Philippine Azkals prepare for historic Asian Cup debut

-


The Philippines as a footballing country has come a long way from what it once was during the days of Iloilo-born Barcelona FC netbreaker Paulino Alcantara, notable for his goal scoring record of 369 goals in 357 games that stood the test of time until Leonel Messi who is regarded as one of the best football players of all time, overtook him on March 16, 2014.

It is hard to fathom that such a basketball crazy country also excels in a sport that remains uncommon too many Filipinos today. Who could believe that Japan, who took part in the recently concluded World Cup in Russia, recorded its biggest loss in international competition against The Philippines, 15-2?

The Azkals is the nickname for the Philippine national football team. The recent influx of fil-foreigners who have plied their skills in competitive leagues in Europe to don the country's colors have revitalized interest for a sport that has long played second fiddle.

Drawing from the so-called "Miracle of Hanoi" in 2010 when The Azkals beat the then defending champions, Vietnam. The sport has gained steady growth from packed stadiums, to better youth programs and a professional league that is currently on its second season.

This year also saw the Azkals qualify for its first ever Asian cup when they defeated a feisty Tajikistan side, 2-1 to ensure our national team a spot in the 2019 competition in the United Arab Emirates. A milestone achievement to further the sport’s credibility and excitement in the country.

Currently, the team is preparing for the AFF Championship where they start their campaign in the group stages against Singapore on November 13 in Ceres-Negros' Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. In the group with them are Thailand and Indonesia.

This will also be their first outing with newly appointed head coach, Scott Cooper. The AFF Championship will be a good testing ground for the preparations and adjustments that Cooper has made to ready the Azkals to prepare for its first ever Asian Cup.

The Philippine football community is buzzing with renewed hopes that the Azkals continue their momentum and reach even higher rankings than ever before, scoring significant victories in 2019. It is a great time to be a fan of the Azkals, it is a great time to follow Philippine football!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Diego Loyzaga on viral nude video: 'It was an accident'

-
Image
Kapamilya star Diego Loyzaga has admitted that he is reaching out to his father chief operating officer of Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano but he doesn't know if his dad knew that he was making the move. "Oo I am. Pero I don't even know kung alam n'ya. During the Christmas party of ABS CBN last year, I was with Tito Bayani (Agbayani). E magkapitbahay silang dalawa. And even Tito Bayani was telling me hindi na n'ya nakikita si Erpat. Lagi s'yang busy. Sinabi ni Tito Bayani, 'why don't you just text him?' "said Diego, when asked if he's reaching out to his father, during an interview on "Tonight With Boy Abunda" on ABS CBN. "Sabi ko, 'why not?' Nanghihinayang ako eh. Kung kelan ako sobrang seryoso na sa ginagawa ko sa showbiz na 'to, I wanna learn so much. I'm taking workshops with Tito Pen Medina at kung sinu-sino pa. Why not my dad? Why not my father?; "Nanghihinayang lang ako. Sa kont
Read more

The Philippines' handsomest security guards

-
Image
Security guards or security officers are those who are paid to protect property, assets, or people. They prevent risks and deter crime, watch out for looming danger, and report any crime they may encounter. But there are a number of them who, based solely on their mystery and good looks, are noticeably garnering a fan base. Meet the country’s most handsome security guards! REDGIE OLIVAR, SECURITY GUARD, SM City Lucena Photo credit: Je Olivar CHASE AUGUSTUS MARCUM III, SECURITY GUARD, Severina Diamond Subdivision ( Parañaque City) Photo Credit: @chaseagustusmarcum on FB GERRYL LOQUIAS,  SECURITY OFFICER, Department of Foreign Affairs (SM Megamall) Photo credit: @GerrylLoquias on FB  JEFFREY VALBUENA, SECURITY GUARD, Alarm Security and Investigation Services Inc. Photo credit: @JeffBalbuena on FB FT MONTERUBIO JR,,  SECURITY GUARD, SM Megamall Photo Credit: @PinoyBae on Twitter
Read more

Piolo Pascual on Shaina Magdayao: 'We are really open'

-
Image
Actor Piolo Pascual has said that his relationship with actress Shaina Magdayao is open as they don't hide anything from each other. "What's good about our relationship is that we are really open. We don't keep anything from each other. So I say what is true, what is sincere, what is right, what is honest and you'll never go wrong," said Pascual, during an interview on "Tonight With Boy Abunda" on ABS-CBN recently. "Even if you are misquoted, as long as the communication lines are open and that you have a healthy relationship, then wala namang problema," added Pascual. Pascual and Magdayao were first romantically linked in 2012. Magdayao has said that she does not want to label her relationship with Pascual who earlier revealed that they have been exclusively dating for five years now. "Yes, it has been years that Piolo has been there for me as a great friend I can always count on. We have become very special to each
Read more