usual every year. I think this will benefit the Philippines National Team because they don’t have to deal with scheduling friendly/exhibition games and then unfortunately get cancelled or postponed.
     
  3. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    It would be a great idea. However I also read that FIFA is contemplating holding the WC every 2 years which would be even better. Either way it will increase the number of competitive games that smaller nations can have.
     
  4. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #829 Pelefan, Jun 8, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2021
    @rickie22

    Apparently the reason Matt Baldisimo didn't make the roster is that he didn't get clearance from FIFA in time maybe because he played for the Canadian U20 team in the past. A change in affiliation requires clearance from the original federation as well.
     
    rickie22 repped this.
  5. rickie22

    rickie22 Member

    Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    Nov 25, 2017
    Vancouver, Canada
    I'm not that versed on eligibility rules, but I thought the basic one was not being capped by the senior team (in Baldisimo's case, Canada). Are there additional hoops the Philippine federation should have gone through because Baldisimo has played for Canada at various youth levels (U20 as you mentioned, U17 CONCACAF Championship)?
     
  6. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #831 Pelefan, Jun 8, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2021
    Yes. If a player had played for a FIFA sanctioned international age group competition for one federation, he must require permission from both FIFA and the original federation to change affiliation before he is allowed to play in another FIFA competition for another federation.

    Obviously once he is capped for the men's team, he can no longer change affiliation acc. to FIFA rules but that doesn't apply for age group competition.

    The Philippines has plenty of players who have played for other countries in age group competitions particularly from Europe. Euro federations like Germany tend to have lots of depth so they don't mind players doing that. I am not sure about CONCACAF nations though like Canada.
     
    rickie22 repped this.
  7. rickie22

    rickie22 Member

    Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    Nov 25, 2017
    Vancouver, Canada
    Pelefan repped this.
  8. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #833 Pelefan, Jun 8, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2021
    That is good. It is important that he proves himself to the coaches in this window as next time they will start calling up more established Fil Euro pros from the top 2 tiers in their respective countries in Europe and it will be harder for him to get playing time to prove his worth.
     
    rickie22 repped this.
  9. Ofori

    Ofori Red Card

    Inter Milan
    Ghana
    May 9, 2020
    Either way Philippines still have a long way to go in their program but you guys are showing promise so I can give you guys at least that. I mean mathematically you guys are all but eliminated from qualifying for Qatar but as far as Asian Cup qualifying for 2023, you guys are still in the running. However, I believe you guys need much more time together as a team to really get and by doing that you play qualifiers but also schedule friendly matches too.
     
  10. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    I agree. They still have a long way to go. They do try to schedule friendlies but the COVID lockdown situation has made it difficult the past year or so. Anybody entering the Philippines for instance is required to be placed on 14 day quarantine.
     
  11. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #836 Pelefan, Jun 9, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
    As for the young Philippine based players who participated in the current window, many of them have gone through the Azkals Development Team, a team of very young players who are playing in the Philippines Football League which is the top tier league in the Philippines where they can continue to develop and be exposed to pro football and where their familiarity with each other will benefit them during U23 age group competitions(SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics) and men's international competitions particularly those outside the FIFA calendar where many players who play in leagues based in Europe are not available.
     
  12. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    Three takeaways from the Azkals' 0-2 loss to China in the World Cup qualifiers
    Jun 8, 2021
    • Paolo Del Rosario

    The Philippine Azkals dropped a 0-2 defeat to China in their return to action early Tuesday (Manila time) in the joint qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

    Despite the disappointing result in the national team's first match in 19 months, Filipino fans have something to cheer about following a respectable showing against the regional powerhouse. Here are three key takeaways from the match.



    1. Jefferson Tabinas could be the future of the Philippine backline
    It's difficult to pass judgement on any player based on one game, but there hasn't been a defender in quite some time who has excited Filipino fans like Tabinas.

    Apart from being a battering ram on defense, the 22-year-old center half showed an uncanny understanding of the game that calmed the backline.

    Tabinas also displayed a level of comfort while playing his way out of trouble instead of just hoofing the ball clear at every opportunity.

    The young defender came in with a mental edge and it showed as he wasn't too bothered by the Chinese forwards throughout the contest.

    "It was easy for me because I had in my mind a more special striker, but there was no one like that," said Tabinas. "It was easy for me to play with them."

    While he felt he wasn't overmatched against the Chinese attackers however, the ending didn't favor him or his team.

    "But we didn't win, so I can't say anything," he expressed.

    It would be premature to crown Tabinas as the definite long-term successor to the likes of Aly Borromeo, Rob Gier, and Juani Guirado, but his debut has given Philippine supporters hope that he could elevate the defense to another level.




