LeParisien

Since coming to PSG in 2005, Alphonse Areola never stops growing. And has already reached its adult size (1.91 m), the great goalkeeper has not finished growing sport. Far from it even, according to Bertrand Reuzeau. "He still has much room for growth," said the head of training in Paris.

"What impresses me is that it crosses the steps one after the other without ever panicking and staying himself," says the coach of Team France U19, Pierre Mankowski, who recently promoted to captain the French-Filipino born in Paris there are nineteen. Qu'Areola a rewarding role, that precocious talent has always amazed by his maturity - he signed his first professional contract at PSG at the age of 16 years - was "very logically assumed."

This season, the player seems to have found the right carburetion CFA. "It's like he's driving a brand new Ferrari with a full tank and it started to become a good driver," dares his agent Franck Belhassen. The young goalkeeper produced quality games and enjoy each day to drive from the experience of Sirigu, Douchez and Le Crom. "The coach (Ed: Carlo Ancelotti) took a fourth guard this winter (Le Crom) so he can continue playing in reserve and not to sit on the bench or in the stands," said Franck Belhassen. The result is there. "It is on the rise, Judge Bertrand Reuzeau. It will now confirm that in the professional world. "

Exactly. Carlo Ancelotti, who had wanted when he arrived this winter, see more young Parisian become hardened in the CFA, he decides to do so soon go up in rank, while the future remains unclear Douchez and Le Crom is out of contract? Areola, which extended its lease last summer at PSG until 2016, still has time to convince.

And the assumption of a loan is not excluded. To his coach at the U19 tricolor Pierre Mankowski is an avenue to explore: "This is quite exceptional for being so young owner of a professional subject, but it would be good for his personal development, progression and training he discovers a new level. This is the case of PSG, but for me the ideal would be that he plays at least in L2. "

Monitored since its inception by big European teams ( Manchester United , Tottenham, Chelsea ...), its profile would undoubtedly attract the interest of some coaches. Franck Belhassen admit to not having yet begun discussions with the Parisian club. "Its aim is to hold one day at PSG and for that he must go and get playing time in a higher division at CFA. "But when? "That's the club to decide," concluded the agent.

Fil-French Areola proud of Azkals' progress
By Edward Lao, ABS-CBN News Europe Bureau


LONDON – Young Filipino-French goal-keeper Alphonse Areola is proud of the achievements of the Philippine national team, especially as he has been following the Azkals' progress since their rise to prominence in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

Filipino-French goal-keeper Alphonse Areola. File photo. "I'm happy and proud of the Azkals because they have made rapid progression," said the 19-year-old Areola, who plays for Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.

"I used to play in courtyards in the Philippines with my family and friends, and nobody knew football. It was only basketball," he related.

"I used to tell my mother it was my dream to have a football team for the Philippines, and now it's happening."

Areola’s parents are both Filipinos but he was born and raised in Paris, and is playing for the French Under-19 team.

Areola has not been capped by the senior team, however, meaning he can still choose to represent the Philippines.

The Azkals field a large contingent of foreign-born or half-blooded Filipino players. Although they have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the team, their presence has also raised speculation and debates regarding their Filipino identity.

Before the AFC Challenge Cup last March, veteran GMA-7 anchor Arnold Clavio sparked an uproar when he accused some Azkals of only pretending to be Filipino. The tirade, which took place on their show 'Unang Hirit,' was during a discussion on the sexual harassment complaints filed against players Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado.

The topic of race came up anew on June 5, when the Philippines faced Indonesia in an international friendly in Manila. During the match, some Indonesian fans chanted 'Hindi Kayo Pilipino' (You are not Filipino) to members of the Azkals.

Areola admits he was shocked by the chants, but said it does not matter as long as the selected players are eligiible and that the Philippines continue to progress.

"I don't mind if players are mixed, half-Filipino, German, English," Areola said. "It doesn't cause a problem as long as they are part Filipino. They automatically have Filipino blood."

"For the Azkals to have a great team they need to have real players. It doesn't matter if they are half-Filipino as long as they have a good team," he added.

Areola is undecided about his footballing future, as he plays on the French youth team but has also caught the eye of Azkals management.

"There's a chance of going senior. But if I don't get a call, then I have to reconsider my options because of my age, and maybe play for the Philippines," he said.

Areola will be France's first choice-goalkeeper when they play in the Under-19 European Championships In Estonia in July.

by Daryl Lagos

Baptized by Fire & Ice, Indonesia has found a new rival in the north eastern part of their archipelago.

Indonesia traveled to Manila to meet the Philippines on a FIFA sanctioned friendly game that ended in a 2-2 Draw & 3 Red Cards.

The Philippines for the 1st time in their match against the Indonesians controlled possession all through out the game.

A slightly off beat 1st half for the Azkals who were trying to assemble an attack that can break the Indonesian defense was seen early.

Filipino-Danish Dennis Cagara who just flew in to join the squad was remarkable with his precision passes saw great chances for the Philippines to take an early lead.

The 1st half ended with no goals, but the 2nd half is where it all begun.

Philippines coach Weiss started fielding in the starters that saw Philip & James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge and Jerry Lucena come in for Wolf, Mulders, Angeles and GK Roland Muller.

In the 58' mark, Wanggai from a cross connected with a low header breaking the stand off 1-0 in favor of Indonesia. A minute later, James Younghusband would equalize following a determined interception of a ball that he clinically finished on a 1 on 1 against a very experienced Indonesian Goal Keeper.

