MAJOR UPSET MARKS BUNDESLIGA’S RETURN TO PHL TV

The Bundelisga (German Pro Division One League) made a grand return to Philippine TV via TV5’s AKTV on IBC13 with a big win by the visiting Borussia Monchengladbach over the star-studded and heavily favored FC Bayern Munich, 1-0. What made the coverage doubly interesting was the superb job of Filipino commentator Jason Webb in bringing the play-by-play of the season opening match. Bayern Munich, bolstered by the recent acquisition of big time players in Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng, dominated the action almost 70 percent of the match but Monchengladbach did not wasted chances in their very few opportunities, when Igor de Camargo scored on an incredible header in the 62nd minute off two Bayern defenders to shock the jampacked crowd at Allianz Stadium. Bayern tried desperately to save a point by playing more aggressively in the final 30 minutes but to no avail. Bundesliga was televised originally in the early 1980’s by government station PTV-4 and most recently by Solar Sports. But this is the very first time that Filipino commentators took charge in covering the game. Webb was joined by Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo in the local TV panel.

WORLD SOCCER MAGAZINE JULY 2011 ISSUE

I finally got my copy of the 114-pages, July 2011 issue of the world’s most prestigious football magazine, WORLD SOCCER through the my sister, who just arrived from a vacation in Hong Kong. The cover of the said issue is Manchester United’s fast rising Mexican striker Javier Hernandez plus other exciting and interesting features on the Latest Summer Transfers, Match Fixing (The Scandals at the Heart of Football), Names to Watch from the Euro Under-21s, Michael Ballack, Club Focus on Brazilian powerhouse Santos and the great team of FC Barcelona in 1992. Must read and can’t miss are regular sections such as The World This Month, Player Biography, Tactics, Face to Face, Club Focus, Talent Scout, Spotlight, Insider, Of the Best, The Great Teams and the ever-popular Dispatches (exclusive reports from worldwide network of correspondents). Sad to say, World Soccer Magazine is no longer available in the Philippines since 2009.

SPAIN STILL NUMBER ONE IN LATEST FIFA RANKINGS

2010 FIFA World Cup champions Spain and runner-ups, the Netherlands, continue to lord it over at number one and two spots, respectively, in the latest rankings released last July 27. Like the two World Cup finalists, Germany is still ranked third while South America powerhouse Brazil moved a notch higher from their previous slot of fifth to rank fourth over-all. From 18th place, Uruguay jumped to fifth place. Rounding up the top ten with their previous ranking in parenthesis are: England (4), Portugal (7), 2006 World Cup winners Italy (6), Croatia (8) and two-time World Cup titlist Argentina (10). The only Asian countries in the top 50 are the co-hosts of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Japan, which dropped from 13th to 16th place and South Korea, which plummeted from 26th to 28 ranked. The Philippine Azkals dropped further to 162 (159). In the top 50 countries, the biggest climbers were Peru, from 49th to 25th place and Venezuela from 69th to 40th spot. With the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, expect more dramatic changes in the world rankings next month.

FOOTBALL TREAT FOR FILIPINO FANS

Filipino football diehards will be in for a huge 2011-12 football season on TV as the fast emerging sports network TV5’s AKTV on IBC 13 will bring in big number of matches from the English Premier League (EPL) and Bundesliga (German Pro League) beginning August 8. This will be in addition to the regular broadcast of EPL matches on ESPN StarSports and the UEFA Champions League on Balls Channel. Kicking off the Bundesliga coverage on AKTV will be the match between popular club Bayern Munich and Borussia Modchengladbach on August 8 at 9 pm. EPL opens on AKTV with the Liverpool vs. Sunderland match on August 14 also at 9 pm. A total of 13 matches will be covered by AKTV for the month of August. Herewith is AKTV on IBC 13’s complete schedule of matches for the month of August, according to Espiya Sports Network:

