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The Filipino right-back has penned a deal until 2015 with Markus Babbel's side and has declared himself delighted with the opportunity of playing in Germany's top flight
Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim have announced they have signed Azkals star Stephan Schrock from Greuther Furth on a three-year deal.

The Philippines international will move to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on a free transfer, after his contract with the 2.Bundesliga leaders expires at the end of the current season.

The 25-year-old, who made his debut with the Philippines last June in a World Cup qualification match against Sri Lanka, has declared himself delighted to join the Sinsheim-based side, saying that this gives him the opportunity of taking a step to the next level.

“I'm very much looking forward to the challenge at Hoffenheim, who have made a name for themselves on their way to becoming an established side in the Bundesliga,” he was quoted as saying by bundesliga.de.

“I can take the next step in my career here.”

Schrock's signing also was praised by Hoffenheim boss Markus Babbel, who said that the Filipino right-back was a major target for his club.

“Stephan Schrock was a prime transfer target for mine. He has all the qualities that a modern day defender needs to have,” he said.

“In signing him we have gained the necessary substance and will have more alternatives in our defensive department for the future.”

Kathmandu: The Philippines ended an impressive 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign in third place as Phil Younghusband's double propelled the Azkals to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Palestine in an absorbing encounter between the two beaten semi-finalists. Youngusband took his individual tally to five as the Azkals took the lead with just four minutes into Monday's meeting at the Dashrath Stadium before Abdulhamid Abuhabib's sweetly-struck right-foot curler drew Palestine level in the 20th minute.

The Philippines reclaimed their advantage from the penalty spot just four minutes later as Younghusband scored his sixth of the campaign before Angel Guirado, returning after missing the semi-final through suspension, made it 3-1 just before the break.

Abuhabib closed the gap with his second of the match in the 67th minute only for Juan Guirado to restore the Philippines' two-goal cushion two minutes later.

Fahed Attal scored Palestine's third and although the West Asians pushed hard for the leveller the Philippines held out for the 4-3 win.

The Philippines got off to a blistering start when an intelligent ball from skipper Emelio Calgdong released Younghusband down the left flank and the 24-year-old cut inside towards goal and skilfully escaped the attention of two defenders before firing low past Palestine captain Ramzi Saleh for his first of the match.

Palestine should have drawn level three minutes later when Husam Abusalah sprung the Philippines offside trap to release Fahed Attal but he missed the chance to extend his record as he mishit his shot with only keeper Eduardo Sacapano, who was coming in for the suspended Neil Etheridge, to beat.

A lapse in concentration at the back from Khaled Mahdi, one of just four players in the Palestine squad that featured in the goalless draw with the Philippines in the qualifiers, gave Paul Mulders a golden opportunity to double the Azkals' advantage but Saleh did well to block the ADO Den Haag winger's shot with his leg.

A period of Palestine pressure followed, with Khader Abuhammad off-target from the same area as Attal's earlier miss before Mohammed Mohammed showed some deft skills to fashion a shooting opportunity only to see his 19th minute effort cannon off the crossbar.

The deserved equaliser did come a minute later with Abdulhamid Abuhabib curling the ball superbly into the top corner only for all their good work to be undone in the 24th minute, when Caligdong was tripped in the box allowing Younghusband to confidently slam home his sixth of the tournament from the penalty spot.

With four minutes of the half remaining Angel Guirado got in behind the Palestine defence and easily slipped the ball past the advancing Saleh for the Azkals' third as the Philippines took a commanding lead into the interval.

Marwin Angeles replaced injured skipper Caligdong in the second half with James Younghusband, also back from suspension, taking over the captain's armband.

Neither side was able to really test their opponent's keeper in the first 20 minutes of the second period but when there was finally a shot on target it was made to count with Palestine drawing level in the 67th minute.

The ball was worked across the face of the Philippines' penalty area, finding its way to the unmarked Abuhabib, who lashed home his second of the match.

But again, the Philippines hit back almost immediately, when good build-up play from James Younghusband and Angel Guirado sent Angel's brother Juan through on goal and the 32-year-old coolly slotted the ball past Saleh to make it 4-2 in the 69th minute.

