Philippines Football Thread II[R]

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

  1. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #876 Pelefan, Aug 24, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2021
    The Bundesliga website(which has a nice game video recap included) highlighted his performance 3 days ago and called his goal an early Goal of the Season contender.

    https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bunde...i-asano-boetius-bella-kotchap-rexhbecaj-16958

    Bochum 2-0 Mainz
    Goals: 1-0 Holtmann (21’), 2-0 Polter (56’)

    Over 13,000 fans packed into the Vonovia Ruhrstadion for Bochum’s first Bundesliga home game since May 2010 and they saw their team dominate. Armel Bella Kotchap put a free header wide from a free-kick before former Mainz man Holtmann scored an early Goal of the Season contender. Picking up the ball just past the halfway line on the left, he ran past at least six defenders and even more attempted tackles before popping up to the right of the six-yard box and slotting through the legs of Robin Zentner.
     
  2. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    In their first competition since the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is getting back on the pitch to gain international glory for the country.

    The Philippine Football Federation announced the selection of players who will compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 qualifying matches in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    A total of 22 players have been called up, with nine holdovers from SEA Games team.

    Headlining the squad are co-captains Inna Palacios and Hali Long.

    Veterans also returning are defenders Chelo Hodges, Tara Shelton, and Patricia Tomanon; midfielders Sara Castaneda, Bhebe Lemoran, and Camille Rodriguez; and striker Alisha Del Campo.

    Defender Ryley Bugay, midfielders Tahnai Annis and Jessica Miclat return to the fold to reinforce the squad. They last represented the program back in the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan.

    The rest of the lineup includes debutants Olivia Davies McDaniel, who plays goalkeeper; midfielders Malea Cesar and Alyssa Ube; and forward Chandler McDaniel.

    Former youth internationals Isabelle Mapanao and Arianna Lepage make the cut at the senior level. The likes of Sofia Harrison, Anicka Castaneda, Camille Wilson, and Rocelle Mendano complete the pool.

    The Marlon Maro-mentored squad conducted a training camp in California, USA, last August and left for Uzbekistan last Sunday.

    The team is set to compete against Nepal on September 18 at 6:00 PM (Manila time); and Hong Kong on September 24 at 6:00 PM. They start in Group F at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    The Filipinas are targeting two straight victories. The team that tops its group is the only one that can book a ticket into the tournament proper of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which takes place in India. It also serves as the final qualification phase of the Asian continent for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

    tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/palacios-long-lead-pwnft-lineup-for-asian-cup/219308

    It looks like 4 pros(2 playing in Europe in Graversen and Madarang and 2 playing in Japan in Quezada and Bolden) were not released or chosen for this window.



    [​IMG]
     
  3. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    Rising Philippines set sights on World Cup ‘dream’

      • Philippines are aiming to qualify for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup
      • The Southeast Asians fell narrowly short of qualification for France 2019
    With the upcoming iteration of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ set to feature 32 nations for the first time, it seems likely there will several new counties lining up when the world’s elite head Down Under in 2023. One such nation hoping to be among the list of new faces is the Philippines. The Southeast Asians may enjoy little global recognition, but they have been steadily building in recent years and in 2018 they were just a single win away from maiden Women’s World Cup qualification. Having won through to the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup – their first such appearance in 15 years – the Philippines reached the play-off for the fifth and final AFC ticket to France 2019, only to be outclassed by Korea Republic at the final hurdle.

    Fast forward three years and Philippines are primed to begin their charge to win a spot at Australia & New Zealand 2023. Supplemented by a handful of US-based players, the Philippines have cause for optimism. On Saturday, Philippines will tackle outsiders Nepal, before meeting Hong Kong six days later. The latter have considerable historical pedigree and with only one of the three sides progressing to January’s Women’s Asian Cup, there is little margin for error.

    Qualification to the 12-nation Women’s Asian Cup in India would leave Philippines within sight of achieving their Women’s World Cup goal. Mathematically the odds of advancing a step further are strong. The top five teams, excluding Australia, will claim AFC’s five direct slots, with two further nations to participate in the new intercontinental play-off tournament.

