Philippines vs. Mongolia AFC Challenge Cup 1

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The home game we've all been waiting for.
And when I say we, I mean the whole Philippines - who was, almost literally, present at the Panaad Stadium that day. Not a single inch of space around the stadium was unoccupied, and all of it cheering for the Philippines.

In the end, after what appeared to be the longest human wave in history, the Philippines won the game 2-0 against Mongolia. It did not come easily however, with both goals having happened in the dying minutes of each half. I personally expected the Philippines to do better, as the opponents they were dealing with were fainting with heat along the way in stretchers. Not to mention that one Mongolian Altantulga Pagamsuren who was sent out for a red card that left the team playing with 10 players instead of 11.

Chieffy Caligdong's goal gives me chills until now. Phil's goal took us all by surprise - especially that Mongolian keeper.

Philippines
Caligdong 42'
P. Younghusband 93'

Check out some pictures here by S. Kieron Tan.
or
Enjoy some Match GIFs:


Aly! Catch this!




Here you go Jason


I feel the need to tackle someone


Okay Jason I'll do it


No Phil I can tackle this guy myself


Now look what you made me do Jason


It was good enough Rob


Hey move back I wanna tackle someone too


But tackling is dangerous!


Hey who tackled James?!


WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING LET'S GET SOME GOALS IN


Okay here you go Chieffy!


Oh is this what you need?



Awesome CHIEFFY! Make another goal!


Hey Simon maybe you could get a goal in


Okay how about this?


Nah you do it Phil


Okay fine



ZOMG It went in!


Can I have your jersey?


We're wearing the same jersey! Don't give yours to coach!

Azkals vs. CPU Korea Friendly

Azkals 4 - 1 CPU Koreans (read more about it in the Manila Bulletin)

Azkals:
Simon Greatwich 17'
Ian Araneta 44'
Aly Borromeo 50'
William Guerridon 65'

CPU Koreans
Gyung Sik Choi 49'

Also known as the reason for why "the team had to sneak out the backside of the hotel last night for dinner... lol" - Anton del Rosario

Now that we're done appreciating that impressive performance by the Azkals (minus Phil Younghusband who was benched for a minor hamstring injury), let us put into account what the Azkals are actually dealing with in Bacolod right now.

This video from ABS-CBN's Bandila should show you what:

As if that video above wasn't enough, this one posted by Azkal News gives us a closer look on the craziness in Bacolod.

Girl in orange at 0:50. You just physically displayed what a number of us really feel when we see them but dare not openly show it. You are brave. :D

I never really got these tweets until that video:

Also, sneaky Jason makes an appearance in said game

"Haha everyone thought I'd arrive on the 5th"

 

 

More pictures here and here.

Fan footage from here:

Mongolia is a land of food and cold

 How cute are you, Phil Youngusband? This cute:

Hey don't ask me about Mongolia, I know nothing

A lovely article from Yahoo! Philippines features an interview of Phil Younghusband. It was conducted before he left for Palawan for another one of his YFA Teacher Training Program endeavors. Go read the whole article to see more of Phil's cuteness:


"The only thing I know about Mongolia is their food… and that it’s cold.  We know pretty much nothing." 
"The last time I was in Bacolod, I sang in a concert with Kim Chiu and Gerald Andersen, in Panaad too.... Now I’m going back for football and it should be good.  That was a full stadium as well, but we’ll probably beat that now."


He even addresses fans' concerns of him leaving for an Indonesian club and the difference between club and country.

"I think some people don’t understand the concept of club and country. They feel if we play in Indonesia, we leave the Azkals.... I want to make it clear that even though we play for Indonesia we can still play for the Azkals.  It’s club and country. We just want to play football."

A number of us know the difference between club and country, Phil. It's just that a number of us won't be able to stalk catch you around the Philippines anymore if you leave for Indonesia. 0_0

Article here

Patrick (Hugger) Herget and Markinho's return

Because he's cute enough to Herget.

Remember Patrick Herget from this article? Well he's arrived and now I'm just waiting for the rest! Especially Oliver Pötschke.

I'm sure it won't be long until he becomes an actual model. With looks like that.




















He's "just proud to be Filipino." An excerpt from GMA's video should be enough to show you how cute he is. Mind the accent. I'm jealous Chino Trinidad gets to high five him.

Also,

Mark Drinkuth finally shows up in training!

It seemed like only yesterday when we were asking him where he was. He was no longer in the squad list for the semi-finals of the Suzuki Cup, although he was in the previous Suzuki Cup games. This sneaky cutie left for Germany before the semi-finals for educational obligations but he's finally back! He's also competing for the SEA Games in the latter part of the year so I'll guess we'll be able to stalk him more he'll stick around more often. ;)

Azkals who are possibly playing on February

 Rob Gier:

Follow Rob on Facebook

Haha Rob quoted The Terminator. Were you able to catch James quote Titanic?


Simon Greatwich:

Follow Simon Greatwich on Twitter

Perhaps by now we can assume that Chris Greatwich is playing as well?

And of course, Phil and James. They've even started their fast from McDonald's to reach maximum fitness for the game.

However, the BIG QUESTION still lies: How about Neil Etheridge?
 












 *UPDATE OMG*

PANAAD HERE WE COME

Cheers to 2011

2010 was awesome, but 2011 is promising.

1. AFC Challenge Cup - Starts Feb. 9 and Feb. 16

2. FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Starts July

3. SEA Games Football - Starts November 11

Hold up. I know you don't really care for those dates. Let's be honest here. WHEN DO I GET TO SEE THEM AGAIN?! Right now they're on Holiday break, but soon they'll be practicing for the AFC Challenge Cup so we better look out for their training schedule so we can stalk watch them. That will probably be this coming January, which is so soon I think I'm going to faint stalk.

Watch this video, submitted by thereisclaaarity, because it is made of win (and handsome). There are many GIFable moments too, some of which have already been animated by the aforementioned user.

Until those dates, JOIN THE AZKAL ARMY. Do whatever you want, use whatever you have to spread the Azkal love. You may use any material here but try to find a way to credit back to this site. In fact, I'll be happy to reblog you if you submit it here. Ladies, there is enough handsome to go around.

We got a lot in store for us next year. Maybe more interviews, polls, etc. Here's to Philippine Football! We're getting there!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

LABAN AZKALS!