Palestine reduced the deficit less than ten minutes later when Attal scored his ninth AFC Challenge Cup goal after the Philippines failed to clear the ball before Abuhabib was denied his hat-trick and the equaliser in the 81st minute thanks to a fine reflex save from Sacapano.

Palestine pushed hard to get back on level terms but the Philippines were not be denied the win in an epic conclusion to their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign.

Raphael Phoebus M. Ubales
Azkals United

Earlier today (March 16, 2012), the Philippines witnessed football history for our country during the semi-finals match of the AFC Challenge Cup between the Philippine Azkals and the Turkmenistan Green Men.

An optimistic nation (amidst the controversies back home) embraced the challenge to beat the Turkmenistan team in the hopes of clinching a spot for the finals.

Although we had a very nice first half, we were not able to sustain a 1 – 0 score from the goal hungry Turks, ending the game with 2 goals later for the Turkmenistan team.

It was almost a dream come true when Paul Mulder’s cross from the right made a perfect combination with Phil Younghusband just in time to nick the ball with his chest to take advantage of the moment, making it 1 – 0. It was when Amanov saw the opportunity of given time and space outside of the box to chip in the ball to beat our goalkeeper. It was followed shortly by Chonkaev’s ball-handling skills and attack that slotted the ball and sealed the deal for their finals berth.

As the ball pressed forward to the Turk’s post during the added injury time, an agonized Chonkaev was down. Confusion broke on the field and the final call was a red card for Etheridge. This is where the photo comes in...

According to the ref’s call, Neil was given the red because of an incident that was caught on cam. But now, looking at this photo, do we have another perspective that was left buried after the final whistle?

Who would have thought that the reason for Neil’s behavior was his response to this stimulus? You cannot deny what happened in this shot. We could have played dirty, but Football is a game for the friendly.

I was personally more disappointed than disgusted. The photo may also somehow show that the Turk’s were intimidated with the Azkals that they needed to resort to such cheap tricks. I don’t know, this is just my opinion. Football is definitely a game of chance.

We could’ve won if things turned out differently, but as a young team, we did splendid. Amidst the controversies that the team is now facing, they kept fighting for our country.

These Filipinos fought hard and they played fair. At the end of the day, I couldn’t have been more proud with how these boys including Coach Weiss and the people behind them strived hard to put Football in the Philippine limelight. Your thoughts?

by Daryl Lagos
Founder - Azkals United

I get comments from people like "I am starting to hate Azkals United" - "Sexual Harassment should not be tolerated" & "Know your facts, Excuse me..." are just a few of them.

When we found out about the sexist & racist remarks of the GMA 7 hosts, I felt for the FILIPINA mothers who gave birth to these proud FILIPINOS dawning our flag in international football.

let me get this straight, We are not for the misconduct of any member of the team, certainly and strongly not for the tolerance of sexual harassment as a general act.

We are for the FILIPINOS who support the comeback of Philippine football.

We are for what is right and just...and I certainly believe that all of us are entitled to our own opinions.

What bothers me is that a public host/anchor/journalist/broadcaster who is by the way on the position to openly report on events across millions of viewers can tarnish,manipulate,mislead, and put malice to certain situations.

Building a good reputation is one of the hardest act to do, while destroying one is easy as taking a candy from a baby.

So why? are we getting paid? No. Am I for the harassment of women? certainly not. Then what?

When you are given the position to openly inform the public, it is a responsibility.

A responsibility that is to rightfully inform, report to the public, facts and not tarnishing opinions.

The pending case to 2 of the members of the Azkals has yet to be heard nor proven and the remarks you utter certainly tainted the situation painting an imagery of sexual offenders that can/will result to misleading public opinions.

As I said, we are also against such act, but to mislead public opinion...that is uncalled for.

Your racist comments towards these people are also overboard.

What can you say to the millions of Filipinos who trace their roots in our country even if he/she grew up abroad?

are they not entitled to their rights given by our very own law? which protects each and every citizen against bigotry, or an act of being narrow-minded?

It's funny how opinions can be both liberal and destructive, how it can be a shield towards ignorance and disrespect.

Simply put it this way, bigotry is believing that you are absolutely correct and nothing is above that like a fact and an opinion is about speaking a mind into it.