    “Making it to the World Cup in 2023 would make the Philippines’ agenda to support women’s football all the way down to the grassroots level. “It would put the Philippines on the map not only in Southeast Asia but across the continent as well in terms of women's football. Everyone loves a good underdog story.”

    https://www.fifa.com/news/rising-ph...b9-VXqnXuZuzqKzuV0iHBqLkQcYGR7S6E8ZxkAxz152Hw

    The Philippines nearly made the Women's World Cup in France in 2019 in a tournament that only had 24 teams(5 AFC slots) finishing 6th in Asia during qualification. They hope to do better for the World Cup in Australia with 32 slots available with the 5 AFC slots excluding Australia as the host and 2 further intercontinental playoff slots available.
     
  4. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    For the 10th time in its history, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team has qualified for the continent’s biggest international competition.

    The Filipinas secured a 2-1 win over Hong Kong, its second victory in Group F to formalize its entry into the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in India, Friday evening at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    With only minutes left to spare in the contest, Chandler Blue McDaniel scored her first goal for the country with a fantastic strike at the 87th minute to win the game for the Filipinas.

    It was a welcome response after Maro’s wards let allowed Hong Kong a chance to get back in the match earlier in the second half.

    Despite only needing a draw to qualify, the Philippines started brightly as midfielder Tahnai Annis opened the scoring at the 17th minute thanks to an assist from Rocelle Mendano.

    It was Annis’ second goal of this qualification campaign.

    After the half-time break, the Filipinas conceded a goal in the 61st minute.

    Hong Kong skipper Chung Pui Ki gave her side some hope when she converted a fantastic free-kick, which left goalkeeper Inna Palacios stunned. Ultimately, though, it became nothing more but a minor blot on the Filipinas’ successful run.

    The Philippines ends its qualification campaign for the continental tourney with six points. On the other hand, Hong Kong and Nepal get a point each.

    Philippines XI: Palacios (GK, C), Long, Annis, Rodriguez, McDaniel, Miclat, Bugay, Castaneda, Harrison, Lepage, Mendano.

    tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/clutch-mcdaniel-goal-vs-hk-lifts-pwnft-to-asian-cup/220255
     
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  5. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    Congrats to the Philippines for qualifying for the AFC Asian Women's Cup with a record of 2-0 in the qualifiers. They now have a chance to qualify for the FIFA Women's WC in Australia/NZ if the Philippines finishes in the top 5 of the tourmament. Last time they finished 6th just one spot out of the 5 qualified AFC teams to the World Cup and with Australia hosting a spot opens up for another AFC team to join that group.

    Their coach says they plan to return to California to prepare for the AFC Women's Cup since the Philippines is still under lockdown for the most part because of COVID and the local players are unable to train properly. Unfortunately some Philippine based players weren't able to join the training camp in the US for this qualifiers because of visa issues but hopefully they can do that next time.

    I also hope they add the 4 veteran pros(Bolden, Quezada, Graversen, Madarang) who were not released from their clubs in Europe and Japan that were missing from this window and add a few more to strengthen the team like 27 year-old Filipina-French-American midfielder Katrina Guillou who currently plays top flight football in Sweden's Damallsvenskan with club Pitea IF.

    www.the-afc.com/competition...atS7lrzn9_-IzIgybvXK12k-RtpcrNnp0LPwS5bfYOn-Y

    Maro said it is important for the Philippines-based players to join their teammates in California for the training camp.

    “My plan next is to make sure that all players in Manila can have their visas. California is the only place that we can train on because it’s open already.

    "You can do all sports activities there. And besides, we can have a lot of friendly matches like what happened in this competition. We had five practice matches with different women clubs in California so that helped us a lot to prepare tactically.”

    Maro will also look at strengthening the squad to ensure Philippines are at their best for the Finals.

    “We have to make sure that we beef up the team when it comes to players based on position. We have positions that we have to strengthen especially the side defenders.”
     
  6. GalaxyBowl

    GalaxyBowl Member

    LA Galaxy
    Aug 21, 2020
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    The Philippines WNT seems significantly better in the field than the men are in their’s. Is there still a massive percentage of the team being foreign born and raised for the women like the men or is there more domestic representation in their team?
     
  7. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #882 Pelefan, Oct 6, 2021
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2021
    There is actually more local representation with the Philippine women's team than the men's, but the competition at the Asian level for women's football is not as high in Asia as the men's.

    A lot of traditionally strong football countries(particularly from Islamic countries) in Asia, don't encourage their women to play contact sports like football so their women's teams tend to fall behind.