August 8: 9PM-11PM Bayern Munich vs Borussia Modchengladbach

August 14: 9PM-11PM Liverpool vs Sunderland

August 15: 8PM-10PM VfB Stuttgart vs FC Schalke 04

August 16: 8PM-10 PM Newcastle United vs Arsenal

August 17: 7PM-9PM Wolfsburg vs FC Bayern Munich

August 21: 9Pm-11PM Arsenal vs Liverpool

August 22: 8PM-10PM Borussia Modchengladbach vs VfB Stuttgart

August 23: 8PM-10PM Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

August 24: 7PM-9PM FC Bayern Munich vs Hamburger SV

August 28: 9PM-11PM Chelsea vs Norwich City

August 29 6PM-8PM Kaiserslautern vs FC Bayern Munich

August 30: 6PM-8PM Bayer 04 Leverkeusen vs Borussia Dortmund

(same day) 8PM-10PM Manchester United vs Arsenal

WAITING FOR CHIEFFY TO WEAVE HIS MAGIC ANEW

Philippine Azkals diminutive left winger Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong’s streak of three straight matches with at least a goal came to a screeching halt during the 3-0 defeat in the first leg match to Kuwait in the 2014 FIFA-World Cup second round qualifiers last Saturday. Caligdong contributed a goal in the Azkals’ 4-0 annihilation of Sri Lanka in the second leg match of the first round qualifiers. He then followed this up with a goal each in the two friendly matches with the Bahrain Olympic squad, which the Azkals lost, 2-1 and 3-1, respectively. Caligdong also booted a goal during the Azkals’ 2-0 victory over Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in Panaad last February. With the stakes a lot higher in tonight’s do-or-die second leg match with the Kuwaitis, the 5-5 Caligdong will once again be relied by coach Michael Weiss and his teammates to deliver when the going gets tough for the Azkals. The 28 year-old Air Force man and proud son of Barotac Nuevo appears to be high spirits going into tonight’s match.

“The fight is not over and we still have a chance to pull through. You could see all the players eager to move to the next round. We don’t lose hope on this home game. Everybody is raring to play for the fans. Kuwait didn’t come here only to play, they’re out to win so we will have to show all the hard work and effort during the game, let them feel we really want to win.”

AZKALS TO DO A LIVERPOOL ACT?

Trailing 3-0 in the aggregate score and with their backs against the wall, the Philippine Azkals are hoping for a big miracle tonight in the all-important second leg match against the Al-Azraq squad of Kuwait in the 2014 FIFA-World Cup second round qualifiers. With an expected 20,000 strong hometown crowd behind the host, anything can happen after 90 minutes of slambang action. The Azkals can drew inspiration from Liverpool FC of the English Premier League, which went down 0-3 at halftime during their 2004-05 UEFA Champions League finals match against AC Milan of Italy in Istanbul, Turkey. Steven Gerrard struck in the 53rd minute then Smicer (56) and Xabi Alonso (60) completed the Reds incredible comeback to send the match into an extension period and eventually won, 3-2 in penalties. With an all-out attacking game and a big crowd support, the Azkals believe they can pull it off and as they say, anything can happen in a football game. All they have to bear in mind was Liverpool’s 2005 amazing comeback.

BORROMEO AND SHROCK: RETURN OF THE MISSING PIECES

It’s now or never for the Philippine Azkals national football team as they play the crucial second leg of their FIFA World Cup second round qualifiers against the powerful Kuwait Al-Azraq squad tonight at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. The Azkals needs a 4-0 or 5-1 victory to off-set their 0-3 first leg defeat and advance to the next round. The Azkals have their chances in the opening half of the leg one match but strikers Phil Younghusband and Angel Aldeguer Guirado can not find their marks. The good news for the match tonight, which is expected to lure a jampacked partisan crowd, is the return of Aly Borromeo and Stephan Shrock in the Azkals line-up after serving their suspension in the first leg match. Both players are expected to strengthen the middle and back positions, respectively. Azkals head coach Michael Weiss will have the options to stick with the 4-4-2 formation or try to adopt the 4-3-3, which will have Younghusband, Guirado and possibly Chieffy Caligdong or even Ian Araneta up front. The 4-3-3 encourages the wingers to act as true forwards and the formation generally emphasizes attack more than defense, which is a complete contrast to their leg one game plan. The triangle up front of the aforementioned players could be supported by a creative and defensive midfield backbone of the playmaker James Younghusband, the holding midfielder Shrock and Manuel Ott as an all-rounder. The bottom line is that Weiss needs all the scoring opportunities to salvage the series. Weiss remains upbeat of the Azkals’ chances for tonight’s crucial match.

“Thursday is the match for people of the Philippines and we’ll deliver a fantastic performance, that’s what I can promise. Whether we succeed, that is another thing. If we can manage a win, that is already a fantastic achievement and it’s not something which is a coincidence because we worked very hard for it. We’ll have a more offensive setup, take a more aggressive approach.”

CHELSEA BIDS FOR DROGBA’S FUTURE REPLACEMENT LUKAKU

Don’t look now but Chelsea FC is preparing for the future. With ace forward Didier Drogba now 33 years old, the Blues are setting their sights on his possible future replacement in 18 year-old Belgian wonder boy Romelu Lukaku of Anderlecht. Lukaku is said to be valued at £20 million. Lukaku spent his early years of football with Rupel Boom and Lierse before hooking up with Anderlecht in 2006. In 2009, Lukaku made his debut with the senior club of Anderlecht and has since appeared in 71 matches so far with 31 career goals. He also suited up for the Belgian U-21 squad in 2008 scoring two goals in five caps. Lukaku later saw action for the Belgian senior team in 2010 with two goals in nine matches so far. Lukaku has long been on the wish list of the Stamford Bridge outfit, according to ESPN-Star Sports.

