 by Daryl Lagos The Philippines build-up towards the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 has reached one of it's 'Periodic Exams" battling Bahrain to a 0-0 Draw in Manama before slightly losing 2-1 to the home side Kuwait. The Azkals did not entirely fielded the lineup who won the Philippine Peace Cup 2012 but did have the Younghusbands, Guirado Brothers, Lucena, Cagara, Jonsson, Mulders, Muller & Neil Etheridge for Kuwait which proved to be a handful for both middle eastern countries to just hammer away a win on the Philippines. We are trying to get what we like to call in the music industry the "Final Mix" for our ultimate goal this year, the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 out of the deep bench in the Azkals disposal. The draw in Bahrain proved to be a substantial result against a team that used to be 44 in the world! GCC Champions & Arab Champions in 2011 and is always a force to reckon with in the Middle East & Asia. Kuwait proved to be a step ahead exhibiting speed, stamina and fitness. Sitting at 112 world wide, Al-Asraq proved to be a bench mark for the country to break. The regular gulf champions has kept the Philippines from advancing in last year's world cup qualification. Huge Improvement The Azkals exhibited discipline and class throughout the field & game and even proving hard to crack easily on defense. The Philippines did not settle for an all defensive action without counter attacks or trying to set up a formation to get a win unlike our previous match in Kuwait. I can see Angel Guirado, Dennis Wolf, Phil Younghusband in the Kuwait match battling with their defensive match ups to get on the score sheet, the Mid-Field was on war and our Goal Keepers in both matches were highly up to the challenge. Roland Muller highlighted a great save from a Bahrain attack the could have been the most dangerous for the Azkals. Neil Etheridge was more than outstanding and produced one of the best goal keeping for the nationals I have seen so far, multiple saves from several attacks and what capped it off was a penalty effort saved from a Kuwaiti striker and yet again saving the rebound only seconds right after. His loan to the pirates kept him sharp and focused. I once said to myself, Bristol Rovers has the entire Philippines guarding their goal now. 3 Stars and a Sun! You can never take away anything from the team against these 2 countries. We even won a lot of respect and experience. OFWs in particular are ecstatic to see our team go head to head with the host countries, because for them it is not just football but playing for their pride, honor and recognition. Many might not have seen this part of the pitch but the not only did our team came there, they saw the people who looked up to them and conquered the notion that one day we will be there to win a game and prove Filipinos are truly up to the global challenge in and out of the pitch. I admire that people on Twitterverse that has already learned the importance of not only producing goals in match, its every little thing that should come together as an entire piece, an entire team. Decisions are made by the coaches & management based on how they become to see it and people are starting to appreciate the bigger picture. Healthy and constructive arguments that results to deepening relationships between the supporters and football. A lost or a draw cannot just dictate the massive improvements we have come upon till this date. We still lack some cohesion, but just a little bit of tweaking here and there we will get that engine running. I am pleased with the Azkals experience in the Middle East! Add Comment 
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 