    The Philippine women's national team were also missing in this window 5 professional women players currently with their clubs in Europe or Japan, who were eligible to play for the team(by virtue of having at least one Filipino parent) which of course would lower the local representation but will significantly improve their chances of making the World Cup if they were able to play in the AFC Asian Women's Cup which serve as qualifiers for the WC.
     
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  8. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #883 Pelefan, Oct 21, 2021
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
    Philippine Men’s Under-23 lineup for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

    The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team will compete in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers scheduled this coming 25-31 October 2021 in Singapore.

    The Philippines is in Group H and will face defending champions Korea Republic, hosts Singapore, and Timor-Leste at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

    Twenty-three (23) players (born after January 1999) were called up for the qualifiers. Midfielders Oliver Bias and Mark Winhoffer, goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad, and defender Justin Baas were part of the senior Men’s National Team lineup during the recent Preliminary Joint Qualifiers Round 2 held last June 2021 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

    Players:
    Name Position Club
    Quincy KAMMERAAD Goalkeeper Azkals Development Team
    Enrico MANGAOANG Goalkeeper De La Salle University
    Jessie Reil SEMBLANTE Goalkeeper Mendiola FC
    Justin BAAS Defender United City FC
    Paolo Nicola PEREZ Defender Calcio Lecco (Italy)
    Christian RONTINI Defender Azkals Development Team
    David Kevin SETTERS Defender Portsmouth FC (England)
    Oliver BIAS Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Jethro BORLONGAN Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Dennis CHUNG Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Yrick GALLANTES Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Mandy Lloyd IGNACIO Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Oskari Johannes KEKKONEN Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Jacob Francis MANITI Midfielder Macarthur FC (Australia)
    Sandro Miguel REYES Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Nathan RILLORAZA Midfielder Unattached
    Mark Francis SWAINSTON Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Shanden VERGARA Midfielder Lincoln Memorial University (USA)
    Mark WINHOFFER Midfielder Azkals Development Team
    Kieran HAYES Forward United City FC
    Miguel Antonio MENDOZA Forward Unattached
    Marcel Ivan OUANO Forward Azkals Development Team
    Jens Sebastian RASMUSSEN Forward Randers FC (Denmark)

    The team is currently in Doha, Qatar for the final stages of the training camp, hosted by the Qatar Football Association. Prior to the Qatar camp, the team also conducted a closed-circuit training bubble last September 2021 at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas which was approved by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in compliance with the DOH-PSC-GAB Joint Administrative Order No. 2021-0002 .

    pff.org.ph/2021/10/21/philippine-mens-under-23-lineup-for-afc-u23-asian-cup-qualifiers/

    [​IMG]

    The Filipinos need to top Group H to formally enter the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which shall be held in Uzbekistan on June 1-19, 2022. A second-placed finish might be good enough provided that the Philippines finishes in the top four of the runner-up standings.
     
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  9. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    20 October 2021
    International friendly : Philippines U23 2-0 Yemen U23

    International friendly in Doha :

    Tuesday

    Philippines U23 2-0 Yemen U23

    Starting XI :

    Oliver Bias (Capt.)
    Quincy Kammeraad (GK)
    Oskari Kekkonen
    Paolo Perez
    Lloyd Fagerlie
    Justin Baas
    Mark Winhoffer
    Christian Rontini
    Yrick Gallantes
    Miguel Mendoza
    S. Beraque
     
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  10. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    The Philippine Azkals’ Under-23 Team is determined to enter the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for the first time in history when it competes in Group H of the said tournament’s qualification phase in Singapore next week.

    Through a virtual press conference held earlier today, Philippine Football Federation President Nonong Araneta, long-time Azkals team manager Dan Palami, coach Scott Cooper and squad captain Oliver Bias outlined their ambition of making it to the big dance in Uzbekistan next year.

    “We have high hopes for our Men’s Under-23 team competing in a few days in the AFC Asian Cup Under-23 qualifiers in Singapore,” said Araneta. “The PFF and the management of the team worked together to make sure that the squad is ready for this competition.

    “It was not easy because of the (COVID-19) pandemic and quarantine restrictions in the country but we had to find a way because all of us know the responsibility of representing the country the best way possible.”

    In order to prepare for this competition a Philippine Sports Commission-approved training bubble in Lipa, Batangas, was established. The team then refined its preparations in Doha, Qatar, with great help from the Qatar Football Association.