“Chelsea have reportedly made a bid for Anderlecht striker and long-time target Romelu Lukaku. The Blues have long been leading the chase for the 18-year-old, who is valued at around £20million by his club.”

BIG-TIME FOOTBALL ON PHL TV

As the whole nation keenly awaits the Philippine Azkals-Kuwait 2014 FIFA-World Cup second round qualifier matches on July 23 and 28, big-time international football fills up our appetite for the beautiful game as Solar Sports brings to Philippine TV the Asian Tour of English Premier League (EPL) powerhouse Chelsea FC and the US tour of one of La Liga’s most popular teams, the famed Real Madrid led by the great Cristiano Ronaldo, from July 17 to 28, 2011. Real Madrid opens up its American campaign against the Los Angeles Galaxy at 10:00 am live on July 17. Real Madrid will then play the top Mexican squad Chivas de Guadalajara, and another Major League Soccer (MLS) club in Philadelphia FC. Chelsea on the other hand, will have an interesting schedule as they play our Southeast Asian neighbors, the Malaysian and Thailand national teams live on primetime. Herewith is the complete Solar Sports TV schedule of the matches:

July 17 10:00 - 12:00nn LA Galaxy Vs. Real Madrid Live
July 17 10:00 - 12:00pm LA Galaxy Vs. Real Madrid Replay
July 21 10:00 - 12:00nn Chivas de Guadalajara Vs. Real Madrid Live
July 21 09:45 - 11:45pm Chelsea FC Vs. Malaysian League Live
July 22 08:00 - 10:00am Chivas de Guadalajara Vs. Real Madrid Replay
July 22 10:00 - 12:00nn Chelsea FC Vs. Malaysian League Replay
July 24 09:00 - 11:00am Philadelphia FC Vs. Real Madrid Live
July 24 07:00 - 09:00pm Chelsea FC Vs. Thailand All Star Via Satellite
July 27 02:00 - 04:00pm Philadelphia FC Vs. Real Madrid Replay
July 28 02:00 - 04:00pm Chelsea FC Vs. Thailand All Star Replay

THE RESURRECTION OF RONALDHINO

In his last season with AC Milan in 2009-10, critics began to doubt his football capability as a striker in Serie A. Not a few believed that the end is near for the career of one of the sport’s most colorful players in history. But things began to pick-up anew for Ronaldo de Assis Moreira or better known as Ronaldhino. After ten years in the lucrative European circuit, the 31 year-old, Porto Alegre native has finally returned to his beloved country of Brazil to play for Flamengo. Ronaldhino started playing pro football when he joined Gremio in the Brazilian league at the tender age of 18. In 2001, he started his European career with French club Paris Saint-Germain (55 matches, 17 goals). He later transferred to FC Barcelona of La Liga (145 matches, 70 goals) in 2003 and played five years at Nou Camp before heading to AC Milan (76 matches, 20 goals) for three years. The two-time FIFA player of the year winner (2004/2005) has since rejuvenated his career with Flamengo, scoring five goals in nine appearances so far. Ronaldhino, 31, has scored a total of 40 goals in 109 caps with the Brazilian national squad (including stints with U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams). He says his immediate goal right now is to make it back to the national team, wherein he missed playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

AZKALS SPOTLIGHT: SHROCK HARD AS A ROCK

In only two matches, Fil-German Stephan Shrock has made a good impression of himself as a solid right back for the Philippine Azkals national football team. His team-up with another Fil-German Michael Ott at midfield earned raves during the Azkals annihilation of Sri Lanka, 5-1 (aggregate score), in the first round of the 2014 FIFA-World Cup qualifiers early this month. The diminutive Schweinfurt native first played organized football with DJK Schweinfurt during his teen years before hooking up with his first pro club, Greuther Fürth of the Bundesliga second division. In 158 appearances so far with Greuther Fürth, Schrock has knocked in four goals. Shrock, 24, had his first taste of international stint with Germany’s Under-18 squad in 2004. He later saw action for Deutschland’s U-19 and U-20 squads. Over-all, he had 18 caps with one goal scored. Thanks to a 2009 amendment in FIFA rules, wherein the age limit was removed for players switching nations, Schrock became eligible to play for his mother’s home country. However, Shrock’s services will be badly missed by the Azkals in the upcoming 2014 FIFA-World Cup second round qualifiers against Kuwait due to suspension brought about by his two yellow cards in the Sri Lanka tier.