    2. The Azkals have upped expectations and are even more determined to rise to the challenge
    In 2017, the Philippines was at the wrong end of a 1-8 demolition at the hands of China during a friendly. Back then, the Azkals were out to prove themselves worthy of making it into the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

    Two years later, the Azkals managed a draw - their first since 1919 - against China.

    Fast forward another two years and the national team found itself fielding a significantly weakened lineup compared to its wishlist prior to the window. Sans all of Gerrit Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Neil Etheridge, and Bienvenido Maranon, coach Scott Cooper had to adjust accordingly.

    Based on the new-look Azkals' performance, however, a full-strength squad arguably could have gotten much more than a draw against China.

    The two teams were tied at the half before the young Filipinos finally broke and surrendered two goals at the 56th and 65th minute.

    Still, the gallant stand is a far cry from 2017, when it was a pipe dream to make the Asian Cup.

    Today, the expectation has changed and qualification to the continent's biggest competition is very much within reach.

    3. Jarvey Gayoso's baptism of fire revealed the work he needed to do to elevate his game
    Former Ateneo star Jarvey Gayoso was thrown into the deep end after the injury to Kenshiro Daniels in the first half.

    Unexpectedly, he was thrust into the highest level of competition and had to up his game to keep up with the quality all over the pitch.

    While the two-time UAAP MVP showed flashes of his pace and understanding of coach Cooper's system, it was clear that the attributes that made him a star in college and the PFL were not unique in this level of competition.

    The opposition could match Gayoso in terms of strength, skill, and had a clear advantage in experience. Even more, he found all of his defensive know-how tested in a game where every Azkal had to weather wave after wave of China attacks.

    This isn't to say the 24-year-old had a bad night, but now he knows the type of high-level exposure he needs to shine even brighter on the international stage.

    Based on the talent Gayoso has displayed throughout his young career, this match would only make him a much better, more complete footballer moving forward.

    The Azkals conclude the second round of their qualification campaign with matches against Guam and the Maldives on Friday and June 15, respectively.

    https://www.espn.com/story/_/id/31587825/tabinas-silver-lining-loss-china
     
  13. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    Azkals take on Guam in World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers

    The Philippine Azkals look to tighten their grip on third spot in Group A when they take on tailender Guam Friday night, June 11 in the second round of the World Cup/Asian Qualifiers in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

    Out to rebound from a 2-0 defeat to China last Tuesday, the Azkals aim to secure the full three points against the Guamanian side in the match which kicks off at 6 p.m. local time (10 p.m. Manila time).

    Currently with seven points and with a very slim chance of reaching the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers, the Philippines needs a victory in order to stay above Maldives (six points) in the race for third place in Group A.

    The third-best team in the group at the end of the second round gains a direct spot in the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

    Coach Scott Cooper’s side plays a Guamanian side that has yet to produce a point in seven matches in the joint qualifiers.


    But the Scottish mentor warned that facing Guam won’t be as easy as it looks.

    “The Guam team that played against China was totally different from the team that played against Syria ,” Cooper said during the launching of the Azkals’ new kit provided by Spanish manufacturing brand Kelme.

    Cooper was referring to the contrast in Guam’s performances in its 7-0 defeat to China in Suzhou and the 3-0 setback to Syria.

    “I thought Guam delivered a decent performance against Syria. They showed at times some athleticism, some good intricate passing and some difficult movement,” he added.

    Azkals team manager Dan Palami said defender Michael Kempter, who came off early in the match against China after being elbowed in the nose, has been cleared to play while veteran Kenshiro Daniels remains day-to-day after hurting his hamstring.

    Veteran midfielder Manny Ott, who arrived just last Monday after being a late addition to the depleted squad, could be available for the match.

    Eyes will be glued mostly on defender Jefferson Tabinas, who put up a splendid performance in his Azkals debut.

    https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/10/azkals-take-on-guam-in-world-cup-asian-cup-qualifiers/
     
  14. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #839 Pelefan, Jun 10, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2021
    The Filipino player that impressed the most in the China match was your compatriot 22 y/o Fil-Ghanaian centerback Jefferson Tabinas as he effectively neutralized both of China's top strikers include La Liga Espanyol player Wu Lei and naturalized Brazilian forward Elkeson de Oliveira Cardoso who is considered one of the best forwards in the Chinese Super League.

    He was so impressive in Japan that the Japanese national youth teams considered calling him up a few years ago and a J1 League team signed him up as a teenager although he was eventually ruled ineligible because of his lack of Japanese lineage. He currently plays for J2 league team Mito Hollyhock at the moment where he can get more playing time to develop.

    He also has a younger brother, Paul, who is only 18-years-old, while playing as a member of the backline for J3 League side Iwate Grulla Morioka and stands at 6-foot-1 who also aspires to play for the Azkals eventually and will probably be called up for the national youth age group football teams in the meantime.

