The Philippine National Football Teams (Azkals, etc.)

[rhk1112]

I don't like this new outfit covering the games of the PFL. They don't release Game or Goal Highlights for the games, that's the reason I haven't been posting any here.

Yes, there are other Channels on Youtube that releases such, but their quality is not so good, that's the reason I don't use them.

Game or Goal Highlights help gain more exposure for the games. Without them, then naturally much less exposure for the league.

 

[rhk1112]

Neil Etheridge was with the Fulham FC lineup before, but he never got to play in the main English Premier League (EPL). This time with Cardiff City FC though, he is their Starting Goalkeeper so if they do get promoted, Neil will be the first South East Asian (SEA) to play in the EPL.

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Neil’s Cardiff Club Nears EPL Promotion

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:04 AM April 30, 2018

Filipino international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and Welsh club Cardiff City moved a step closer to promotion to English Premier League after a vital 2-0 away win over Hull City, 2-0, on Saturday in their English Championship clash.

Cardiff got two goals from captain Sean Morrison to secure maximum points as it climbed back to second spot, a point ahead of Fulham with a match remaining in the 46-game season.

“This is a big opportunity for us and we can’t get ahead of ourselves,” said Etheridge, who was part of Fulham’s squad in the Premier League until 2014.

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: http://sports.inquirer.net/295260/neils-cardiff-club-nears-epl-promotion)

 

[rhk1112]

Another bad draw for the Philippines in the 2018 Suzuki Cup. Thailand is bar none the best Football Team in South East Asia (SEA) for quite some time now while Indonesia is coming back very strong the last year or so after mediocre showing in international competitions due to some internal Football problems.

Another "Group of Death" draw for the Philippines in another Suzuki Cup ...

 

[rhk1112]

Asian Success Sends Philippines Soaring

(FIFA.com) 03 May 2018

* The Philippines are up to their highest-ever FIFA Ranking position ​
* Rise to 113th came after qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time
* The Azkals’ captain and coach confident that it can be a turning point

The Philippines have long been considered one of Asia's sleeping giants. The country is deeply embedded in the continent’s football history, from being involved in Asia’s first-ever international fixture in 1913 to providing the birthplace for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 41 years later.

Yet, until recently, the Philippines – the 12th-most populous country in the world, with over 100 million inhabitants – had never qualified for the AFC’s flagship tournament. It took until March of this year for that painful 62-year wait to end, and qualifying for the Asian Cup has also taken the Azkals to an all-time high in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

While their position of 113th might not seem especially lofty, it should be considered that the Philippines languished as low as 191st in 2005, and had been beaten 13-1 by Indonesia three years earlier. Now, they are ranked ahead of regional rivals such as Bahrain, Jordan, Tajikistan and Thailand.

It was a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Tajiks in Manila’s Rizal Memorial Stadium that secured this historic qualification, and there was a fairy tale element in the way the win was secured. The decisive goal came, after all, in the 91st minute - and was scored by the Azkals’ talisman and long-suffering captain, Phil Younghusband. Moreover, it was the former Chelsea trainee’s 50th goal for his country.

Though still just 30, Younghusband has been part of the Philippines national team for 12 years and, having endured plenty of setbacks in that time, considered this success long overdue. "It's been up-and-down,” he acknowledged, speaking to ABS-CBN. “We didn't qualify for the last Suzuki Cup, and then this. So yeah, it has been up-and-down [but] it's been amazing too, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I just feel very blessed that I get to play the sport I love, and enjoy it in a country I love.”

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/news/y=2018/m=5/news=asian-success-sends-philippines-soaring.html)

 

[rhk1112]

Philippine Azkals meet China, Kyrgyzstan and South Korea in Group C of Asian Cup

Published 6 hours ago on May 5, 2018
By Lorenzo del Carmen

To be the best, you have to compete with the best

That is the lesson the Philippine Men’s National Football Team learned following the 2019 AFC Asian Cup draw Friday night at the Armani Hotel in Dubai.