THE OTHER YOUNGHUSBAND

Football is not all about strikers or the forward position. The striker needs a catalyst to have opportunities to score a goal. In the Philippine Azkals national football squad, James Younghusband plays the central midfield position. His roles are to defend the midfield from breakaway plays of the opposition and also to create scoring chances for his brother Phil and other Azkals forwards such as Angel Guirado, Ian Araneta, and Nate Burkey. The 6-1, Fil-British is currently on his sixth year as member of the Nationals. He started out on the Under-23 team in 2005, where he had three caps and a lone goal scored. He had since move up to the senior squad and has seen action for 32 matches so far with five goals booted in and made countless assists. In 2007, James played for Staines Town FC in the English League Conference South. He scored a goal in six appearances. During their teen years, James together with Phil, honed up their football skills as members of the famous Chelsea FC Academy. James is expected to play a vital role anew for the Azkals when they play Kuwait in the second round of the 2014 FIFA-World Cup qualifers on July 23 and 28.

AZKALS FACES TOUGHEST TEST IN KUWAIT

The Philippine Azkals national football squad has played a major role in the renaissance of the so-called beautiful game in the country. Time will surely come when Filipino fans start talking more about Chelsea, Manchester United, or FC Barcelona than the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, or Miami Heat. With the Azkals moving forward to the second round of the 2014 FIFA-World Cup qualifiers, national interest has gone up big-time as the two-leg tier against Arab powerhouse Kuwait approaches. This is the biggest test that the Azkals will be facing since their impressive showing in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. As of the latest FIFA rankings, Kuwait is occupying the 102nd spot while the Philippines are in 159th place. But in the world of football, anything can happen in the pitch and big upsets are always a serious threat. Expect the Azkals to train Spartan-like as they head to Kuwait for the first leg of the tier on July 23. Here are some of the insiders views from the Azkals camp:   

Michael Weiss (Azkals Head Coach): “Regarding Kuwait, that will be a different level. We have to put all our strengths together and play smartly there to get a good result. To oppose and obstruct the game of the opponents... that will be our strategy. Even if we are not with the best squad, we only have 5 to 6 players from the top team that will probably step on the pitch against Kuwait... we have a list of these players, we try to prepare them as good as possible.”

Mariano Araneta, Jr. (President, Philippine Football Federation): “We expect a hard and physical match against Kuwait and our defense will be severely challenged. Our defense must hold up. Kuwait just beat Lebanon, 6-0, in a friendly and the match ended in a free-for-all with security forces firing gunshots into the air to stop the brawl.”

Jason de Jong (Azkals Midfielder): “Kuwait’s ranked like 50 places above us; they play physical and they are very big guys. It’s gonna be a tough match, that’s what I expect.”

CHELSEA FC ASIA TOUR 2011

Three years ago, Chelsea FC played the Malaysian national football team before a jampacked of 60,000 partisan crowd at the Shah Alam Stadium. Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole scored a goal in each half as the Blues blanked Malaysia, 2-0. On July 21, all roads lead to Bukit Jalil National Stadium as the Stamford Bridge outfit, to be led by newly-appointed manager Andre Villas-Boas, will play the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup champions Malaysia once again. The match is part of Chelsea’s 2011 Asia Tour. John Terry and company will also visit Thailand on July 24 to play the Thai national squad and will end their tour on July 27 and 30 with matches against Hong Kong national champions Kitchee. Villas-Boas says the coming Asian trip will be important to the club as it will help them connect more with their fans in the Far East, according to Chelsea’s official website.

“Going back to Asia is important for us. It shortens the distance with the Asian public who are following us from a big distance. It is important for them to feel we have respect for them and we are able to feel their heat. I am sure they will give us tremendous support for the games we will have over there.”

WILL THE AZKALS CONSIDER NICK RIMANDO?

There is a Filipino-American currently making waves in the US Major League Soccer (MLS). Nick Rimando is the starting goalkeeper for the Real Salt Lake club and he rose to prominence when he saved two penalty kicks including one by the celebrated David Beckham as RSL shocked the Los Angeles Galaxy, 5-4 in a penalty shootout during the 2009 MLS finals. The 32 year-old California native is an eleven-year veteran in the American pro circuit after being picked 35^th over-all by the Miami Fusion in the 2000 MLS Super Draft. He played a year for the Fusion before transferring to D.C. United in 2002. After four years, he joined RSL and just recently, signed a contract extension that will keep him in Utah until the 2013 season. Maybe Rimando can suit up for the Philippine Azkals national football squad in the future. He can be a good backup to starter Neil Etheridge and with his vast MLS experience, he could even start in some international matches for the Azkals. The only thing that may become a hindrance for his possible Azkals stint is a technicality issue because he had played five matches for the US national team in 2002. But citing the cases of Chris Armas, who played for both Puerto Rico and US national teams and Diego Gutierrez, who suited up for both Colombia and American squads, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) can take a serious look at the 5-10 former UCLA Bruins standout. Rimando says he is happy to be both a Filipino and American at the same time, according to a 2009 article of popular sports columnist and my good friend, Quinito Henson in the Philippine Star.