    “We’ve had two friendly games in Qatar,” explained Cooper. “It was a wonderful camp and we had two quality games over there. We had this hard game over a top club team over there and a very tough game against the Yemenese Under-23 team that was quite talented.

    “So we look like we’re doing okay but we’ll find out when it comes down to the crunch and the group is just eager to show what quality we’ve got and the depth. We’ve got some ground to make up with the under-23.”

    Certain players from the team such as Sandro Reyes, Mark Winhoffer and Jethro Borlongan have been part of the country’s various youth national selections in different competitions.

    On the other hand, the likes of Bias and Justin Baas, who have been used heavily recently during the Azkals’ joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Sharjah, bring with them a wealth of experience at that level.

    “I think what we always intend to do for the national team is to have it represented by the best Filipino players that are available,” explained Palami. “We don’t limit ourselves to college players although we did do trials for almost two weeks in Batangas in a closed bubble setup.

    “We have that to check on the level of our college players, who unfortunately have had no competition in the past almost two years. From there, we also do our scouting.”

    For the Philippines to make it to Uzbekistan next year, it needs to top Group H, which is a daunting task considering it is up against the home team Singapore, defending champions South Korea and Timor Leste. A second-placed finish could do but the nation needs to rank in the top four of that particular standings.

    “So the previous one I was a part of was the Azkals first team so I cannot compare to other under-23 teams,” said skipper Bias. “But I think we got a quite strong under-23 team so I feel like everyone is focused on training. Also on the pitch or off the pitch, no one is going crazy in the hotel with ordering food or stuff like this.

    “I think everyone is just very focused to play these games and give more than 100 percent in these games. I’m really looking forward to all of the three games.”

    tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/azkals-u23-confident-heading-to-asian-cup-qualifiers-after-excellent-doha-camp/222736
     
  11. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #886 Pelefan, Oct 22, 2021
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
    Press Conference

    www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=comet_rhc_widget&v=902674147014486&t=1251

    Acc. to Coach Scott Cooper they had 2 very good friendlies in Qatar, one against a pro men's club which was the 2nd division champion in Qatar and that included 5 French professionals and Saudi Arabia men's national team players which they lost to 0-1 in a very close physical men's match where Azkals U23 dominated most of the 2nd half and another against a strong technical U23 Yemen team that beat the U23 Qatar on their home turf last year and were coming from an U23 Arab tournament last week where they drew Kuwait, and only lost to the eventual champion of the tournament Jordan 1-2. The Azkals U23 manage to beat that very good technical Yemen U23 team 2-0 with good organization and structure.

    Obviously they will be huge underdogs against the defending AFC U23 champions S Korea in their first match, but they hope to give a good account of themselves after the good training camp they had in Qatar.
     
  12. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    English coach Scott Cooper firmly believes that his Philippines side can beat all their 3 opponents at the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Group H qualifiers, including reigning Asian Under-23 champion South Korea, “if we get it right.”

    “I believe we can beat all 3 teams. The team is ready. We know what our plan is. We know who we are. But we have to get it right,” Cooper said in an online press conference Friday afternoon a day after the team arrived in Singapore from its training camp in Doha, Qata

    Cooper, however, acknowledged that it won’t be a cakewalk, especially against the fancied South Koreans, whom they battle on Monday, October 25 to kick off the hostilities at the 6,000-seat Jalan Besar Stadium, home turf of the Singapore Young Lions.

    “Many of them, the South Koreans, went through to the Olympic quarterfinals recently. They will come in with their swagger a little bit as the Asian Under-23 champions. So we know they are a very, very tall order to play them,” Cooper said. “But the pressure won’t be on us, but on South Korea.

    “They may look at us as the same under-23 squad they faced 2 to 3 years ago. It’s not because we’re a different commodity. We will make sure we won’t lie down and submit.

    “Then we have to play Singapore in Singapore or right in their own backyard. They will have fans at their stadium so they will have support. It is a tough match in that sense,” Cooper added of the next match against the hosts on October 28.

    “We had a first-class camp in Qatar, we really appreciate that and it means a lot. The preparation would not have been this close as it could have been without it,” Cooper said of the 3-week stint punctuated by two tough matches against a Qatari club and Yemen’s under-23 squad.

