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Post by dingodile5 on Jan 9, 2012 23:26:20 GMT 8
Training camp set for Azkals in DubaiBy Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer 10:19 pm | Monday, January 9th, 2012 MANILA, Philippines—Looking to get the best possible preparation for the AFC Challenge Cup, the Philippine Azkals will undergo a 12-day training camp highlighted by four matches against topnotch clubs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The camp will run from Feb. 5 to 17 and Azkals coach Michael Weiss hopes majority of the players based overseas will be able to participate in the workouts. Cohesion remains an issue for Weiss, who has had to deal with players arriving a day or two before matches as they are tied up with their respective clubs in Europe. Among those who are still doubtful for the Challenge Cup from March 9 to 13 in Nepal because of club commitments are Stephan Schrock, Neil Etheridge, Paul Mulders, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara.“I hope I can put the pieces of the puzzle together in a good way,” Weiss said. “We always talk of cohesion and you cannot jell, if you don’t play together. When we have our best players together, we are strong.” Bahrain was also considered as a possible site for the camp as it offered free accomodations and transportation, but manager Dan Palami said Dubai also made the same deal. Weiss said the itinerary in Dubai includes matches against two first division clubs, including Al-Ain. A match with the Australian Under-23 team is also part of the schedule. A match against the Qatar Under-23 team in Doha is also being worked out. “This is the next step for Philippine football (playing against strong teams overseas). What’s important is that our local boys—the pillars of the team—have very high level matches during the camp,” said Weiss. Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee chair Monico Puentevella has been appointed to the marketing and television committee of the International Football Federation (Fifa). The appointment is the second for Puentevella in Fifa. He was also part of the football body’s powerful media committee. sports.inquirer.net/31179/training-camp-set-for-azkals-in-dubai
Possible Fixtures in Middle East: Azkals vs Al Ain (Currently 1st in UAE league) Azkals vs Australia U-23 Azkals vs Qatar U-23All I can say is WOW!!! more challenges to them LORD Please let Etheridge, Lucena, Schrock, Cagara and Mulders play WE NEED THEM HERE!!!
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Post by cjeagle on Jan 12, 2012 5:53:49 GMT 8
I am not sure how accurate this is, but I came across this post on Azkals facebook: RT azkals_UAE I can announce that the 1st game of the Azkals tour of the UAE will be against Serbian champs Partizan Belgrade in Abu Dhabi on February 6th If this is confirmed and all those other teams mentioned proves to be just as accurate, the Azkals are going to be facing some tough opposition. I hope they get their first choice players from Europe. Otherwise, we might be seeing some inflated scores out there against us.
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Post by cjeagle on Jan 12, 2012 5:59:17 GMT 8
Here is the article mentioning their opponents: www.sport360.com/article/azkals-national-team-play-three-friendlies-uae'AZKALS' NATIONAL TEAM TO PLAY THREE FRIENDLIES IN THE UAE Jan 11, 2012 3 Pride of the Philippines: The 'Azkals' will fly in for an 11-day training camp. They may be ranked a lowly 159 in the FIFA world rankings, but the Philippines national team are set to cause quite a stir in the UAE after it was confirmed they are heading to Dubai next month. With an estimated 500,000 Filipinos residing in the Emirates the arrival of the 'Azkals' on February 5 for an 11 day training camp and three friendly matches is sure to generate plenty of interest. The country's top players including Stefan Schrock and Manuel Ott who ply their trade in Germany, Paul Mulders of ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands and goalkeeping prospect Neil Etheridge of English Premier League outfit Fulham are all expected to be one show. Their first friendly, which will see them pit their wits against reigning Serbian SuperLiga champions Partizan Belgrade, will be held in Abu Dhabi February 6 (7.30pm kick-off), while Dubai and possibly Sharjah or Al Ain will also play host to the 'Azkals'. The training camp will be used by Philippines coach Michael Weiss to fine tune preparations ahead of the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup which kicks off on March 8 in Nepal. "We very much look forward to the test of the high level of football which is now coming out of the Middle East and fast becoming attractive to the Europeans," said Weiss. "As a developing nation it’s important to get this experience. He added: "It’s a great opportunity to get everyone together ahead of the AFC Challenge Cup where we hope to at least reach the semi-finals. Dubai is a great place to visit; I’ve been a couple of times in the last year and have friends at the UAE FA so know how far football has come in those parts. In February, the temperature will be nice and we are eager and happy to meet the Filipino community there." After the recent devastation caused by monsoons in the southern Philippines the coach understands firsthand the positive effect football can have on the Filipino people. "We played in a charity game this week (January 7) for the victims of the disaster and 10,000 people packed the stands. It’s crazy how passionate the people are and it’s a rapidly growing market. Many people don’t have very much but they are happy with what they do have and the players are local heroes. Even when we lose they’re happy with the effort the players make. But on a professional level, I want to win." With three exciting friendly games to be announced shortly, Eric Gottschalk, the CEO of organizers MEDIAPRO Middle East, said: "It will be an opportunity for the Filipino community based in the UAE to come together and celebrate their national pride. The pricing structure of the games is designed in order to make the games accessible to everyone and help create a real party atmosphere with ticket prices starting as low as AED 50.00."