As a result of the latest FIFA World Rankings, the Philippines was situated at Pot 4 alongside the likes of North Korea, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen and Turkmenistan.

After a long wait, the Azkals were drawn in Group C with Kyrgyzstan, China and South Korea. The Philippines previously defeated Kyrgyzstan in two home and away friendlies two years ago while they succumbed 1-8 against China in Guangzhou. The last official contest between South Korea and the Philippines was in 1980 where the former won 8-0.

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/philippine-azkals-meet-china-kyrgyzstan-south-korea-group-c-asian-cup/115702)

 

[rhk1112]

Cardiff City Bluebirds and PH’s Neil Etheridge ascend to the Premier League!

Earl Averilla

Cardiff City was able to get a 0-0 draw against Reading in the final match of the EFL Championship season which is enough to secure an automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Philippine Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge notched another clean sheet for The Bluebirds to make him possibly the first Filipino to achieve promotion to the English top-flight as a starter.

Cardiff City started well in front of the home fans as The Bluebirds dominated the early proceedings.

A legitimate chance came in the 19th minute for the hosts as midfielder Junior Hoilett narrowly missed a curling effort.

Eleven minutes after, Kenneth Zohore could have scored but Reading’s Dave Edwards was in the way for a timely and well-placed block.

In the 34th minute the visitors were able to threaten but Cardiff defender Lee Peltier was able to pull off a well timed tackle to thwart the attack.

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: http://www.foxsports.ph/football-news/852298/cardiff-etheridge-premie-league/)

 

[rhk1112]

Yes! We have a Pinoy/Azkal in the Premiership!

A video showing just how much Neil Etheridge is a Patriot even if he is also a UK Citizen: Neil with the Philippine flag draped over his shoulder as Cardiff City FC was promoted into the English Premier League (EPL): https://twitter.com/BenBlack/status/993163275507511296

 

[rhk1112]

Neil Etheridge Came So Close to Moving to PH. Now He's Bound for the Premier League

From: Christian Jacinto
May 8, 2018, 02:02 pm

THERE came a point in his career that Neil Etheridge was convinced that a move to the Philippines was the most logical next step for him.

Yet here he is, 19 clean sheets later after an improbable run for Cardiff City, all set to take the English Premier League by storm.

A loss by Fulham and a draw with Reading on Sunday assured that Etheridge and Cardiff City are set to be automatically promoted to the English top flight after 46 games in the second-tier championship.

In an interview with Stuart James of English-based publication the Guardian, Etheridge shared his struggles and how close he came to a move to his mother's country, where he plays for the Azkals.

“I sold my house and I sold my cars and I was about a week away from going back to the Philippines," Etheridge told the Guardian.

After bouncing around and an a fruitless stint with Warsall, Etheridge got picked up by manager Neil Warnock for Cardiff City and the rest just took care of itself.

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: https://www.spin.ph/football/news/neil-etheridge-came-so-close-to-moving-to-ph-now-hes)

 

[rhk1112]

Tristan Do, Neil Etheridge Among the Five Stars to Look Out for at the 2019 Asian Cup

John Duerden

John Duerden casts the spotlight on five players to watch when the 2019 AFC Asian Cup comes around in January.

The draw for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup took place last Friday evening in Dubai. The continental tournament has been expanded from 16 to 24 teams meaning it is bigger than ever and is full of stars from all corners of Asia.

FOX Sports Asia picks out five who are worthy of attention.

<Text Removed>

Neil Etheridge (Philippines)

On Sunday, the goalkeeper became the first Southeast Asian to play for a Premier League club. So far, the Philippines number one has appeared in 45 out of Cardiff City’s 46 games in England’s second tier this season. If the next one is a win then the Malaysian-owned team will be promoted.

These are heady days for Filipino football fans. Etheridge will become the first Southeast Asian to play in the Premier League and along with their Asian Cup qualification, 2018 will be remembered as one of the best years for Philippines football!