“Everybody knows I’m Filipino because of my eyes. I’m happy to be Filipino and I’m happy to be American and being in the US playing soccer. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is or color your hair is. I’m out there doing my job and they look at me as a person. I just try to go out there every day and perform and do my job. If I can represent the Filipino community that way, I’m happy.”

CARLOS TEVEZ WANTS OUT OF MANCHESTER CITY

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has requested the Manchester City for a release. He cited family matters as the reason in leaving the EPL club and return to his home country. Tevez has been with Manchester City for the last two seasons. He has scored 43 goals in 65 total appearances for the Citizens. He previously saw action for West Ham United (2006-07) and Manchester United (2007-2009). The 27 year-old, Buenos Aires native is also a regular member of the Argentine national football (senior) squad and has contributed 13 goals in 59 caps. Tevez says it has been very difficult for himself to be apart from his family especially his two daughters in Argentina, according to EPL Talk.

“I hope that the people understand the difficult circumstances I have been living under the past 12 months, in regards to my family. Living without my children in Manchester has been incredibly challenging for me. Everything I do, I do for my daughters, Katie and Florencia. I need to be closer to them and to spend more time with them. I need them to be happy because my life is about them now. I need to be in a place where they can adapt.”

WILL DROGBA LEAVE CHELSEA FOR MARSEILLE?

At 33 years old, Chelsea FC striker Didier Drogba now ponders on his future on where to end his illustrious career. Drogba has been with the Roman Abramovich-owned club since 2004 and to date, the well-built front-liner from Ivory Coast remains a regular fixture for Chelsea. In his seven years with the Stamford Bridge outfit, Drogba has scored 95 goals in 202 total appearances with the Blues. Reports have it that two clubs are in hot pursuit of Drogba namely, Galatasaray S.K. of Turkey and Marseille of France. Drogba had played for Marseille during the 2003-04 season, in which he scored 19 goals in 35 outings. Marseille President Vincent Labrune did not hide the fact that they are after the services of their former top player, according to EPL Talk.

“The question would be whether in terms of salary – not a transfer fee – Marseille have the means to pay Didier Drogba for four years and the answer is ‘yes’. Though only if we had some departures [from the squad].”

GETTING PAST KUWAIT

Beating the Kuwait national football team is easier said than done. But it can be DONE. Of course, many would like the Philippine Azkals to win the first leg, but playing Kuwait to a scoreless draw in the latter’s home turf would be ideal going into the second leg match. The first leg is scheduled on July 23, while the second leg of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers tie will be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium anew on July 28. Once the Azkals set its foot on its home stadium before an expected overflowing hometown crowd, then anything can happen. The Filipino crowd showed what it could do during the 2nd leg of the Sri Lanka first round series. A crucial factor in the series is the tactical play that Azkals coach Michael Weiss will adopt against the powerful Kuwaiti eleven. I guess it will be more effective to employ the direct game than the possession game. The possession game is based on short passes and ball control, while the direct game is built on long passes into open space. To play the direct game, a tactic that often works wonders for underdog teams, it need speed, strength and desire. Fittingly, long balls are often called “hopeful” passes. And certainly last but the not the least, the Azkals needs all our prayers. Getting past Kuwait is a big task for the Azkals but hope springs eternal and it can be DONE.

REMEMBERING THE GREAT PAULINO ALCANTARA

The Azkalmania has given Philippine football the much needed shot in the arm to resurrect the sport, which have been long neglected in the last three or four decades. It seems Football is suited for the Filipinos as early as the World War I days when an Iloilo native named Paulino Alcantara made a name for himself  while playing the so-called beautiful game. Alcantara is a big part of Philippine football history and many considered him the father of the sport in this country. Alcantara, who is described in the football world as one of the most talented and finest players ever to come out of Asia, is the current all-time leading goal scorer in the history of one of the world’s most powerful and richest professional ballclub, the reigning UEFA Champions League titlist FC Barcelona of Spain. He led the Philippines to a 15-2 rout of Japan and a silver medal finished in the 1917 Far East Games. That victory remains as the biggest win by the Philippines in international football. Alcantara played for the Catalans from 1912 to 1927 and during that span, had scored an amazing 357 goals in 357 total matches with the team that is now being handled by Josep (Pep) Guardiola and led by great players like Lionel Messi, Andres Yniesta, David Villa and Pedro. Alcantara, who led Barcelona to 10 Catalan titles and five Spanish Cup championships during his career, later played for the Spanish national squad. In his debut match on October 7, 1921, he scored Spain’s two goals in a 2-0 demolition of Belgium. He appeared in five total matches for Spain wherein he booted six goals. Alcantara later coached the Spanish national team for three matches in 1951. Alcantara died in the City of Barcelona on February 13, 1964 at the age of 67. Alcantara has given Philippine football so much glory and the current Philippine Azkals national squad can lean on his accomplishments as a source of inspiration that will help them bring back the country to prominence in international football.