Journalist / Broadcasters should very well know the difference for it doesn't take rocket science to know that you've actually discriminated/offended a person and unlawfully mislead public opinion.

When the PFF questioned about the racist & sexist remarks, you answer on about sexual harassment.

is 1 + 1 = NO ?

the campaign against sexual harassment is no excuse to discriminate.

Paano naman yung purong pinoy sa dugo at balat ngunit paninira ang dulot sa kapwa? hindi ba yun ang hindi dapat tularan?

ESPN fired not just suspended a reporter because the community saw a racist remark on his headline with regards to Asian-American sensation Jeremy Lin.

They found the sensitivity to public opinion far greater than the reporters prejudice, cause at the end of the day it is the people that they serve & entertain that truly matters most.

Football has always been fighting to oust racism simply because it is the World's No. 1 sport and this is the reason behind our cause to fight it and destroy the seed that spreads division and discrimination.

Below is the official response from GMA Network to the statement of the Philippine Football Federation about Arnold Clavio:

Kamakailan, inireklamo ng sexual harassment ang dalawang miyembro ng Philippine Azkals ni dating Philippine Olympic Committee President Cristy Ramos, anak ni dating Pangulong Ramos.

Nitong Martes, napag-usapan po sa Unang Hirit ang sexual harassment complaint ni Cristy Ramos laban sa dalawang miyembro ng Azkals kung saan nagbigay ang ilang hosts ng kani-kanilang opinyon.

Kahapon, nakatanggap ang GMA Network ng liham mula sa Philippine Football Federation o PFF kung saan inireklamo ang mga komentaryo nina Arnold Clavio at Rhea Santos sa kanilang programa.

Nais po linawin ng GMA Network na ang mga inirereklamong pahayag ay hindi bahagi ng aming news reporting kung saan tanging mga statement of facts ang ibinabalita at kung saan walang puwang ang pagbibigay ng opinyon ng mga host. Ang mga inireklamong pahayag ay unscripted discussion ng Unang Hirit hosts sa commentary segment ng programa kung saan sila ay nagpalitan ng opinyon at nagbigay ng kani-kanilang pananaw tungkol sa naturang issue.

Nalulungkot po ang GMA Network na iba ang naging intindi ng Philippine Football Federation sa mga sinabi ni Arnold. Ang pinapatungkulan ni Arnold ay hindi kung Filipino citizen o kung may lahing Pilipino ang mga Azkals kundi kung naisapuso at naisaisip ba nila ang kulturang Pinoy.  

Ang  issue na tinalakay sa Unang Hirit ay sexual harassment—isang mahalagang issue kung saan matindi ang paninindigan ng mga host. Meron pong karapatan sina Arnold, Rhea at iba pang host na ihayag ang kanilang opinyon, isang karapatang pinoprotektahan ng ating Saligang Batas. Sang-ayon man kami o hindi sa kanilang opinyon, ang karapatan nilang ihayag ito ay kinikilala ng GMA Network tulad ng aming pagrespeto sa karapatan ng publiko at maging ng PFF na maghayag ng kanilang opinyon—basta ang nasabing opinyon ay hindi labag sa batas.

Sa liham ng Philippine Football Federation, sinabi nilang racist, discriminatory, libelous at malicious ang mga pahayag nina Arnold Clavio at Rhea Santos. Pero ang GMA Network po, walang nakitang racist, walang discriminatory, walang libelous at walang malicious sa mga komentaryo nina Arnold at Rhea.

14 March 2012
GMA NETWORK, INC.
GMA Network Center
EDSA corner Timog Avenue
Quezon City
Attention: Mr. GILBERTO R. DUAVIT, JR.
President & COO

Re: RACIST, LIBELOUS & DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENTS OF GMA-7 TV HOST
ARNOLD CLAVIO IN YOUR NEWS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS TV PROGRAM
“UNANG HIRIT” ON 13 MARCH 2012

Gentlemen:

The PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL FEDERATION (PFF) would like to lodge a formal complaint with your organization for the racist, discriminatory, libelous and malicious statements of your Program Host, ARNOLD CLAVIO and his other co-hosts, during the nationwide broadcast of your News & Public Affairs Program “Unang Hirit” last 13 March 2012.