    “We played a tough Qatari club in the top of the second division laced with lots of foreign players. It was a very professional team with lots of ambition and very physical. We lost to them 0-1 in a very, very tight game,” he said.

    Against the Yemenis, whom he said figured prominently in last year’s Arab Under-23 championships, “we played a very interesting tactical national team. We knew that this Yemen team would be a very difficult proposition for us.

    “But we beat them 2-0 with some organization, some physical play, some power, scoring with two set pieces by right backs from corner kicks.”

    “We feel that we are in a position where we’ve had 2 very good games. It is a team that has come together very fast with some great attitudes,” said Cooper of the bonding that has risen among the players that began with two-week national tryouts in Lipa, Batangas last month.

    “New players have come in and have been embraced (by the other team members). There is a quiet calmness and real confidence about this team that is like nothing I have seen. And we’re going to need every ounce of that,” he said of the squad’s esprit de corps. “They are very focused.”

    “What we can expect from this team is that it is better organized. We got some mental toughness, we’ve got some pace, some speed, some power, it’s a nice combination, a bit of everything but we have to find the right balance.

    But he was also quick to prick the confidence bubble, saying: We may be a strong team on paper but my team has to go and play on the field to do it. That’s the reality. I think we’ve got a nice balance.”

    “We’re a proud group ready to go and fight for the country. And one thing we can guarantee Filipino football fans: We will fight to the last second and they can count on that.”

    news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/23/21/football-ph-coach-touts-focused-u23-side-for-qualifiers
     
  13. GalaxyBowl

    GalaxyBowl Member

    LA Galaxy
    Aug 21, 2020
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    #888 GalaxyBowl, Oct 25, 2021
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2021
    I’m a FilAm trying to get into the Azkals but I’m a little confused about the ranking of importance for the competitions. Obviously the Asian Cup is the most important tournament for us so far but then there’s the SEA Games and the AFF Championship. I understand that the SEA games had good attendance and hype for the Azkals but also it was a home tournament. I wonder if there’s more prestige in winning the AFF Championship or the SEA Games. I’m curious about the magnitude of effect that winning those types of tournaments would do for the game in the country.
     
  14. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    The SEA Games just like the Olympics and the Asian Games are U23 tournaments while the FIFA World Cup, Asian Cup and the Suzuki Cup(AFF Championship) are men's tournament and obviously have more prestige.
     
  15. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    As expected the Philippine U23 lost to the defending AFC U23 champions and Olympic quarterfinalist S Korea 0-3 in their first match of the AFC U23 qualifiers. Hopefully they get enough points and goal differentials in the 2nd and 3rd game to be among the 4 best 2nd placed teams to allow them to qualify for the Finals.
     
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  16. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #891 Pelefan, Oct 26, 2021
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2021
    Alen Stajcic named as Philippine Women’s National Team Head Coach

    Former Australian Women’s National Team Head Coach Alen Stajcic to lead the Philippine Women’s National Team in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.

    MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has appointed Australian coach Alen Stajcic as head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Team (PWNT).

    One of the most accomplished women’s national team coaches in the world, the 47-year-old Stajcic has been tasked to steer the Philippines in its bid for a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup spot through the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 on 20 January 2022 in India.

    Stajcic succeeds Marlon Maro, who guided the PWNT to a second straight AFC Asian Cup berth after victories over Nepal and Hong Kong in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan last month.

    Stajcic’s impressive resume is underscored by a five-year stint with the Australian Women’s National Team, which was highlighted by qualification to the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, where the team reached the quarterfinals.

    He was shortlisted for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach award in 2018.

    Joining Stajcic is assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte. Arrarte was the Assistant Coach of the Australian Women’s National Team from 2017 until 2019, and is attached with A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.

    PFF officials led by president Mariano Araneta, Jr., general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, and PFF Women’s Committee Co-Chairperson and PWNT Manager Jefferson Cheng expressed confidence that Stajcic’s presence will improve the squad.

    “We are thrilled that Alen Stajcic has accepted the position to be the head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Team head coach,” said Araneta. “His appointment shows the commitment and determination of the PFF to give our women’s national team the best possible chance to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

    “Coach Alen Stajcic has the capabilities to elevate the Philippine Women’s team on the Asian stage and beyond,” added Gastanes. “We look forward to what he can bring to the team which has qualified to the final competition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.”

