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Post by cjeagle on Apr 15, 2015 14:02:26 GMT 8
cnnphilippines.com/sports/2015/04/15/football-philippine-azkals-hartmann-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers.html“Every year the Azkals get better and better, hopefully this time around we can proceed to the next round,” said Hartmann. The Philippines kick off their bid for the World Cup on June 11 at home against Bahrain, a side that they have become familiar with as of late after playing friendlies with them and holding a recent camp in their country. “No more training camps in Bahrain now [are they?]” joked Hartmann. Asked about the Philippines’ chances against the Bahrain squad, which defeated them 2-1 in their last encounter, Hartmann confidently said: “We know we can beat them.” cnnphilippines.com/sports/2015/04/15/football-philippine-azkals-hartmann-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers.html'Hard work begins' Azkal players Neil Etheridge and Rob Gier went on social media to express their thoughts on the results of the draw. “Tough draw but I think any group would have been tough. I think we might surprise a few people this year,” Gier tweeted. Etheridge chimed on Gier’s sentiments, saying: “No group is ever easy going to the World Cup!” For team manager Dan Palami, now comes the toughest part for the Azkals - preparing for the matches. The time for speculation is over, hard work begins. World Cup 2018 Asia Qualifiers, here we go! Let's Go AZKALS! Let's go PILIPINAS! — dan stephen palami (@dscpalami) April 14, 2015 The Philippine Azkals' road to Russia will begin against Bahrain on June 11.
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Post by mike fil montz on Apr 15, 2015 16:18:24 GMT 8
I believe the first team in the above list is the home team. Cedelf mentioned that the first game against Bahrain will possibly be at the Philippine Stadium. Ok. Hope we can fill the Philippine Stadium given that June 11 is a Thursday. All the best for the Azkals! Independence the day after... just sayin..
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Post by cjeagle on Apr 16, 2015 0:13:26 GMT 8
www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/rampaging-fullback-the-azkals-tough-road-in-the-fifa-world-cup-qualifiersThe very difficult road to Russia 2018 and to UAE 2019 just got a little bit clearer for the Philippines, as the Azkals were drawn in Group H together with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea and Yemen. The Azkals ultimate target is to book a slot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the first step is to finish as group winners or as one of the four best second placed finishers in this qualifying round. That is easier said than done, especially having been grouped with 73rd ranked Uzbekistan, 108th ranked Bahrain, 2010 World Cup participants North Korea and Yemen. On the surface, the Philippines seemingly had a tough draw – and it is true. With all due respect, the Azkals could’ve gotten Myanmar and Laos OR Bhutan and Hong Kong instead of North Korea and Yemen. But then again instead of Uzbekistan, the Azkals could’ve drawn powerhouses like 2015 Asian Cup Champions Australia, runners-up South Korea, or perennial contenders Japan. Overall, as Captain Rob Gier tweeted, it is a “tough draw, but I think any group would have been tough.” A home match against Bahrain in Manila on June 11 is a great way to kick off our group stage matches, not only because we start our campaign on home soil, but also because in Bahrain we have a team we seemingly match up well against – 0-0 in 2012 and a 1-2 loss last March the previous results. Salmon fishing won’t be in the agenda as we face Yemen away on June 16, but we will certainly be confident against them especially if we play in a neutral venue such as Dubai where the Filipino contingent is strong. A home match against Uzbekistan is next, where the Azkals will hope to already have the maximum points in the bag. A very, very intriguing trip to Pyongyang is next on October 8, where the Azkals are due to face North Korea. This may be a trip that most Azkals would privately dare not miss. On the field, North Korea could arguably be the strongest team from Pot 4, which would pose quite a few challenges to the Azkals, to say the least. PFF President Nonong Araneta says, “It’s a tough group, not only the opponents but also the travelling involved. I’m worried about the travels, the distances and the time difference.”
“For example, on October 8 we play in Pyongyang, North Korea and then five days later on October 13 we play in Manama, Bahrain.”
There are no direct flights from Manila to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Manama in Bahrain, or to Pyongyang in North Korea.
All of their trips will include at least one stopover, and in the case of Tashkent and Manama, will involve travelling 14 and 9 hours respectively by plane.
As for North Korea, the players have to take the circuitous route from Manila to Beijing and then on to Pyongyang for another two hour flight.However, Araneta is upbeat: “I know the team can perform. Schrock is back and hopefully Ramsay, Palla and the new guys will help.” Be it as it may, Azkals fans have eight matches to look forward to. With the Azkals boasting of a mix of experience and youth and with Thomas Dooley having a year of experience under his belt, other teams should rightly be wary of the Philippines. Rob Gier tweeted, “I think we might surprise a few people this year.” Well, captain, we #Believe. The teams have been grouped, the battle lines have been drawn and the path is clear. Again, a whole nation awaits. Let’s go, Azkals!
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Post by jvictor on Apr 16, 2015 8:47:40 GMT 8
So who are the new guys were gonna see for qualifiers. Any short lists?