A clearance by Indonesia was met by Carli's header only to bounce off finding a Garuda Star Striker Irfan Bachdim racing towards Neil Etheridge who tried to sweep the ball but only to see it slip off in between his legs finding the net the gave Indonesia the lead 2-1 in the 61st minute.

Rain fell as dramatic as ever, it tried to cool off the pressure but rather became the baptism of fire and ice. Misagh Bahadoran came in for Angel Guirado earlier was fouled on a possession, a complaining Chieffy Caligdong was a recipient of a hot headed Irfan that pushed the Azkals captain starting the confusion and Manny Ott got involved immediately.

Irfan continued pushing Chieffy Caligdong until Dennis Cagara from behind came in to push the Indonesian Idol back to knock it off (Face Me Style!)

The Referee pulled out 3 solid red cards that sent the Indonesian Idol Bachdim to an early after rain shower. Chieffy & Ott was off the pitch as well. The Philippines with 9 Men Vs 10 Indonesians scuffle back to reorganize the set piece as a free kick was underway.

Cagara made a precise kick for James Younghusband to head bounce pass it close enough to Phil that would make no mistake in volleying in the 2nd equalizer of the match.

The Philippines could have even won this game after Phil's well timed shot was critically saved by another Indonesian Idol Goalie Marcus. He then went down on the pitch as if in pain burning the critical 5 mins added for injury time.

The game ended in a draw 2-2.

The Philippines fought with heart all game but the cohesiveness of their play made things difficult at the end.

The Azkals had so much talent on the bench and coach needed to use the game as an experiment to bring out possible scenarios that could come in the future.

Some players might not be available during games and the team needed back up fire power that can be tapped in easily.

A glimpse of an upcoming Suzuki 2012 match was seen and a new rivalry is born out of it.

It started off in AFF Suzuki 2010 when Indonesia through their Uruguayan naturalized striker shot 2 goals that took the Philippines off the semi-finals.

The 2 national team shall meet again in this year's edition...the only difference is that the Azkals are now ranked 3rd in the entire region.

Stats Summary : Indonesia Vs The Philippines

Daryl Lagos

December 2010, The AFF Suzuki Cup dreams ended for the Philippines as Indonesia hosted the semi-finals on both Home-Away games winning 2-0 on aggregate.

The Philippines could not host the home game due to an sub-par pitch at the RMS.

The Azkals who were having a historical run at the cup suffered heart breaking loses that would only propel an entire basketball nation to swivel a head and take notice of football.

A year and half, more training days / games, 3rd place win at the AFC Challenge Cup, new sponsors and bringing Filipino football players from all over the world later...we have now reached another game day vs Indonesia.

Today June 5, 2012, The Philippines will be hosting a match that would be a testing ground of their progress for this year's edition of the Suzuki Cup via a friendly match. luckily, Indonesia will be facing the most promising Philippine team ever assembled and available all together at a time. 

Indonesia will be fighting for a winning streak Vs the Philippines that has never been broken.

The Azkals on the other hand are to take a periodical quiz in front of screaming Filipino supporters that are all hoping for a win & vengeance.

Indonesia whopped the Philippines in 2002, with a 13-1 triumph at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, but this is entirely a different squad that includes Filipino footballers from across the world.

Leading the Indons are Dutch Born Bachdim and an ever threatening Okto, while the Philippines will be have The Younghusbands back after missing an earlier friendly with Malaysia, Neil Etheridge at the post, Jerry Lucena & Dennis Cagara on the pitch and a much more solid line up of Chieffy Caligdong, Paul Mulders, Manny Ott, Rob Gier, Angel Guirado, Jason Sabio, Juan Luis, Carli, Misagh and the strong others.

Playing on Malaysian turf, the Philippines coming in with a new spirit off a 3rd place win in the AFC Challenge Cup expected to be tested by no other than the AFC Suzuki Cup'10 Champions Malaysia.

Previously, Malaysia visited the Philippines for a friendly invitation that ended in an almost shocking visit if not for a late equalizer that leveled the game last Feb. 29, 2012 in Manila.

The score was 1-1 with the Azkals drawing 1st blood.

June 1, 2012 saw the street dogs and the tigers go out it again this time in Kuala Lumpur.

The Azkals were welcomed by some 15,000 Malaysians who were all expecting nothing but a win for their team.

Filipino-German Stephan schrock nearly scored few minutes after a kick off when a backpass from a MAS player went wrong. Thier keeper had enough to keep one away that early and close. His skills however was displayed in  breaking the MAS midfield and lines but had no one to follow thorugh the trail.

Mohd Safee & Mohd Salee of the tigers were quick to attack and pressure the Philippines net only to find a relentless Roland Muller at the goal deflecting shots and attempts throughout the game.

The closest one was when Safiq stroke a scorching shot that called on the Philippines Roland Muller for a spectacular relfex save tipping the ball off to hit the right post.

Dennis Wolf nearly scored in the 1st half missing a whisker wide of the goal post after beating the MAS goal keeper.

The Malaysians however had the Tiger's share of possesion all game, but the Azkals having their crucial shares of the match which ended in draw at 0-0.

Both teams are using the firendly games as prepration for an upcoming clash in this year's AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 when Malaysia defends it's crown as the ASEAN Champions.