After reading a news report on the Philippines vs. India match (March 11, 2012), the Philippines vs. Tajikistan match scheduled on March 13, 2012, and a news report on how the members of the Philippine National Football Team (Men’s) focus on their scheduled games despite the sexual harassment complaint filed by CRISTINA RAMOS against Philippine team players LEXTON MOY and ANGEL GUIRADO, the following statements, among others, were uttered by your host ARNOLD CLAVIO, thus:

Host Rhea Santos – “Kailangan masampulan eh…”

Host Arnold Clavio – “Kaya talagang ano na. Aral na sa inyo yan, ang yayabang nyo akala nyo. Porke’t dinadagsa kayo ng mga fans, ang gugugwapo nyo eh.”

“Parang God’s gift to women”

“Alam mo lahat.. lahat nang… nakuwento nga ni Cristina at nang dalawa nyang kasama. Lahat ginawa para ipaalam na may babaeng papasok sa locker, ilang katok nga sila eh. Eh malapit na yung match eh. Kailangan ma-check na yung dalawang koponan. Eh nauna yung Philippine team bago yung Malaysian… na team.

“Ngayon nag-sorry para sa isa daw nilang kasamahan. Saan ka nakakita ng Azkal na may suso? Wala naman akong…. anong cup B? Maybe a cup B sa isang kasama?

“Palusot na lang…”

“Sana nag-sorry, sorry na lang talaga, di ba? Parang…”

“Hindi ko kayo ka-kultura. Kasi wala dito (pointing to his chest)…. at wala dito (pointing to his head)…”

“Hindi naman kayo Pilipino. Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi. Hindi kayo dito lumaki”…

“Mahirap yun….. Insensitive.”

“Para maging aral.”

“Congratulations. Kasi hiwalay naman ito sa ginagawa nilang pakikipaglaban. So, good luck din sa inyong susunod na laban para mapunta kayo sa Final 4 ha. Na bihira pong marating nang Pilipinas sa matagal na panahon.”

“Alam naman nila yung mga sexcapades nila sa isa’t isa eh, di ba? Sino ba nag-penicillin.. Alam naman nila yun.”

“Akala siguro lahat sila gusto silang matikman siguro… makasama…Diyos ko.”

Your TV Host ARNOLD CLAVIO’s declarations that the members of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team “are not Filipinos” and “are only pretending to be Filipinos” are not only libelous and defamatory to the good name and reputation of the PFF and the Filipino players comprising the Men’s National Team now playing with their hearts for “flag and country” at the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal. They are also verbal statements of a racist nature and constitute malicious, contemptuous, discriminatory and denigratory remarks concerning race and origin that offend the dignity of the Filipino players and Filipinos who are similarly situated.

ARNOLD CLAVIO has made those scathing and offensive remarks with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of his statements. In association football, only citizens of the country can be a member of the Representative “A” Team of the country, i.e., its National Team. In making his scurrilous statements, CLAVIO made it appear that PFF has selected persons who are not Filipino citizens to be members of and play for the Philippine National Team. This subjects all Philippine National Teams (not only the Men’s National Team) to doubts by international organizations, spectators and opposing national teams as to the Filipino citizenship, and therefore eligibility, of the Philippine team players. It also puts the name and reputation of the Philippines and the PFF in disrepute. CLAVIO obviously does not know (and neither he nor your program staff did not care to check) that only Filipinos can play in the Philippine National Football Team. Indeed, weeks prior to any international tournament a country has to submit to the organizer a list of its National Team players with proof of their citizenship or nationality (e.g. passports).

The members of the Philippine National Team now playing in Nepal at the AFC Challenge Cup are Filipinos just like your Unang Hirit hosts Arnold Clavio, Rhea Santos, Connie Sison and Lyn Ching-Pascual. Some of the current members of the Philippine Men’s Football Team have either a Filipina mother or a Filipino father, thus qualifying them to be natural-born Filipino citizens. One can notice the obvious discomfort of even CLAVIO’s co-host Lyn Ching-Pascual when he confidently uttered the words “Hindi naman kayo Pilipino. Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi….”

