Philippine National Football Team Philippine Azkals had already announced their 23-man line-up for the upcoming game against Sri Lanka as part of the FIFA Asian qualifers and World Cup bid. Most of the players were retained from the original rosters. The 23-man line-up was unveiled last June 7, 2011.
The team will be heading to Duren, Germany for a series of tune-up games against some of Germany’s noted football teams. The Philippine Azkals had a new weapon for their defense, the European defenders, they were composed of Filipino-European defenders and defensive midfielders who will play a pivotal role for the team.
European defenders were composed of Ray Jonsson, Robert Gier, Dennis Cagara, Jerry Lucena, and Stephan Schrock. The experienced of the above-mentioned players in Europe will help keep the National Team intact in defense for the offensive players to concentrate on their attacked. Besides from their contribution as defenders they will also bring more excitement to the team.
Some notable names and mainstays of the team were not included for they were asked to concentrate on the Philippine National Football Team that will compete on the upcoming Sout East Asian Games to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The team will be composed of U-23 players.
Jason de Jong, Simon Greatwich, and Yannick Tuason will lead the national football team’s bid of making it to the finals of South East Asian Games.
Philippine Azkals had just recently suffered a humiliating loss against the United Football League Selections. With the loss Azkals coach Weiss had made some defensive adjustments for he knows that it was one of the flaws of the team, defense.
Here are the list of the 23-man line-up of the Philippine Azkals:
- Neil Etheridge – Goalkeeper
- Manuel Ott – Midfielder
- Robert Gier – Defender
- Angel Aldeguer Guirado – Midfielder
- Ray Jonsson – Defender
- Jerry Lucena – Midfielder
- Stephan Schrock – Defender
- Ian Araneta – Striker
- Alexander Borromeo – Defender
- Emelio Caligdong – Left Wing Midfielder/Forward
- Anton del Rosario – Defender
- Nestorio Margarse – Midfielder
- Edward Sacapano – Goalkeeper
- Misagh Bahadoran – Striker
- James Rochlitz – Midfielder
- Nathaniel Burkey – Midfielder
- Jason Sabio – Defender
- Ricardo Becite – Midfielder
- James Younghusband – Right Wing Midfielder
- Phil Younghusband – Striker
- Paul Mulders – Attacking Midfielder
- Dennis Cagara – Defender
- Roel Gener – Defender