    “We know that the Philippine Women’s Team has the capability to be one of the top teams in Asia at least” said Cheng, who has been supporting the team since 2017. “We are all excited by the arrival of Coach Alen and we wish him all the best as we seek a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.”

    Araneta thanked Coach Marlon Maro for his contributions to the team which he guided to a successful qualification campaign despite the challenging conditions in the preparation and competition due to restrictions brought by the pandemic.

    “We greatly appreciate the contribution of Coach Marlon in leading the team to qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” added Araneta. “We see how Coach Maro is a vital stakeholder on the growth of the beautiful game in the country and his appointment as PFF Coaching Education head is testament to his already significant contributions and what he still can contribute to the country’s football development.”

    “Coach Marlon Maro was an instrumental and inspiring figure to the team’s recent success on the continental stage,” echoed Gastanes. “As one of the leading AFC Coaching Instructors, his services are most needed at PFF as Head of the Coaching Education department. Under his previous stint, Philippines was granted the A Level membership in the AFC Coaching Convention. He is now the lead man in PFF’s efforts to be granted the Pro diploma Level which will enable the PFF to conduct Pro diploma courses in the country.

    PFF, through PFF Women’s Administrator Ms. Isabella Fernando, is now finalizing the team’s preparations for the January 2022 showpiece competition with player tryouts and training camp to be held in Irvine, California, USA from 10 November 2021 until 15 January 2022.

    The Philippine Women’s National Team is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), team manager Jefferson Cheng, and the MVP Sports Foundation.

    pff.org.ph/2021/10/26/alen-stajcic-named-as-philippine-womens-national-team-head-coach/

     
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  17. GalaxyBowl

    GalaxyBowl Member

    LA Galaxy
    Aug 21, 2020
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Wow. That U23 qualifier run was an extreme disappointment. I think everyone expected the South Korea result but back to back 1-0 losses to Singapore and Timor-Leste? Very disappointing
     
  18. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    Exactly. Very disappointing. They lacked a scoring option up front like they used to have with Phil Younghusband in the U23 youth teams the last time they did have success at that level.
     
  19. Beavis Stiffler

    Beavis Stiffler Member+

    May 14, 2011
    Naranja With Attitude. Straight Outta Houston.
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    Philippines
  20. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #895 Pelefan, Nov 27, 2021
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2021
    [​IMG]


    Azkals gear up for AFF Suzuki Cup 2020

    Twenty seven players make up the Azkals lineup for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 set in Singapore beginning December 5.

    The Azkals have been grouped with Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar and Timor Leste in the competition that will run until January 1, 2022.

    Singapore will be the Azkals’ first assignment on December 8, followed by matches against Timor Leste (December 11), Thailand (December 14) and Myanmar (December 18). Except the match against Myanmar, which will be played at Bishan Stadium, all of the Azkals’ games are slated at the National Stadium.

    Captain Stephan Schrock leads the squad that also includes a handful of veteran campaigners like vice-captain Patrick Reichelt, Mike Ott, Martin Steuble, Angel Guirado and Kenshiro Daniels.

    Making their return to the squad after missing out on the Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers last June are Amani Aguinaldo, Kevin Ingreso, Iain Ramsay and Daisuke Sato.

    Defender Jeff Tabinas, who made his debut against China in the qualifiers, has also been recalled along with Mar Vincent Diano and goalkeepers Bernd Schipmann and Kevin Ray Mendoza.

    Having represented the country in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers last October in Singapore, Oliver Bias, Justin Baas, Dennis Chung, Oskari Kekkonen, Sandro Reyes, Christian Rontini and goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad are also in the squad.

    Naturalized striker Bienvenido Marañon has been called up for his first tournament for the Azkals, just like Sweden-based defender Jesper Nyholm. Amin Nazari, Matthew Custodio and Harry Foll.

    Unfortunately, with the AFF Suzuki Cup held outside the FIFA window, the Azkals will also miss some big names like Gerrit Holtmann, Patrick Strauss, Raphael Obermair, Michael Kempter and Neil Etheridge, who are all tied up with their respective clubs.

    “This is a very prestigious tournament,” said Azkals coach Scott Cooper. “We have a history of doing well and going to the semifinals, but we need to do more than that.