ARNOLD CLAVIO also discriminates against the Philippine national team players who, for one reason or another, grew up or partly grew up outside the Philippines when he uttered the words “Hindi kayo dito lumaki”. This constitutes disparaging and demeaning remarks against Filipino children of Filipinos who are compelled by circumstances to work and live abroad with their children. His bias against Filipinos who grew up abroad is utterly shocking and is not expected to be blurted out by a TV host of your respected and reputable organization. Many Filipinos, including our own President Benigno S. Aquino, partly grew up abroad by force of circumstances. Are they less Filipino than those who grew up entirely in the Philippines?

ARNOLD CLAVIO is also guilty of sexist remarks and sex-related innuendo leveled against the Philippine National Team players when he uttered the words “Alam naman nila yung mga sexcapades nila sa isa’t isa eh, di ba? Sino ba nag-penicillin… Alam naman nila yun.”…..“ Akala siguro lahat sila gusto silang matikman siguro… makasama…Diyos ko.” Added to that statement was host Rhea Santos’ statement that “[y]ung mga babae…kasi porke guwapo… sikat… minsan halos itapon na nila yung mga sarili doon sa mga lalaki” that operate to demean and disparage Filipino women, in general, and the Filipino women supporters of the Philippine Men’s National Team. It must be noted that your Unang Hirit program caters to all age groups.

After uttering the above-stated libelous, racist and discriminatory remarks, and after obviously reading an idiot board or reminder from somebody (not covered by the camera), ARNOLD CLAVIO, congratulated the team and wished them luck during their next game so they could qualify for the semifinals of the Challenge Cup, a situation which CLAVIO himself admitted is seldom attained “by the Philippines”.”Nonetheless, the unquantifiable damage and injury to the PFF and the Philippine Men’s National Football Team has already been inflicted by the scurrilous and discriminatory words emanating from your TV host ARNOLD CLAVIO.

As you are aware, the matter of sexual harassment complaint by Cristina Ramos against Philippine players Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado is now pending before the PFF Disciplinary Committee which has primary jurisdiction over the complaint. While your organization may report news concerning the matter, we and the public expect that no racist, discriminatory, sexist, or disparaging remarks that offend the dignity of persons or organizations or maliciously defame persons or organizations are made by your hosts and reporters.

We thus lodge this complaint and protest with GMA NETWORK, INC. and demand that, (i) your organization impose, after requisite proceedings, the appropriate sanction on your TV host ARNOLD CLAVIO; (ii) your organization and/or ARNOLD CLAVIO rectify, among others, his discriminatory, racist and libelous assertions that members of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team are not Filipinos and are only pretending to be Filipinos; and, (iii) your organization and/or ARNOLD CLAVIO issue a written apology to the PFF and the Philippine Men’s National Football Team which should also be forthwith read and given prominence in your News & Public Affairs TV program, “Unang Hirit”.

We are thankful that in one way or another, your organization has helped in the promotion of football in the Philippines. We all know that encouraging the Filipino youth to engage in sports in general or play football in particular contributes to nation-building. We however strongly protest the previously cited statements of your Unang Hirit Hosts ARNOLD CLAVIO and RHEA SANTOS.
Very truly yours,

MARIANO V. ARANETA., JR.
President

EDWIN B. GASTANES
PFF Legal Counsel

by Daryl Lagos, Azkals United

The Philippines came from behind to win a historic spot in the Semi-Finals of the AFC Challenge Cup 2012.

Proud Filipinos celebrated this win but this TV news anchor spilled his gut on his morning show on national TV stating racist comments towards the players of the Philippine NAtional Football Team.

”Di naman sila mga Filipino, nagpapanggap lang na kayumangi...”

Slandered a way to weave himself to his biased point that the Azkals are "Sex offenders:...

"Alam naman nila yung mga sexcapades ng bawat isa..kung sino ang ngpepenecilin.."

A tag-line of GMA 7 News is

" walang kinilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, serbisyong totoo lamang "

" Nothing is Favored, Nothing is Protected, No Lies, True Service Only "

I think GMA 7 can very well discipline this anchor for misleading public opinions towards a sensitive issue that has yet to be proven.