 Show your support! Show them All-Out! and Show them in style! Buy a kit and donate 60% of each sale to the AZKALS U23 team that will compete in this year's SEA Games 2012 in Indonesia! Finally! The Azkals United Kit with your favorite AZKAL Players name printed! Azkals United has been successful in trying to come up with a shirt designs that really catch that fire in its football fever and all out support for the AZKALS, and now, the U23 Squad. We hope to gain more support in fulfilling a fundraiser for the AZKALS U23 Squad which is now under tight selection process led by Coach Michael Weiss and the whole U23 Coaching Staff. Check out the immediate AZKALS Game Sched! AZKALS GAMES ABOUT THE FOOTBALL KIT Jersey (Dri-Fit Material) Personalized (Choose your favorite AZKAL Players name on the Jersey! ) Front Details : Logo Print and Numbers up front Sleeve Details : Philippine Flag on Right Sleeve Back Details : Player Last Name Number Kit Design/Colors : WHITE or BLUE Exclusive Design! Plus! the chance to actually be part and help the AZKALS Squad because 60% of Sale will be donated to the team instantly!  PAYMENT & CLAIMING Cost of KIT : PHP. 550.00 Only. Payment Inst : Bank Payments 100% Advance Bank Name : BPI Account name: (Use either any of the names below) Pamela Josefina fabie Sarah alaine justo Bank Account No : 3029 1131 21 Scan the details of the deposit slip including your name/account /amount and Email Deposit Slip as confirmation for paying the full amount, this is very important for us to know if you have already paid for your orders. Claiming : Meet Up is set on a particular Location in QC / Makati For Shipping / Home Delivery Buyers are to shoulder the amount Sizes Length / Width (circumference) (in INCHES) XS 29 36 S 29 38 M 30 40 L 30 42 XL 31 44 2XL 32 46 ( Extra 50 Php. for these Sizes ) 3XL 33 48 ( Extra 50 Php. for these Sizes ) HOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDER/S Name Contact No. Claiming Mode : Shipping/Meet-up) Shipping Address (for Shipping Option) Mode of Payment : (100% Advance) Qty Color Size Player Name (ALL AZKALS) EXAMPLE FORMAT Fabian Barthez 0916123456 Shipping 435 Offside St. St. Mary, Quezon City (Must be Exact Delivery Address for Shipping Option) Bank Payment - 100% Advance Qty : 1 Color : White Kit Size : Medium Player Name : Stephan Schrock Qty : 2 Color : Blue Kits Size : Large Player Name : Neil Etheridge / Jerry Lucena Qty : 1 Color : White Kit Size : Small Player Name : Roland Muller Email your orders with Subject : FOOTBALL KIT ORDER admin@azkalsunited.com for Quick Updates: Join Azkals Forever http://ow.ly/4jsi8 Our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/azkalsunited Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/AzkalsUnited Thanks everyone! Admins  The Awaited AU Football Kit is a project concept by Azkals United to be worn by Azkals Supporters for the Home Game Vs Kuwait in Leg 2, July 28, 2011 We hope to gain more support in fulfilling a fundraiser for the AZKALS U23 Squad which is now under selection process led by Coach Michael Weiss. For Each AU Football Kit sold, 50% of the sale is donated to the U23 Azkals players wherein Simon Greatwich, Jason De Jong, Paolo Pascual are going to play and battle for the SEAG 2011 in November. Get your very own rare 2nd rounder Home Shirt Memorabilia when the Senior Azkals Battle Kuwait in Rizal Memorial Stadium! Be United in Support!  About the Shirt: The AU Football Kit (Upper) 100% Cotton Branded Shirt from Blue Corner (Best Cool Feeling Shirts on Hot Summers! And comfortable in Rainy Seasons Guaranteed =)) Rubberized Print for Quality Front : 2 Logos Full Color Crest 1 Full Text Back : 3 Prints/Places (PILIPINAS No. 1) No personalization. Unite in Support. Pilipinas No.1 Cost of KIT : PHP. 350.00 Only Payment Modes : Bank Payment / Western Union Claiming : Meet Up is set on a particular Location in QC / Makati For Shipping / Home Delivery – Buyers are to shoulder the amount Courier is LBC Sizes: (Width/Length) In Inches EXTRA SMALL – 18-26 SMALL – 19-27 MEDIUM – 20-28 LARGE – 21.25-29 EXTRA LARGE – 22.25-30 2X LARGE – 24-32 (Additional Php. 30.00) 3X LARGE – 26-33 (Additional Php. 30.00) HOW TO ORDER Email or Note your (Full Name, City Address, Contact No., Quantity, Size 7 and Kit Color) in this note For those who doesn't want their Infos here, Email them to: Azkalsunited@gmail.com Order Format Example: Fabian Barthez 435 Offside St. St. Mary, Quezon City (Must be Exact Delivery Address) 0916123456 2 - Large Kits - Blue for Quick Updates: Join Azkals Forever http://ow.ly/4jsi8 Our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/azkalsunited Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/AzkalsUnited Thanks everyone! Daryl | Author
Daryl Lagos Join Azkals Forever http://ow.ly/4jsi8
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