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Post by cjeagle on Apr 17, 2015 1:59:23 GMT 8
So who are the new guys were gonna see for qualifiers. Any short lists? Dooley said he expects midfielder Fil-German midfielder Stephan Schrock to be back in the team before the World Cup Qualifiers start in June. Prospects like Stephen Palla, Iain Ramsay and Luke Woodland are also expected to join the side before the start of the campaign. Austrian international David Alaba, whose mother is from the Philippines, recommended Palla, a defender, to the Azkals, according to Azkals manager Dan Palami. England youth player Woodland, a former England youth player, was receptive to the idea of playing for the team following a meeting with Azkals skipper Rob Gier recently. Ramsay, who plays for Melbourne City in the A-League, is in the process of renewing his Filipino passport. “We’re optimistic that these players will suit up for the Azkals and represent the country well,” said Palami. ___ Manny Ott's brother, Mike Ott is also a possible new addition. The biggest need though is at striker so hopefully Patino will eventually decide to play for us.
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Post by Filipinas50 on Apr 17, 2015 9:05:16 GMT 8
Azkals to Play World Cup Qualifiers Home Games at PSSsports.inquirer.net/178290/azkals-to-play-world-cup-qualifiers-home-games-at-pss12:47 AM | Friday, April 17th, 2015 The newly-built Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan will serve as the Philippine Azkals home field when they vie in the World Cup Qualifiers starting with the showdown with Bahrain on June 11.Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta said the PSS was an easy choice as the Iglesia ni Cristo-owned facility can seat 20,000 people with a natural grass pitch.We will be playing our officials matches here (at PSS),said Araneta, who attended the AFC Cup match between Global and Yadanarbon at the PSS Wednesday night. Araneta felt the Azkals could have gotten a better draw in the World Cup Qualifiers, after the Filipinos were grouped with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea and Yemen. The PFF chief pointed to the difficulty of traveling for away matches that could take a toll on the team.My concern is the travel of the team, said Araneta, citing the away games in October that sees the Azkals traveling to Pyongyang for the match against North Korea, before traveling on Oct. 13 to Manama for the away leg against Bahrain.The PFF chief said the priority now is to have all players available for the matches.We have to make sure that we have all the players are available that they will be able to train together next month and hopefully we can arrange one friendly here in May, said Araneta
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Post by b3lowzro on Apr 17, 2015 15:31:04 GMT 8
will Jong Tae Se play again for the NoKors?
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Post by jvictor on Apr 17, 2015 15:33:34 GMT 8
Kim Jung Un will
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Post by cjeagle on Apr 19, 2015 14:25:54 GMT 8
Coach Dooley upbeat as Philippines eye World Cup trip into the unknown Philippines coach Thomas Dooley wants to focus on finishing second in Group H of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The Philippines' path to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia involves strong teams and some long, and potentially troublesome, away trips. The Azkals are attempting to become the first Southeast Asian country to qualify for football's biggest stage, but standing in their way in the second round are Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea and Yemen. The harsh reality is that it will not be easy. Here are three things to know about the Azkals' road to Russia 2018: 1. Tough draw for the Azkals. However you look at it, the Azkals were given a fairly difficult task. Group F could have ASEAN neighbours Thailand and Vietnam vying for second place. It will not be as straightforward for the Azkals in Group H. Azkals' talisman Phil Younghusband said: "It's a tough draw against some strong teams, no matter what the rankings say. All teams at this level are going to be tough" Coach Thomas Dooley preferred to see the positive side. "The draw could've been worse. We could've had Australia, Japan ... could've had much more difficult teams," Dooley said. "In a tournament like this, any game is very, very difficult. But some games are more difficult; in that case, I am very happy with the draw." Dooley is pragmatic about his side's ambitions: "Our goal should be to be one of the best second placers, not winning the group stage. "This is something we have to be focused on; this is something that we can achieve." He analysed the teams the Azkals are set to face in Group H. "Obviously, we have difficult opponents. We have North Korea where nobody really knows what's going on. "We have Yemen. It's very difficult right now with the situation they are in. "Uzbekistan -- a tough, tough team anyhow. Those kinds of teams are always difficult. "Bahrain are another opponent who we have to take carefully, but we can beat them. That's why I am thinking about the draw, overall, I think everything is good." PFF Secretary General Ed Gastanes is quietly optimistic of the team's chances: "A win by our team against these teams is not a remote possibility. That is the upside of the draw results. Hard preparation and training should increase our chances." To be the best, you have to beat the strong teams. These eight games will show how far the Azkals have come since being regarded as one of Asia's minnows just five years ago. Philippines striker Phil Younghusband was cautious about his team's chances in Group H. 2. First game is crucial The Azkals open the qualifying campaign at home in the brand new 25,000-seater Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan with the team having a great chance to make a big first impression and set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers. Coach Thomas Dooley minces no words about the importance of the Azkals' first game -- a home match on Jun. 11 against Bahrain. "The first game against Bahrain is the most important of the tournament in my opinion," he said. "Because if you want to win second place, then you have to beat Bahrain." Getting a result against 73rd ranked Uzbekistan from Pot 1 could be very difficult, but Dooley is optimistic about his team's chances against Pot 2 side, Bahrain. "Because Uzbekistan, you never know. You have to expect that you might lose both games -- home and away -- to teams in the first pot because they are just better knowledge wise and from experience," he said. "I said it before the game in Bahrain . This is the level we have to measure us. This is a team that we have to beat once.