In addition to this are the comments raised of the eligibility of these football heroes and insulting the feelings of their family, supporters and friends.

ESPN fired an employee, suspends an anchor after insulting racial reference to rookie New York Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin which goes to show that ESPN cared about the viewers who got offended by a racist remark on an athlete.

I don't think GMA 7 should treat this lightly because if they do, it only goes to show how they try to protect its anchors biased opinions, favoring a party of the accuser and letting them play around sensitive issues.

These people who are in National TV should be responsible enough on their words and to not arrogantly speak about their one-sided thoughts plus the fact they have not even had the chance to speak thoroughly with any from the AZKALS party.

Then there are the comments to the female supporters that jump because the team has good looking players...I smell personal insecurity there, I thought u were trying to speak your mind of respecting females, while in this very fact you insulted them right on?

Neil Etheridge tweeted :

 " So let me get this straight... Are people trying to say that my mums not Filipino? So I shouldn't play? Thought WE were a proud country? "

"....frustrating when we pour our hearts out and play with our hearts in our sleeves when we play all for the country "

Cesca Litton Tweeted :

" If we go by Arnold Clavio's definition of "Filipino" as being "lumaki dito" and "kayumanggi" then we just lost millions of people."

Angel Locsin Tweeted :

" I think arnold clavio's a good person. But this time, sobrang foul lang. That's his opinion. This is mine. Madali lang sumira ng reputasyon, mahirap ibalik. Konting sensitivity lang sana.."

Bob Guerrero Tweeted :

" Mr Clavio I dare u to tell the moms of our filfor players to their faces that their sons hav no ryt to call themselves Pinoys. #ArnoldClavio "

I feel sad personally for the FILIPINA mothers of these players because of the foolish statements uttered by these ignorant news anchors.

GMA 7 should fire if not suspend your ignorance.

at the start of the video, the female news anchor even said "..Dapat masampolan..."

Dapat po yata kayo ang sampolan.

Azkals United Cause: Fire if not suspend Arnold Clavio of GMA 7 and we demand a Public Apology from the UH Anchors.

Say yes to this page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Racist-GMA-7s-Anchors/367214049978167?ref=tn_tnmn

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

KATHMANDU—The journey of Mt. Everest-like proportions continues for the Philippine Azkals here. Along the way, a squad growing in strength with every game is making history.

Displaying the resiliency and fighting heart that the team has been known for, the Azkals came back from a goal down to nip Tajikistan, 2-1, Tuesday and reach the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time at the Halchowk Stadium.

Strikers Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado struck in a sensational second half as the Azkals, hounded by a sexual harassment controversy back home, responded resoundingly from a halftime deficit to eliminate one of the fancied sides in the tournament.

As the final whistle was blown, the Azkals formed themselves into a circle at the touchline and celebrated their biggest accomplishment yet since reaching the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup in Vietnam in December 2010.

The ecstatic players hugged each other, while captain Chieffy Caligdong raised the Philippine flag in front of a group of Filipinos who braved the chill to support the team.

The Filipino fans later sang the national anthem as the players whooped it up with a celebratory dive on the field with a rainbow serving as a fitting backdrop to one of the Philippines’ greatest moments in the sport.

Azkals manager Dan Palami, soaking wet from all the celebration, was at a loss for words.

“It’s unbelievable,” Palami said.

Nothing short of spectacular

The Azkals’ run has been nothing short of spectacular. They needed to go through prequalifying, winning over Mongolia in a two-leg affair, before hurdling the qualifying round in Myanmar last year.

Before they left Manila, Guirado and Lexton Moy were accused of sexual harassment for their conduct during a match with Malaysia last Feb. 29 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The odds were certainly stacked against the Azkals as they were also grouped with former champions North Korea and India. But the Azkals rose above adversity, even after going into halftime a goal down.

“I’m proud of this team,” said the Azkals’ German coach Michael Weiss. “This is not only fantastic, but a victory most deserved.”

The Azkals created the clear-chances in the first half, but the Tajiks took the lead through defender Negmatov Alexey’s header off a corner in the first minute of first-half injury time.

Caligdong looked to have cleared the ball from going past the line and Japanese referee Ryuji Sato had to discuss the play with the linesman before awarding the goal to the Tajiks.