    Both brothers speak Filipino and carry only Philippine passports when traveling abroad since Japan the country they were born and grew up in doesn't recognize them as Japanese citizens.

    Both brothers may potentially solidify the defence for the Philippines for a long time by manning the centerback positions in the future.

    https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/09/azkals...th-on-defensive-end-against-powerhouse-china/

    https://www.spin.ph/football/fifa/j...e-after-impressive-azkals-debut-a795-20210610
     
  15. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #840 Pelefan, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
    FT Philippines 3-0 Guam

    Guirado 12'
    OG 60'
    Hartmann 88'

    Highlights



    After the game(opening minutes of the video) you can see the captain Schrock castigating his team for not playing better. The Bundesliga veteran really loves playing for the Philippines.

    Nearly a decade ago he actually approached the Philippine Football Federation to volunteer to play for the country without an invitation. This was after being playing a couple of games already for the German national youth football teams and having gained experience playing in the Bundesliga already.

    He even tattooed the Philippine map on his left chest to show his love for the country. He is older now but he is always ready to answer the call when the Philippine calls.

    I think he plays the role of assistant coach within the team as one of the older veterans and has aspirations of coaching the Philippines someday.
     
  16. rickie22

    rickie22 Member

    Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    Nov 25, 2017
    Vancouver, Canada
    #841 rickie22, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
    Today's matches in Group A:
    PHI 3 – 0 GUM
    CHN 5 – 0 MDV

    That combination of wins clinches 3rd place in the group for the Azkals and a direct spot in the final round of Asian Cup qualification. At this point, I can see them making the Asian Cup, especially if the Euro-based players (and possibly the naturalized Marañon?) play a role in the next round.

    The 10 points achieved so far already match what Philippines had at this stage in the last qualification cycle.
     
    mike4066 repped this.
  17. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #842 Pelefan, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
    It still is a disappointment that they didn't make it to the next stage of WC qualifying. I think they would have had a decent chance of being one of the few teams to make it from the next and final round if they had all their potential starters(8 or 9 were missing) available from Europe and Asia.

    Etheridge alone who was missing due to injury would have made a big impact in goal in the last match against China with his shot blocking ability and history of stopping penalty kicks even in England. He already shut them down in the last game in a 0-0 tie.
     
  18. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #843 Pelefan, Jun 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021
    Brothers playing for the Azkals is kind of a tradition for them. The Younghusbands which were trained in the Chelsea youth system in England were the primary attacking options for them for many years with Phil holding the record for most goals for the Philippines. They are both retired now.

    The Ott brothers who both played today against Guam usually have chemistry together at midfield.

    The Guirado brothers also shared the field at the same time in the past. Although Juan has already retired, Angel continues to be productive at striker even at 34 y.o., scoring a goal against Guam today.

    It looks like the Tabinas brothers will be next after 22 y.o. Jeffrey impressed against China at centerback and his younger brother Paul is showing signs of developing quite nicely being already a J3 professional even at the tender age of only 18 y.o. also at centerback and already standing 6'1".
     
    mike4066 repped this.
  19. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
  20. xyz1000

    xyz1000 Member

    Jan 8, 2003

    There's also the Hartmann brothers. I believe Mark played in the last two games, and he has brothers Darren and Matthew who played before.

    Looking forward to the Tabinas brothers and I hope they continue the list.
     
  21. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #846 Pelefan, Jun 12, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2021
    That is right. Except for Mark the others have long since retired with Darren sometimes manning the broadcast booth during Azkal telecasts.

    There is also the Greatwich brothers who have long since retired.
     
  22. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #847 Pelefan, Jun 12, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2021
    Scott Cooper Post Match Press Conference - PHI 3-0 GUAM



    I like his comments on having much higher expectations and ambitions and not being satisfied with their performance just like their Captain Schrock demonstrated after the game.

    He also gave special mention to the younger players who played well and earned their first cap in the current window and are also still eligible for the U23 Olympic qualifying and SEA games, Mark Winhoffer and former German national youth team member Oliver Bias the latter of which started both games in the current window and was very impressive even though he is only 19 y.o proving how dangerous he can be on the attack with his speed and intelligence from midfield and providing the assist in the first goal scored on Guam.
     
  23. xyz1000

    xyz1000 Member

    Jan 8, 2003
    1. Younghusband
    2. Ott
    3. Guirado
    4. Hartmann
    5. Greatwich

    6. Tabinas?
    7. Baldisimo?

    Quite a lot of brothers in a span of 11 or 12 years. Would be difficult to verify, but maybe it could be claimed as a world record. :thumbsup:
     
    Pelefan repped this.
  24. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #849 Pelefan, Jun 13, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2021
    With his goal against Guam, Angel Guirado hikes his tally to 11 international goals for fourth overall in Philippine football history behind Phil Younghusband (52), Chieffy Caligdong (16) and James Younghusband (12).