AZKALS FUTBOL MAGAZINE JULY 2011 ISSUE

I believe that the July 2011 issue of AZKALS FUTBOL Magazine is finally out yesterday in time for the second leg match of the Nationals with the Sri Lanka Brave Reds squad. Barotac Nuevo’s proud son, the ever-reliable Chieffy Caligdong graces the cover of issue number five of the magazine, which is solely dedicated to the newest toast of the Philippine nation. The new issue features interesting articles regarding the Azkals international campaign and leading off to the Sri Lanka series. If you missed the four earlier issues, the cover boys were James Younghusband (February 2011), Aly Borromeo (April 2011 issue), Neil Etheridge (May 2011 issue) and Angel Aldeguer Guirado (June 2011 issue). The magazine is available at all branches of National Bookstore and American Boulevard. For subscriptions, please call 02-4363956. Azkals fans can also visit its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Azkals-Futbol-Magazine.

ASHLEY COLE THINKS CHELSEA WILL SCORE DOUBLE NEXT SEASON

For Chelsea FC left-back Ashley Cole, the pain still lingers on for the Blues for failing to retain the Premiership title and another heartbreaking exit from the UEFA Champions League. But with most of their regulars such as Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Peter Cech, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka and Alex set to return once more for the Stamford Bridge outfit, things look brightly for newly-appointed Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas and his charges. Cole says the team is now setting their sights towards winning back the English Premier League title and finally bagging the Champs League crown, according to ESPN Star website.

“I don't think we're becoming detached from United.   I went to the Champions League final and thought United could win. The way Barca played was unbelievable, like a machine, and you can see why people think they're unbeatable. We should have beaten them in the semis two years ago when we had three penalties turned down.

“I still believe if we'd won at Old Trafford a couple of weeks before the end of last season, we would have won the league. Personally, I'd rather win the league every year than the Champions League.”

BRAZIL OFF TO A SLOW START IN COPA AMERICA

Perennial football powerhouse and 2014 FIFA World Cup host Brazil was held to a scoreless-draw by Venezuela in their opening match in the 2011 Copa America at La Plata in Argentina. Mano Menezes’ charges played anemic offensively during the early part of the match. The only thing going for the Brazilian side was their backfield game which kept the Venezuelans from executing inside incursions. Brazil could have been given a penalty shot when Robinho’s attempt seems to have hit the forearm of Venezuelan defender Oswaldo Vizcarrondo but the referee did not called such. Venezuela nearly scored twice in the final 22 minutes of the match but successive attempts of  Juan Fernando Arango and Tomas Rincon failed to hit the mark. Brazil has one last chance to score during the last minutes of the match but Neymar’s blast was off-target.

FINAL NOTES ON THE AZKALS-SRI LANKA MATCH

The unbelievable wet and wild crowd at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium did not leave their respective seats despite the heavy downpour of rain during the early part of the match. That was enough to further inspire the Azkals to victory in their match against the Red Braves of Sri Lanka.

*****

Azkals German coach Michael Weiss was truly one happy man with the big 4-0 win by the Nationals in leg two of their World Cup qualifiers. He says it feels so good to finally see the true potential of the team after six months at the helm.

*****

Chieffy Caligdong, who scored the first goal for the Azkals, says it took awhile for the team to adjust to the wet field but nevertheless delivered when an opening came along.

*****

Caligdong, who along with James Younghusband, played the wings effectively in support to the frontline games of Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado. Great efforts too by Michael Ott and Stephan Schrock in manning mid-field spots for the Azkals. And of course to goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who is still grieving for the untimely demise of his grandfather a few days ago, for his consistent game.

*****

Great jobs by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), De LaSalle University and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the refurbishing of the old Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Despite the heavy rains, the football field did not have muds and bumps. Truly remarkable considering there are only 28 days to prepare the stadium for the Sri Lanka match.

AZKALS SPOTLIGHT: ANGEL ALDEGUER GUIRADO

He is big and built like Didier Drogba, the Ivory Coast striker of Chelsea FC. They also play the same position up front. Meet Angel Aldeguer Guirado of the Philippine Azkals national football team. The Fil-Spanish Guirado, whose mother hails from Ilagan, Isabela, was born in Malaga, Spain and has played football in various youth levels before seeing action in the Spanish Division II in 2004 with Cordoba. In 129 club appearances with Cordoba, Atletico Madrid-B, Deportivo La Coruna-B, Vecindario, Lugo, Levante-B, Santa Eulalia, Union Estepona, and Ronda, Guirado had scored a total of eight goals. In five matches so far with the Azkals, the 27 year-old, 6-3 forward, has tallied three goals including one in the 2^nd leg of their World Cup qualifier against Sri-Lanka, which the Nationals won 5-1 (aggregate score). During his early days with the Azkals, Guirado said team play is crucial towards the Azkals success and playing with co-strikers Phil Younghusband and Ian Araneta spells trouble for the opposition, according to Azkals-Philippine Football site.