    “We have to look at the last Suzuki Cup (in 2018) and that half of that schedule, was in the FIFA calendar. For this tournament, we have so many players unavailable and most of them were unable to be released by their clubs. We don’t have that luxury as other countries so we’re hoping that organizers look at the calendar in the future.”

    Azkals team manager Dan Palami admits the buildup to the tournament has been far from ideal with players based in different parts of the world and still playing for their clubs with less than two weeks before the actual tournament.

    Compounding the situation are the injuries to some key players.

    “We have to deal with the situation,” said Palami. “I think now more than ever, the team will have to summon the never-say-die spirit that Filipinos are known for.”

    Other players who were unable to secure a release from their clubs are Josh Grommen, Patrick Deyto and Randy Schneider.

    The Azkals also suffered a huge blow with the late withdrawal of several players due to injuries. Among them are Jarvey Gayoso, Manny Ott, Carlie De Murga, brothers Michael and Matthew Baldissimo, Sebastian Rasmussen and Adrian Ugelvik.

    Javier Patiño and Michael Falkesgaard have also retired from national team duties.

    “It’s extremely difficult hence we have to temper our expectations,” said Cooper. “We have a nice squad and we have a new addition in Jesper Nyholm, whose season is finally finished, so we can bring him in and there’s couple of new faces coming in.”

    Nonetheless, Cooper said the Azkals still need to be ambitious and “represent ourselves well.”

    “We have a good squad, we must be positive and go on and show what we can do.”

    theazkals.com/news/azkals-gear-up-for-aff-suzuki-cup-2020/?fbclid=IwAR2183OXtWnr5SHn4jQhGIzY6kH-0RwRWy6iiBHGosdTgz1ijqaI4UiFCHM

    A lot of first team players missing due to team commitments particularly since the Suzuki Cup is outside the FIFA calendar.

    It is good to hear Jesper Nyholm and Bienvenido Maranon making their Azkals debut though and that Vancouver Whitecaps Michael Baldissimo is still under consideration despite initially declining a previous invitation as he was expecting to receive a call up to the Canadian national team to the Gold Cup where he was part of the preliminary roster. He didn't make the final cut though.

    Nyholm and Jefferson Tabinas should make a solid pairing at centerback and we finally get a proven consistent goalscorer at forward with Maranon.
     
  21. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    New
    The Philippine Women's National Team has started their training camp in the US in preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup with former Australian head coach Stajcic manning the helm.

    https://thewomensgame.com/news/8216...9_XPcZeUvq63N71lnnikOiwtzStCgdq_GucTj5Jju-Csk

    “It was always going to happen,” Stajcic said of the draw which pits the Philippines in Group B alongside Australia, Thailand and Indonesia.

    “But the reality is Australia (who as co-hosts are not competing for one of five direct World Cup qualification spots up for grabs) don’t really matter in this tournament,” Stajcic told FTBL.

    “They are playing for experience and the prestige of winning the Asian Cup. But for us, and the others, vying for one of those spots is the biggest priority.

    “For the match against the Matildas I have to put my own ego aside and really focus on the big picture of the tournament.

    “We have Thailand and Indonesia in our group and to be honest they’re bigger matches for us.

    “As important as the Australia game might be for me personally it’s certainly not in the big picture for us.

    “They are 11 countries chasing those five spots and we have beat those nations that can qualify.

    “Australia are a super power, and measuring up against them right now is a daunting challenge.

    “We need to focus on the games we can win.”

    Stajcic is two weeks into a training camp in California ahead of the Asian Cup, attempting to craft and mould a raw group of players into a feisty and competitive unit.

    “These players do lack experience in major tournaments but there’s a great desire there to work hard and improve,” he explained.

    “The hunger and motivation is impressive - and there’s a passion to qualify for the first World Cup for their country, male or female.

    “There are a lot of players who’ve played a decent amount of football and a couple based in Japan.

    “The PFF have provided great resources and for me this is a chance to share my knowledge with a team that’s had to do it tough.

    “I think back to our experience in Australia of not qualifying for a World Cup in 32 years and to have the honour and privilege to possibly lead the Philippines to a first World Cup is a huge incentive for us.

    “I watched them play at the last Asian Cup, which was their first appearance there in 20 odd years.

    “They really surprised me: they lost 3-0 to China and 4-1 to Thailand. But they were definitely in every match, and I remember thinking with a little bit of structure and organisation (they could be far more competitive).

