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.”

CHELSEA GO FOR DOUBLE KILL

The Stamford Bridge fans are all smiles nowadays and there is a big reason behind those big smiles. Chelsea FC is gunning for a rare double-kill of the two most prestigious English football titles at stake.

The Blues are set to play Premier League’s top relegation candidate Portsmouth on May 15 in the FA Cup finals. Chelsea blasted Aston Villa, 3-0 and Portsmouth scored a surprising 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the semis to book a winner-take-all showdown at the famed Wembley Stadium.

Most importantly, Chelsea is currently leading the pack in the Barclays Premier League. With four games before the completion of the BPL season, Chelsea has 77 points and is four points ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United and six up on Arsenal.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti believes they can win Barclays Premier League title. "Now the Premier League is in our hands and we have to stay focused and calm," said Ancelotti. "We have to play game by game, and we are not interested in the results of the other teams." The Stamford Bridge outfit is set to visit Tottenham on April 17, plays Stoke City at home on April 25, will be at Liverpool on May 1 and hosts Wigan on May 9 to close out the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s wards will have Manchester City (April 17), Tottenham (April 25), Sunderland (May 1) and Stoke City (May 9) for its last four opponents while Arsenal will go up against Wigan Athletic (April 18), Manchester City (April 24), Blackburn Rovers (May 1) and Fulham (May 9) for its last matches.

However, Ancelotti is still cautious but likewise is oozing with confidence of their title chances that he thinks there is little pressure in warding off threats coming from the Red Devils and Arsene Wenger’s charges. The Italian coach further exclaimed, "Now we have more possibility to win the title than, with respect, Manchester United and Arsenal, but we are not sure yet. We have to play four tough games and we know that we have to fight again. But we're ready to fight."

Chelsea’s captain John Terry is looking forward of making history with the golden chance of winning both the BPL and the FA Cup. Winning both titles will make Chelsea the seventh team to achieve the feat. "There's a real togetherness in the squad. We now have the chance to make some history this season and we are all determined to achieve it”, Terry said. "In my lifetime only Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have, so when the opportunity arises you have to seize it. When you seize it, you can make history."

From all indications, it looks like Chelsea will not let this historical moment slip through their hands. 2010 may really be Chelsea’s year.