“I hope to be able to contribute so we can be a better team. It will take a lot of effort, hard work and patience. Fan support is critical. We must concentrate on playing as a team, offensively and defensively. If I play with Phil (Younghusband) or Ian (Araneta) or another striker, we could give each other opportunities. I could draw the defense towards me and give others the space to attack or they could do the same for me. We can’t be effective if we do things alone.”

UP NEXT: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

The Philippine Azkals national team will embark on a bigger task ahead following their 5-1 (aggregate score) win over Sri Lanka in the first round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. The 152^nd ranked Azkals will now face the 101^st ranked Kuwait squad on July 23 and 28. Aside from their higher rankings, the Kuwaitis will be tagged as the heavy favorites against the Azkals. Kuwait is a middle-east football hotbed and among their accomplishment includes a 1-0 victory over World Cup qualifier Australia in 2009. In one of their recent international matches, they nearly pulled off a shocker against Asian powerhouse Japan, losing 1-0. Kuwait was once ranked by FIFA as the number 24 team in the world (December 1998). The first leg of the Azkals-Kuwait tie will be played in the latter’s hometurf on July 23, with the second leg scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on July 28. Truly, this is one mission impossible for the never-say-die Azkals squad.

MABUHAY PILIPINAS AZKALS!

What a big turn around for the Philippine Azkals national team in a span of five days. After playing their worst form in recent months during the first leg of their World Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka in Colombo last Wednesday, the Nationals finally displayed their full potential and their very best game since surprising Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December as they blasted the Sri Lankans, 4-0, before a sell-out crowd of 15,000 at the fabled Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Not even a heavy downpour of afternoon rains can stop the Azkals in completing a 5-1 aggregate score in their 2-leg series. Chieffy Caligdong, the proud son of Barotac Nuevo, opened up the scoring for the Azkals with an amazing goal in the 19^th minute. This was followed up by a controversial goal by striker Phil Younghusband in the 42^nd minute that gave the Nationals a 2-0 lead at halftime. Another Azkals frontliner, striker Angel Guirado scored on a beautiful breakaway goal in the 50^th minute to put the Nationals into a insurmountable 3-0 advantage and finally, Younghusband made it 4-0 on a penalty shot, brought about by a Sri Lanka dangerous tackle on midfielder Stephan Schrock, in the 56^th minute. The Azkals totally dominated the ball possession throughout the match with precise attacking game, which was sorely missing in the first leg. With the win, the Azkals now advanced to the next round against powerful Kuwait on July 23 and 28.

AZKALS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SALVAGE 1-1 DRAW

The Philippine Azkals national football squad displayed one of their worst showings in recent months, but still fortunate enough to score a 1-all draw against upstarts Sri Lanka in the first leg of their 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Colombo. Fil-American striker Nate Burkey, who substituted for the injured Phil Younghusband late in the first half, scored the tying goal in the 49^th minute courtesy of a good pass from Chieffy Caligdong. The Sri Lankans scored the opening goal on an amazing free kick by Gunarathne in the 41^st minute. So poor were the Azkals on both offense and defense. The Nationals were very tentative in their offensive attacks and struggled mightily with their ball control. Their backline defense was almost non-existent as the Brave Reds launched several attacks throughout the match. Adding woes to the Filipinos was the ejection of defender Aly Borromeo, who took his second yellow card in the match in the 63^rd minute, thus reducing the Azkals down to ten men the rest of the match. Striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado and hardworking wingman James Younghusband hobbled in most part of the match due to minor injuries. The only consolation the Azkals had in the game was the all-important away-goal, which could win them the tie if the second leg match in Manila ends in a scoreless draw. They have to look forward for a better showing on Sunday to advance further in the qualifiers, which will be played before an expected sell-out crowd at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

TOP EPL CLUBS TO INVADE ASIA ANEW

Asian football fans will be in for a big treat as Malaysia and Hong Kong will host the EPL Asian Tour 2011, respectively. First stop will be Kuala Lumpur. EPL powerhouse clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea will play the Malaysian national squad on July 13, 16 and 21, respectively. All games will be played at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The tour shifts to Hong Kong as top flight teams Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers along with Hong Kong First Division winners Kitchee will dispute the 2011 Barclay Asia Trophy on July 27 and 30. All matches will be played at the Hong Kong Stadium. Chelsea is gunning for its second Asia Trophy following its victory in the inaugural tourney in 2003. Bolton won it all in 2005, while Portsmouth took the title in 2007. In 2009, the finals was played in Beijing, China. The Tottenham Hotspur defeated Hull City, 3-0 in the title match. Liverpool star Steven Gerrard says he is always excited to play before all the fanatical fans in Asia, according to Malaysia-Kini.