"This is a team that we are in the same level, but we have to show it. I said we haven't won a game against a team that is in front of us (in the rankings). "So it is about time we do something about this -- to find out where we are staying." The Azkals will need to surmount tough logistical challenges if they are to qualify from Group H.
3. Travel may be a concern
On Oct. 8, the Azkals will travel to Pyongyang to the world's biggest stadium where they will face unpredictable North Korea in cool Autumn conditions.
Five days later, the Azkals will play Bahrain in 35 degree heat but only after taking a 10-hour flight and setting the clock back by six hours.
These are the sort of conditions that the players and coaching staff must rise up to and Dooley is well aware of the challenges posed by long travelling times.
"I wouldn't say it is bothering us," he said. "I would say it is a disadvantage."
Dooley then challenged his players: "I would say: It comes back to you again, how do you see it as a player? Does it bother you so much that you cannot be 100 percent fit?
"Maybe we have to see, as soon as our game is over here, we need to get out of here and get over there that we can relax in two to three days over there.
"As long as we have time to recover at that place, I think we should be fine."
Travel to North Korea -- much like their national team -- is also something shrouded in mystery.
"I don't know yet if we play over there, in the biggest stadium in the world," he said.
"But if we want to get second place, we have to get some points against North Korea -- no matter where, no matter what, no matter how."
Yemen look to be in no state to host any football matches, which may force them to look to the countries like Dubai to play their home games -- something that may work to the Azkals' advantage.
"It is favourable for us because we have training sessions there so we know already the climate and everything," said Dooley.
PFF President Nonong Araneta is also wary of the distances that need to be covered.
"It's a tough group, not only the opponents but also the travelling involved," he said. "I'm worried about the travels, the distances and the time difference."
PFF's Gastanes added: "It is a long travel to Uzbekistan but Yemen and Bahrain away matches will be in Middle East, which is a destination our team is used to and nearer to our Europe-based players. North Korea is few hours' flight from Manila. I would say it is a fairly acceptable travel burden."
It is time once again for Philippine football history to be made. The road has been laid out for Dooley's team, but challenges abound.
The Azkals, no strangers to difficult hurdles, must rise up this time and make the next leap forward.
The stakes are that much higher. A step closer to the Holy Grail of football -- the FIFA World Cup Finals -- await.
www.espnfc.com/blog/football-asia/153/post/2404991/coach-dooley-upbeat-as-philippines-eye-world-cup-trip-into-the-unknown
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Post by cjeagle on Apr 19, 2015 15:40:22 GMT 8
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Post by soyuz ibrahimovic on Apr 20, 2015 12:19:25 GMT 8
Bahrain- beatable, N.Korea - beatable, Yemen - beatable, Uzbekistan - minimal chance. Darn Group F is like a mini Suzuki Cup tournament.
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Post by cjeagle on Apr 28, 2015 7:05:50 GMT 8
Official Schedule filipinofootball.blogspot.com/2015/04/2018-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-afc.html 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - AFC 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - AFC 11. June Philippines - Bahrain . Philippine Sports Stadium, Bulacan, 8 pm 16. June Yemen - Philippines , Qatar Sports Club, Doha, 7 pm 8. September Philippines - Uzbekistan , Philippine Sports Stadium, Bulacan , 8 pm 8. October DPR Korea - Philippines , Kim Il Jung Stadium , Pyongyang 4.30 pm 13. October Bahrain - Philippines , Bahrain NAtional Stadium , Manama , 6 pm 12. Novermber Philippines - Yemen , Philippine Sports Stadium , 8 pm 2016 24. March Uzbekistan - Philippines , Bunyodkor Stadium , Tashkent , 6 pm 29. March Philippines- DPR Korea , Philippine Sports Stadium , 8 pm www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?view=all&id=169&type=Stage#ui-tabs-2
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Post by chizcake on Apr 28, 2015 21:52:04 GMT 8
bahrain is doable and plus there is home field advantage
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Post by kuo24 on Apr 28, 2015 23:52:59 GMT 8
Our away match vs. Yemen will be staged on neutral ground (Qatar). With our OFW contingent, we have a chance to steal home field advantage and make that an Azkals zone.
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Post by slayermoonlight on Apr 29, 2015 0:42:20 GMT 8
Sorry butI'm still pessimistic with the Azkals chance to proceed to the next round. Yeah we might have guys like Schrock, Ramsay, and Palla reinforcing the Azkals. But we still don't have a dependable striker. Whether you agree with me or not regardless of how we dominate the midfield and how soild we are in defense it is the forwards/strikers who wins the game. If we cannot score, we are not worthy of winning.
Phil is inconsistent and lacks clinical finishing. Not that I don't like him personally but he's definitely not our "talisman" as other claim him to be. As for Patino, we can rule him out as he is most likely not interested to play for us anyway.
I really hope I'm totally wrong but who else can we rely on to for scoring goals? Unless we have other dependable attackers aside from Phil..... i dunno....
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