Tajikistan was on the front foot in the early stages in the second half, but it was the Azkals who made the most out of their chance in the 54th minute.

Guirado did well to keep the attack going and sent a low cross for Younghusband. With Tajik keeper Alisher Tuychiev already beaten, Younghusband slotted it into an empty net for the equalizer.

Looming penalty shootout

Guirado earlier came close with a header that went over in the first half. And just when it looked like a penalty shootout was looming, the Filipino-Spanish forward rose above his defender and found the bottom corner to make it 2-1, 10 minutes from time.

Phil and James Younghusband and Paul Mulders came close to adding to the tally late in the match as the Azkals finished with a flourish.

Picking up from where they left off in the 2-nil win over former champion India, the Azkals started lively with Phil Younghusband coming close in the eighth minute with a shot from a tight angle that was saved.

Tajikistan enjoyed a good stretch of possession in the first half, but couldn’t craft a clear-cut chance as Carli de Murga, Ray Jonsson, Jason Sabio, Rob Gier and Juani Guirado proved more than equal to the challenge.

Neil Etheridge was called into action with an early clearance, but apart from that he was hardly troubled and was a commanding presence.

“You have to hand it to the guys, they played like there was no tomorrow and the results just came,” said Palami. “There’s talent here but they played with their hearts out.”

By Daryl Lagos

The Philippine men's squad are now on their final practices to their first ever match Vs North Korea in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 tournament.

Amidst the unlikely news going on involving 2 of the team members, Lexton Moy & Angel Guirado, the team is put to the test on and off the pitch.

The ever popular team moniker "AZKALS" has been tarnished by reality as the former 1st lady commented that these "Stray Dogs" should behave.

In J. Henson's article, Rafa Garcia, was in the room when the incident happened said that the boys were on the hype and ever excited to play the game, talked about men stuff - Girls - when the commissioner came in.

In the men's locker room, I don't expect everybody to be wearing gowns and tuxedo, I also can't imagine bantering while on those, for the mens locker room is where the adrenaline starts pumping.

It might have been a misunderstanding, but with all due respect to Ms. Commissioner, a complaint such as "Sexual Harassment" might have been too uncalled for.

This might have been a lesson learned, one way or another not only for the team, but also for everyone.

*************

A look on brighter side is that we are going head to head with AFC Challenge Cup Participating Countries in full force.

Neil Etheridge has vowed to make a solid stand for the Philippines as he was allowed by his English Club Fulham FC to participate in the tournament, further to this the Azkals will have Paul Mulders, Stephan Schrock, and Dennis Cagara on their side as the battle looms ahead.

As you might have already known, Team Vice Captain, Chieffy Caligdong has already announced his availability for the tournament.

Last time while the team was in Qatar, I asked him about how he was with the injury, he said that it was quite uncomfortable but he is working hard to get back in to shape just in time for the Cup. I'm glad that he is back and fighting for pride and country.

Azkals Line Up for Nepal

· Rob Gier
· Ray Anthony Jonsson
· Nestorio Margarse
· Stephan Schrock
· Nathaniel Burkey
· Paul Mulders
· Dennis Cagara
· Roxy Dorlas
· Juan Luis Guirado
· Marwin Angeles
· Joshua Beloya
· James Younghusband
· Phil Younghusband
· Ian Araneta
· Misagh Bahadoran
· Emelio Caligdong
· Roel Gener
· Angel Guirado
· Carli de Murga
· Lexton Moy
· Neil Etheridge
· Eduard Sacapano
· Jason Sabio

The Philippines is in a group of death as it faces North Korea, a qualifier to the World Cup finals last year; and former Challenge Cup titlists India (2008) and Tajikistan (2006).

The champion will automatically earn a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2015 , One of the most awaited and prestigious tournament in ASIA.

Sex raps alarm Guirado's mom
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star Updated March 07, 2012 12:00 AM

News of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match commissioner Cristy Ramos’ complaint against two Philippine Azkal players for sexual harassment spread like wildfire in Spanish media as one of those charged Angel Aldeguer Guirado has roots in Malaga.