“Whenever we go to Asia, the fans are always amazing. The supporters over there are fanatical about Liverpool and it’s great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play.”

BIG DAY FOR PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL

It is all systems go for the Philippine Azkals national football squad (FIFA rank # 156) as they play the first leg of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers tie with Sri Lanka (FIFA rank # 169) tonight in the latter’s home turf. Fresh from a two-week rigid training in Germany, coach Michael Weiss’ charges are slightly favored to whip the Sri Lankans, who reportedly trained for only two weeks according to their Korean coach Jang Jung. Since creating a stir in the AFF Suzuki Cup last year, the Azkals are 2-2-1 (win-draw-loss) in official matches played this year. They defeated Mongolia, 2-0 in the first leg of the AFC Challenge Cup last February before bowing to the Mongolians, 2-1 in the second leg last March. However, the Azkals won the tie on an aggregate score of 3-2. In late March, the Azkals participated in the AFC Challenge Cup group qualifying stage in Myanmar. The Nationals drew with the hosts (1-1) and Palestine (0-0) before blasting Bangladesh, 3-0, with Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado accounting for two goals in the second half. From then on, the Azkals have a bumpy ride as they prepare for the Sri Lanka tier. Before leaving for Germany, the Azkals lost a 4-3 friendly game against the local UFL selection. In Germany, they won their first two tune-up games against youthful sides, Archen-Duren and SC Bonner (U19), both by identical scores of 4-1. However, they tasted stingy defeats in their last two matches versus German pro clubs FC Ingolstadt (Division II), 4-0 and SV Darmstadt98 (Division III), 5-0. Azkals team manager Dan Palami says he believe in the talent of the team and feels confident of beating the Sri Lankans, according to The Philippine Star.

“Everybody’s prepped up. We’re looking at the game with cautious optimism. We have the talent, the materials. It’s just a matter of putting everything together for the game. As long as we’re able to play the game we’re supposed to play, I don’t see any reason we won’t win.”

WILL TORRES FIND HIS MARK WITH CHELSEA?

His £40 million transfer last January 27 was the biggest transaction in the English Premier League this past season. Too much hype clouded the transfer of Spanish striker Fernando Torres from his original EPL club Liverpool to the Roman Abramovich-owned Chelsea FC. But not a few were disappointed on Torres initial campaign with the Blues as he finished the season with only a goal to show in 14 games with the Stamford Bridge outfit. His lone goal was scored during Chelsea’s 3-0 annihilation of West Ham United last April 23. He ended the season with a total of ten goals as the other nine were scored during his stint with Liverpool for the first 23 outings. Torres has career club total of 173 goals in 409 appearances with Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea. In international play, Torres accounted for 26 goals in 29 total appearances with the powerful Spanish national team. Torres, 27, needs to assert himself in the Chelsea rotation and his teammates and coaching staff can help him or else, he will go down in Chelsea’s history as the biggest bust ever, according to Chelsea Daft.

“Chelsea need to wake up to Torres, Carlo Ancelotti needs to wake up to him and the players need to start playing to Torres's strengths because if we don't it the biggest waste of a player and of a talent at our club ever.”

BARCA-MANCHESTER UNITED REMATCH SET

The much-awaited rematch of UEFA Champions League winners FC Barcelona and losing finalists Manchester United will take place 3,663 miles away from the Wembley Stadium as both clubs meet in Landover, Maryland, during the World Football Challenge 2011 on July 30. Barca, featuring the sensational Lionel Messi, demolished Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys, 3-1 in the Champions League finals at Wembley last May 28. Messi, David Villa and Pedro accounted for Barca’s three winning goals against the lone goal of Red Devils striker Wayne Rooney. This is the second edition of the World Football Challenge following the inaugurals in 2009 where Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter Milan participated. Selected MLS clubs led by the New England Revolution are also expected to join this year’s competitions.

FC BARCELONA: MOST DOMINANT EURO CLUB IN 2011

FC Barcelona’s masterpiece of a win over Manchester United, 3-1, in the recently-concluded UEFA Champions League at Wembley Stadium in London, capped a brilliant 2010-11 season for the Catalans. Josep (Pep) Guardiola has done a wonderful job as manager/coach of the Barcelona squad, whose all-time leading scorer in team history is a Filipino named Paulino Alacantra, after winning a triple crown in 2011. Aside from the Champions League diadem, Barcelona had also won this year’s Spanish League title (their 21^st league championship) and the club’s ninth Spanish Super Cup title, respectively. The Camp Nou outfit is expected to continue their reign next season with regulars Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa leading the charge. Guardiola says it will be another challenge next season for FC Barcelona, according to Football Fan Talk.

“The challenge is still on me. I will continue my career with Barcelona next year, and lets see what will happen later.”