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Post by cjeagle on Jan 12, 2012 6:23:04 GMT 8
I am moving the Dubai training camp posts to this thread, as it deserves a thread of its own.
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Post by jonny on Jan 12, 2012 6:38:25 GMT 8
UFL releases UFL schedule with many matches during this period at the same time as PFF announces friendlies in Dubai..
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Post by cjeagle on Jan 12, 2012 6:48:01 GMT 8
UFL releases UFL schedule with many matches during this period at the same time as PFF announces friendlies in Dubai.. My guess is that the UFL might modify their schedule to accommodate the Azkals like they have done in the past especially since this is an important preparatory camp for the AFC Challenge Cup tournament which everyone wants us to do well. Besides, this moving of schedule happens in SEA a lot, if you listen to all the comments on Jakarta Casual. ;D
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Post by jpmanahan on Jan 12, 2012 23:55:21 GMT 8
We'll see if the UFL moves their sked. IIRC, only FIFA-sanctioned events warranted schedule adjustments.
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Post by cjeagle on Jan 15, 2012 0:14:49 GMT 8
Apparently the PFF addressed that question in this article: sports.inquirer.net/31681/pff-to-sign-p300-m-pact-with-abs-cbnAraneta and Palami were also able to thresh out scheduling concerns with the United Football League regarding the release of players for the build-up to the AFC Challenge Cup. Araneta said the clubs will allow standouts like Phil and James Younghusband to train with the national team for three days and two days with the club. “There are so many football activities and the meeting with the UFL is a step in the right direction,” said Araneta. Araneta said the UFL clubs will also allow players to be released for the 12-day training camp in Dubai, where the Azkals are slated to play three matches including one against Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade on Feb. 6.
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Post by jonny on Jan 15, 2012 0:44:30 GMT 8
That`s good , players will be released , but the UFL matches will be played, so many UFL clubs will play with weakened teams.
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Post by cypher210 on Jan 15, 2012 1:04:15 GMT 8
That`s good , players will be released , but the UFL matches will be played, so many UFL clubs will play with weakened teams. i think it would be good for the players filling in for the national team members. it will give them more experience
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Post by cjeagle on Jan 15, 2012 2:59:01 GMT 8
This happens all the time in leagues all over the world. It does give a chance for other players to show what they can do.
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Post by jpmanahan on Jan 16, 2012 23:16:47 GMT 8
The Premiership has this kind of situation with the African Cup of Nations, so this is the opportunity for the reserves to step up.
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Post by agentorange101 on Jan 17, 2012 11:53:44 GMT 8
UFL teams should realize that from now on, this would happen in a regular basis, they should adapt. plan their roster carefully. we could see that in EPL right now, loaning quality players from MLS to patch up their lineup that has been affected by African Nations Cup.
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Post by c_d on Jan 19, 2012 3:19:48 GMT 8
From azkals_UAE on twitter: Feb 6: vs Partizan Belgrade (in Dubai) Feb 13: vs Al-Ahli Sports Club (in Qatar) Feb 16: vs Aus u23 (in Dubai)
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Post by dingodile5 on Jan 19, 2012 23:32:09 GMT 8
Azkals Matches in the UAE Feb 6 8pm v Partizan Belgrade in Abu Dhabi Feb 10 730pm v TBC in Dubai Feb 13 730pm v Al Ahli Sports Club in Doha, Qatar Feb 16 730pm v Qantas Australian U23 in Dubai Source: www.facebook.com/AzkalsTourUAE?sk=wall
What's TBC??? Exciting ung Partizan at Junior Socceroos (Olympic Team/U-23)
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