Guirado’s mother Angela frantically called her sister Gloria Garcia by phone yesterday to ask what her son did.  Gloria lives in Parañaque and is the mother of Rain Or Shine PBA assistant coach Caloy and Rafa who acts as Guirado’s translator. Angela, a Filipina-Spanish mestiza from Isabela, resides in Spain with her Spanish husband Juan. Guirado, 27, is the youngest of three children. His older brother Juan Luis, 32, recently joined the Azkals.

Angela was in tears when she phoned her sister. Gloria was just as distraught because since Guirado arrived here to play for the Azkals last year, she has painstakingly made sure he would always be at his best behavior.

“My sister was crying on the phone because Angel is being called a sexual offender in the Spanish news,” said Gloria. “Angel just isn’t the type. He’s very fun-loving. He likes to joke around a lot. His brother Juan is the opposite. He’s like a little boy, down-to-earth, serious. They’re different from each other. But they’re good boys. My sister raised them well, more like Filipinos than Spanish. My sister asked if Angel made any sexual advances or innuendoes or even touched Ms. Ramos. I told her no such thing. My son Rafa was in the dressing room when Ms. Ramos entered. The boys were rowdy and excited about playing.”

In the complaint filed before the AFC Disciplinary Committee, it was apparent that the Azkals, at least Guirado and Lexton Moy, showed disrespect to Ramos as match commissioner. It seemed like they didn’t take her role seriously.

“Rafa told me before Ms. Ramos entered, the boys were talking about things boys normally talk about in the dressing room – girls,” said Gloria. “I don’t mean to condone what the boys did or said. I think the topic was cup sizes. There may have been a sexist remark in her presence but I don’t think it was meant to demean her. I don’t think the remark was malicious or so my son told me. As for Angel coming up to Ms. Ramos in briefs, there was no intent to sexually harass anyone. Boys will be boys. I think there was disrespect but I don’t think it was sexual harassment.”

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Neither Guirado nor Moy could be reached for comment as the accusation was made after they flew to Nepal where the Azkals will compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup on March 8-19.

A football aficionado wondered if Ramos could’ve held off until the players were given their day in court. “Maybe, Ms. Ramos could’ve filed her complaint with the PFF instead of going straight to the AFC,” the aficionado said. “An investigation could’ve been made by the PFF before elevating it to the AFC. It’s like washing dirty linen in public.” But another aficionado backed up Ramos, noting that she is answerable to the AFC as match commissioner not the PFF and just did her job.

Was the apparent disrespect shown to Ramos a case of sexual harassment? Would the players have been as disrespectful if the match commissioner were male? If Ramos was disrespected because she is female, then the concerned players deserve a severe reprimand – that would constitute a case of sexual discrimination. But would the players have been rowdy either way?

To justify the players’ behavior by explaining it was typical dressing room banter among boys won’t wash. Ramos is a person of authority. She was a former POC president and member of the AFC Women’s Commission. Surely, her mere presence deserves a high degree of respect. She is, after all, a daughter of a former Philippine President. But to charge the boys of sexual harassment may be a bit harsh. They should be censured, at the proper time and place, for disrespecting an AFC official and the penalty should be commensurate to the gravity of the offense and consider the behavioral history of the players involved. It is unfortunate that this negative report came out just before the Azkals’ campaign in Nepal – they could do with less distractions.

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The Philippines and seven other countries are playing in the Challenge Cup with the winner to advance to the 2015 Asian Cup. Defending champion North Korea is the only entry listed in the top of three levels of competitiveness in Asia. India, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Tajikistan are in the second level called developing countries. The Philippines, Palestine and host Nepal are in the lowest category called emerging countries.

The first Challenge Cup was held in 2006 with Tajikistan beating Sri Lanka in the finals in Bangladesh. The second was in 2008 with India defeating Tajikistan for the crown in India. The third was staged two years ago with North Korea upending Turkmenistan in the championship match in Sri Lanka.

The eight teams are split into two brackets. The Philippines is in the so-called Group of Death with 2006 champion Tajikistan, 2008 champion India and 2010 champion North Korea. The top two from each bracket will move on to the semifinals. The Azkals battle North Korea on Friday, India on Sunday and Tajikistan on Tuesday. The semifinals are scheduled March 16 and the finals March 19.