Etheridge will be facing Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next season but the two are going to cross paths at the Asian Cup as well. The Philippines will take on South Korea in their first appearance on the continental stage as two of Asia’s biggest stars meet on the pitch in the United Arab Emirates.

More than that however, with Etheridge between the sticks, the Azkals have a real chance of making it to the last 16.

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/878364/tristan-do-neil-etheridge-among-the-five-stars-to-look-out-for-at-the-2019-asian-cup/)

 

[interxavierxxx2]

Tristan Do, Neil Etheridge Among the Five Stars to Look Out for at the 2019 Asian Cup

John Duerden

John Duerden casts the spotlight on five players to watch when the 2019 AFC Asian Cup comes around in January.

The draw for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup took place last Friday evening in Dubai. The continental tournament has been expanded from 16 to 24 teams meaning it is bigger than ever and is full of stars from all corners of Asia.

FOX Sports Asia picks out five who are worthy of attention.

<Text Removed>

Neil Etheridge (Philippines)

On Sunday, the goalkeeper became the first Southeast Asian to play for a Premier League club. So far, the Philippines number one has appeared in 45 out of Cardiff City’s 46 games in England’s second tier this season. If the next one is a win then the Malaysian-owned team will be promoted.

These are heady days for Filipino football fans. Etheridge will become the first Southeast Asian to play in the Premier League and along with their Asian Cup qualification, 2018 will be remembered as one of the best years for Philippines football!

Etheridge will be facing Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next season but the two are going to cross paths at the Asian Cup as well. The Philippines will take on South Korea in their first appearance on the continental stage as two of Asia’s biggest stars meet on the pitch in the United Arab Emirates.

More than that however, with Etheridge between the sticks, the Azkals have a real chance of making it to the last 16.

(Article intentionally cut, to read more go to: http://www.foxsportsasia.com/footba...-stars-to-look-out-for-at-the-2019-asian-cup/)

lol The article makes it sound like we’re a fútbol powerhouse.

 

[rhk1112]

A bit of a shocking development. I thought Dooley did okay, but now we again have to start from scratch with a new Coach ...

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Reports: Terry Butcher Takes Over Azkals Coaching Job

Published 1 min ago on June 13, 2018
By Brian Tamayao

Former England captain Terry Butcher will take the Philippines’ National Men’s Football team coaching role, according to The Scottish Sun.

The British publication broke the news a day before the official unveiling of Thomas Dooley’s successor to be organized by the Philippine Football Federation

An experienced manager, Butcher will provide a plenty of experience to the Philippines side that are looking to reach greater heights in the upcoming Asian Cup.

He is set to continue the momentum established by Dooley.

Dooley, a former USA captain, steered the Azkals to a bridesmaid finish in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup before bringing the Philippines to the zenith of Asian football by qualifying for the Asian Cup.

(To read more, go to: https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/reports-terry-butcher-takes-azkals-coaching-job/118433)

 

[rhk1112]

Azkals Introduce Terry Butcher as New Coach

Published June 15, 2018, 1:00 AM
by Jonas Terrado

The Philippine Azkals formally named former England captain Terry Butcher as their new coach to mark the start of the national team’s preparation for their historic appearance in the 2019 Asian Cup.

Butcher, who replaced long-time mentor Thomas Dooley, was not around when he was introduced during a press conference at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Paranaque City but expressed excitement in handling the role of steer the Azkals into new heights.

The 59-year-old Butcher is known for his three World Cup appearances for England, and was the captain of the 1990 team that made it to the semifinals.

He played club football for Ipswich Town and Rangers before coaching multiple clubs upon his retirement.

To read the rest of the article, go to:
https://sports.mb.com.ph/2018/06/15/azkals-introduce-terry-butcher-as-new-coach/

 

[rhk1112]

Only time can tell if the decision to replace Dooley with Butcher is indeed the right choice.

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Dooley Respects PFF Decision to Replace Him with Butcher

ByPTV NEWS - ABPosted on June 16, 2018

MANILA — Thomas Dooley said he respects the Philippine Football Federation’s (PFF) move to bring in former England skipper Terry Butcher as the new head coach of the Azkals.

