The Philippine Azkals strength will be tested with an early match-up against one of Asia’s toughest team, Thailand during the opening day at the homecourt of the Thais in Bangkok on Saturday, November 24, 2012.
Azkals Coach Hans Michael Weiss was confident with the recent progress of his boys although he will missed some of his regular Filipino-European players who will not be available for the biennial meet.
The Philippine Team will leave today, November 20 for Thailand via Philippine Airlines to familiarize themselves with the environment. The PFF have already chosen the 25-man pool of the national team in which 22 will be chosen to represent the Philippines in the competition.
The host team Thailand on their part have been scouting the Philippine team and as a proof, Thai Coach Winfried Schafer actually went to Cebu to watch the Azkals game vs. Singapore to and take notes during the game. The Thai mentor was wary with the Azkals emergence as one of the best team in Southeast Asia.
The German Coach of Thailand was also happy upon hearing the news directly from his fellow German and Philippines’ coach Hans Michael Weiss with the unavailability of the two most recognized Azkals’ players, Stephan Schrock and Neil Etheridge.
Although the Thailand Coach was happy with the news but still he is wary with the Azkals counter attacks for they are big and strong and prepared a lot for the competition.
Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and Fil-Danish Dennis Cagara are expected to join the Azkals for the Suzuki Cup, along with Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena.