    “You are now starting to get players who have 30 to 40 caps under their belts.

    “It’s a tough - we’re the lowest ranked out of the 12 countries there and will have to punch above our weight to be successful.”
     
  22. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    One of the rising stars of the Philippine Azkals has become unavailable for selection in South East Asia’s biggest football competition.

    Philippines coach Stewart Hall revealed that defender Jefferson Tabinas, who plays for Mito Hollyhock in Japan’s J2 League, will not compete for the country in its quest to reign supreme in the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup.

    “Tabinas is not coming at all,” shared Hall. “Obviously, there are problems in the Japan end and he’s not coming. That’s no problem for us.

    “If I give you the stats, we’re about 27 players short of what we consider to be our strongest squad.”

    Tabinas’s absence this close to the Suzuki Cup is a blow to the country’s hopes of finally winning the silverware.

    Veterans from past campaigns such as Carli de Murga, Alvaro Silva, and Luke Woodland are out of the pool, which means the likes of Matthew Custodio, Mar Vincent Diano, Christian Rontini and Yrick Gallantes need to step up quickly if they are called upon by the coaching staff.

    “We haven’t actually replaced him with a player physically coming in. We’ve got two young center-backs here from the under-23 squad that is working and obviously it’s an opportunity now for one of them,” said Hall.

    “We haven’t physically replaced him but obviously, we think we can cover him from within the squad.”

    Interestingly, though, fellow Group A team Thailand is set to have its lineup strengthened by late arrivals attacking midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin and left-back Theerathon Bunmathan who play for the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Yokohama F. Marinos, respectively, in Japan’s J1 League.

    Both players missed out on Thailand’s win over Timor Leste but are available against Myanmar on Saturday.

    Additionally, Hall disclosed that there are two more players from the Azkals camp who cannot play against host nation Singapore tomorrow. Defender Jesper Nyholm and midfielder Iain Ramsay will definitely be out of action for the Philippines’ opener.

    “We have a player (Nyholm) who is flying in tonight and obviously tomorrow is a little bit too last minute dot com if you like so he won’t be considered for this game but he’ll play a part obviously in the other games coming forward,” said the British mentor.

    “We’re still trying to get Ramsay in and also I’ve been told – there are two more replacements coming in from Germany. At the minute, we’re working with 21 players. It will be nice to have another two or three actually to add to that. But they won’t be here until after tomorrow’s game.”

    Despite all of these roster challenges and changes, Hall is still happy to work with the cards that he has been dealt with. Ultimately, once the game starts, anything can happen and it is up to the Filipinos to find a way to get that win.

    “So you can be disrespectful to the players here and say this is a ‘C’ squad or you can say to the players here (that) it’s a fantastic opportunity for everybody so go out and take it. Maximize the chances that you’re gonna get. That’s the way I’d like to look at it.”

    https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tabinas-to-miss-azkals-suzuki-cup-campaign/227048
     
  23. GalaxyBowl

    GalaxyBowl Member

    LA Galaxy
    Aug 21, 2020
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    very disappointing game against Singapore
     
  24. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    #899 Pelefan, Dec 9, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2021
    The team never actually practiced as a team together until they arrived at the tournament which is the disadvantage of relying on players from all over the world to join your team. Most of the best players invited didn't come either as mentioned by the coach. He said they were 27 players short of their best roster and called the final roster the C team because of all the missing players.

    I knew this so I didn't really expect much when playing against other teams in the region that have been preparing for weeks to months for the tournament.

    The bright side is that when the real big tournaments(Asia Cup and WC qualifiers) come around which hopefully will attract more of their best players from the expanded roster(including a lot of new high end recruits from top tier clubs in Europe) to join the team rather than this regional Southeast Asian tournament they will be a lot more competitive.
     
  25. Pelefan

    Pelefan Member+

    Mar 17, 1999
    Chicago
    FT Philippines 7-0 Timor Leste

    Martin Steuble 21'

    Amin Nazari 31'

    Ángel Guirado 35'

    Patrick Reichelt 40'

    Jesper Nyholm 45'

    Bienvenido Marañon 46'

    Kevin Ingreso 78'

    Highlights



    Most goals scored by any team in Suzuki Cup. Their chances of making the semis now hinge on how they do against Thailand and Myanmar.
     
    mike4066 repped this.

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