“I have no hard feelings about the decision the PFF made. I don’t understand but I respect the decision,” the former American captain and erstwhile Azkals mentor said in a statement on Facebook late Friday night.

Dooley’s contract with the Azkals expired on March 31, but the PFF did not immediately renew the deal, leading to early speculations that the team could be going for a shift in direction ahead of this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup and next year’s AFC Asian Cup.

To read the rest of the article, go to:
http://ptvnews.ph/dooley-respects-pff-decision-replace-butcher/

 

[rhk1112]

An interview of the new Azkals Coach, Terry Butcher: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1991285561193436/

 

[rhk1112]

Azkals to Play Suzuki Cup Home Games in Panaad Stadium

By Adrian Stewart Co -Thursday, July 26, 2018

MANILA – Philippine Azkals will sure enjoy the support of football-loving Bacolodnons.

The Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City was chosen to host Azkals’ home games in the AFF Suzuki Cup this year.

“Azkals will play their AFF Suzuki Cup home games at Panaad Park [and] Stadium, Bacolod City,” Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta said in a statement.

Under new head coach Terry Butcher, Azkals will start its Suzuki Cup campaign in November, competing in a five-team round-robin group with a new home-and-away format.

To read the rest of the article, go to:
https://www.panaynews.net/azkals-to-play-suzuki-cup-home-games-in-panaad-stadium/

 

[rhk1112]

And to think that the PFF has had to fire Coach Thomas Dooley just to get this piece of English sh@%, and now he goes out and abandons the team.

It just goes to show how much in chaos the current Philippine Football scene is. The PFL is obviously dying a slow, almost sure death, the Azkals is going around like a headless chicken and it has lost Dan Palami to Basketball.

All these heralds a grim future for Philippine Football.

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Terry Butcher Quits as Azkals Head Coach

Published 7 hours ago on August 3, 2018
By Lorenzo del Carmen

Without ever having coached a game, former England defender Terry Butcher has left his position as the Philippine Men’s National Football Team head coach.

The stunning development was announced by Butcher himself in an interview with the Press Association.

“I’m sorry to announce that I will not be proceeding in the role as head coach of the Philippines national football team,” said the former Scotland assistant coach.

Butcher was announced as the new Azkals mentor in a press conference last June 14, 2018 at the Solaire Casino & Resort in Parañaque City. He replaced former USA captain Thomas Dooley who led the Azkals to the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup final and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The former Sydney FC coach was appointed alongside Scott Cooper as Senior Football Adviser, Chris Greatwich as assistant coach and Steve Marcells as goalkeeping coach. How this development affects them remains to be seen.

However, Butcher cited that he was not able to meet his own expectations for the squad that led to his resignation.

To read the rest of the article, go to:
https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/terry-butcher-quits-azkals-head-coach/123317

 

[rhk1112]

Only in the Philippines where the National Football Team has an important home game match at the major regional tournament that is the 2018 Suzuki Cup, and yet it gets little coverage while the local collegiate basketball game between Ateneo and UP hogs all of the limelight.

 

[Servinio2]

THE PHILIPPINE Football Federation (PFF) has released the 23 names that will comprise the Philippine Azkals in their historic participation in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup starting January 5 in the United Arab Emirates. The expected veteran superstars are on the list but a big challenge awaits the Filipinos as they will have to make do without top goalkeeper Neil Etheridge who is tied to his pro club Cardiff City in the English Premier League. READ MORE

 

[AzulWalters2]

Some local and local clubs have helped the Philippines promote and revitalize the sport. FIFA also helped the country build and modernize facilities, including creating the PFF headquarters in 2009. In addition, the creation of the United Football League (UFL) and the National Men's Club Championship provided more local competition. I recently read an article on https://zumroad.com/sport and learned that many stadiums could be found in the Philippines, such as the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, the country's national stadium. It is also the home stadium of the Philippine soccer team. Meanwhile, Panaad Stadium in Bacolod is a secondary venue for the Philippines.