    I wonder where former Barcelona FC great Paulino Alcantara stands overall in that list. Unfortunately individual statistics for many Philippine football games before WW 2 was lost. It is possible that Paulino scored a ton of goals as well for the Philippines in the 1917 Far Eastern Games particularly in their 15-2 rout of Japan(the worst deficit in Japanese football history) since he was listed in the roster for the Philippine national football team.

    Paulino went on to become the record holder for most goals scored for Barcelona FC with 369 goals until Lionel Messi broke it a few years ago. He still is the youngest player in Barcelona FC history to score a goal for them at 15 y.o.
     
  25. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #850 Pelefan, Jun 14, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2021
    Azkals post-match notes: Kempter shows what we missed against China, Schrock expects more from team

    The Philippine Azkals claimed a 3-0 victory over Guam in the joint FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, but the Filipinos' emotions after the final whistle revealed frustration with their performance on Friday night.

    After a bright start punctuated by veteran Angel Guirado's goal in the 12th minute, the Philippine Azkals failed to make the immediate pressure count under the hot and humid weather of Sharjah.

    The Azkals saw their ruthlessness sucked out of their play, while the Matao grew into the match and had a few chances of their own.

    Ultimately, the Philippines did win out thanks to a pair of insurance goals in the second half. It was a positive result with good takeaways, but, as captain Stephan Schrock's post-match reaction showed, things could have been much better.

    [​IMG]
    Michael Kempter wore a protective mask after suffering a broken nose in the previous match.

    1. Michael Kempter adds a new dimension on the left wing
    Michael Kempter played just 20 odd minutes against China in his debut for the Azkals before he was floored with a blow to his face. The impact left Kempter with a broken nose and he was forced to leave the pitch.

    The Azkals were robbed of the full Kempter experience against China last Tuesday, but his bounce back showing against Guam showed why he is highly rated by team management.

    Kempter showed up donning a black mask to protect his nose and proceeded to terrorize the Matao backline.

    Operating as a bombing left wing back, Kempter showed the willingness to drive the ball forward and become a key creator from the wide areas. The 26-year-old also attended to his defensive duties and shut down most of the Guam incursions on the left flank.

    Perhaps what was most impressive was Kempter's ability to assert his influence from an initially defensive position on the wing throughout the majority of the match.

    Kempter left the game with a man of the match performance under his belt, and Filipino fans should be giddy with excitement to see it replicated more times in the future.

    [​IMG]

    2. Oliver Bias and Stephan Schrock could be a potent midfield pairing
    Nineteen-year old Oliver Bias could also argue he could have come home with man of the match honors after his performance against Guam.

    Bias provided the assist from the left for the opener and was deployed in different parts of the pitch after substitutions were made.

    Bias' activity level, the physical attributes, and style of play is reminiscent of team captain Stephan Schrock's game.

    In fact, during the broadcast former Azkals captain Aly Borromeo, who was playing the role of analyst, remarked they move so similarly he wasn't sure who was on the ball between the two at times.

    That isn't to say that Bias is already at Schrock's level. The young Azkal still has a lot of developing to do to be able to stamp his authority on the game like the Philippine captain.

    Given that this is only their second competitive match on the same side, it is clear that the pair have yet to develop a telepathic understanding of each other's game.

    But with time and experience with each other on the pitch, this duo could be a headache for many opposing midfields for years to come.

    [​IMG]
    Stephan Schrock provided leadership on and off the pitch against Guam.

    3. Stephan Schrock's tirade after the final whistle shows everyone where the Azkals want to be
    Winning 3-0 in a game that you're expected to win should be a happy occasion. But you would think otherwise if you watched Schrock gather the entire team after the final whistle to give them a piece of his mind.

    Schrock was visibly incensed at the Azkals, letting them know in no small terms how he felt about their performance.

    Former Azkals captain Aly Borromeo couldn't help but crack a smile seeing Schrock talk to the team.

    "I loved that, I loved that right away," Borromeo said. "You don't let the guys just cruise, take off their cleats, and when the game is done I've done my job."

    The former captain also lauded Schrock for issuing a strong reminder of the standard they want to strive for within the national squad.

    "It's nice to see a captain like Schrocky taking care of that moment," he added. "We won three-zero, but hell are you happy? Maybe not."

    While the final score is desirable, within the locker room there is an understanding the Azkals expect more of themselves.

    With one more game left in the international window, the Philippine Azkals have the opportunity to finally meet their expectations of themselves and end this round of the joint qualifiers on a high.

    The Azkals will take on the Maldives in their final match at 10 p.m. on Tuesday (One Sports, One Sports+).

    https://tv5.espn.com/story/_/id/31616047/kempter-impresses-schrock-expects-more-team
     
    mike4066 repped this.

Share This Page