Beware the Filipinos
Rajagobal wary of threat posed by the Azkals
Wednesday, March 07, 2012 - 20:18
by Haresh Deol
KELANA JAYA: National coach Datuk K. Rajagobal has not discounted the possibility that the Philippines and Thailand could be the title contenders for the Asean Cup in November.
Rajagobal said he was not merely making up excuses but said the facts speak for themselves as this year’s edition could turn into a treat for the fans.
“Don’t disregard the Philippines. They have a handful of talents playing abroad and can certainly pull off a surprise,” said Rajagobal.
“We played against them in a friendly recently and they did not have several of their Europe-based players as they were unable to obtain clearance from their respective clubs.”
Among the big names playing for the Azkals — as the Filipino team are popularly known back home — include Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, FSV Frankfurt defender Dennis Cagara and Germany-based players Denis Wolf of FC Madgeburg and SpVgg Greuther Furth’s Stephan Schrock. Former Chelsea youth and reserve team midfielder James Younghusband is also in their national set-up.
Malaysia managed a late goal to secure a 1-1 draw against the Philippines in the match last week that has now been dogged by controversy. Two Filipino players, Angel Guirado and Lexton Moy, had “sexually harassed” match commissioner Cristy Ramos-Jalasco — daughter of former president Fidel V. Ramos — when she conducted a credential check prior to the match.
Rajagobal was quick to add that Malaysia did not start with their best players, including goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and defender Muslim Ahmad, in that match.
“I was discussing with (assistant coach) Tan Cheng Hoe prior the match and we realised 12 of our players who played at the 2010 Asean Cup were not with the team in Manila. It was an avenue for us to test the other players and several newcomers.
“Many tend to forget the Philippines were semifinalist at the 2010 tournament. They played two matches against Indonesia in Jakarta and lost both matches with a similar score of 1-0. What if they had played one of the matches in Manila? I’m sure it would have been a different scoreline.”
The Philippines played both the matches in Jakarta as they did not have a proper venue to host the Indonesians in the two-leg semifinal clash.
Thailand, meanwhile, have always been the region’s favourites. Their German coach Winfried Schaefer has grand plans of guiding them to the 2018 World Cup.
“Have you seen Thailand play recently? They are really good.”
“We may be the defending champions but I believe it is an open race this time around with Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia in the mix as well.”
A bulk of the Singapore national players are playing with the LionsXII in the ongoing Super League.
“That’s how they maintain their consistency and gel well as a team,” added Rajagobal.
Rajagobal instead will have some 21 days between the Malaysia Cup final and the start of the Asean Cup to be with the Tigers.
“I have my plans and I am keeping tabs on all these teams. I am sure this year’s tournament will be a treat for the fans.”
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