PFF U-23 Suzuki Cup Final Set

It will be a Visayas versus Mindanao battle that would determine who will be the PFF U-23 Suzuki Cup champions on Thursday, May 30 in Dumaguete City.

Defending champions Negros Occidental will have a chance to retain their championship, after dispatching their rivals and 2011 finalists Iloilo, 2-0. Jimuel Ariola at Joshua Beloya both scored in the second half to get them through the final.

They will be facing Davao, who needed extra time to beat North Cotabato, 1-0. Francis Jay Abaluran is credited with the game-winner six minutes into the 1st half of ET.

Negros Occidental, sponsored by Ceres and Davao, sponsored by Medvil, have met previously during the eliminations of the competition, where the Negrenses won, 5-0.

The finalists will be bolstered by well-known names in the collegiate and UFL ranks. Negros Occidental has Joshua Beloya, Jinggoy Valmayor and Reymark Fernandez, while Davao has Michael Simms and the Diamante brothers in David and Derrico.

Kickoff for the final is pegged at 2:30pm, while Iloilo and North Cotabato will participate in a 3rd place playoff at 8:30am.

The competition is part of the continuing involvement of Suzuki Philippines with the development of football in the Philippines, with the goal of finding new talent that would eventually lead to the growth of home-grown stars in the football scene. This partnership, established since 2011 in the aftermath of the country's achievements in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, is supplemented with sports programs and football clinics.

2012 AFF Suzuki Cup - Philippines vs Singapore (Leg 1)

c/o Suzuki Cup website

A Goalless Draw. That is what it was in our home leg...

2012 AFF Suzuki Cup - Philippines vs Myanmar

Photo from the Suzuki Cup website

The Philippines secured their long-overdue home game with a 2-0 victory over Myanmar.

A Different Kind of a Call to Arms

That is Y! Ph's Passionate fan Bob Guerrero on the left and Craig Burrows on the right. Photo from Bob Guerrero.

A English comrade named Craig Burrows (@craigburrows) wrote this little prose piece in preparation for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup Group Stage match against Myanmar to be played tonight. I thought it would be nice to share it with everyone, because it is one filled with passion, because he truly has it for the sport.

Bonifacio Day, do you know his nickname within the KKK?

It was May pag-asa ("There is Hope") and today we as a nation celebrate because he helped deliver that hope and independence was gained.

He was not alone, he worked with a team and today another team does battle for the nation, it is not for independence but it is for national pride and that is something that I am sure Bonifacio understood and I have no doubt that he would be thrilled not just that his name was celebrated on November 30th but that an independent Philippines was free not to fight on the battlefield but on a sporting one as the nation has gained the objective he lived and died for.

I in no way want to imply that the Azkals are on the same level as Bonifacio, I just want to suggest that he would support them and all national teams of a free Pilipinas and encourage us to unite behind them.

Today as you wake remember Bonifacio - May pag-asa - and ask yourself how he would feel seeing his free countrymen fighting for national pride.

Let us celebrate Bonifacio a true hero but let us also unite to celebrate our freedom that we have because he and many others gave their lives that today we may be free.

Happy Bonifacio day let us celebrate him and our independence by uniting and standing for national pride. God bless.

On Andres' 149th birthday (and also happens to be Global FC defender and Philippine international Carlie de Murga's 24th natal day as well), may we as a nation provide him with something he'd approve, that is to express and show our pride as a Filipino nation in what we do on the field and in the stands (whether at Supachalasai Stadium or at a sports bar or even at home).

Oh and as Tony Kornheiser would say: "Do Wear White." The Philippines will be wearing that color later, and so should we.

2012 AFF Suzuki Cup - Philippines vs Vietnam

Photo c/o Anton Sheker from the Azkalsfootballteam.com website via ABS-CBN News

A 1-0 victory for the Azkals, thanks to the magic of Emelio Caligdong

2012 AFF Suzuki Cup - Philippines vs Thailand

Photo c/o AFF Suzuki Cup website

The Philippines opened their 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup campaign on a disappointing note with a 2-1 defeat to Thailand.

The Trequartista Sweeper - AFF Suzuki Cup Scenarios

It has been an interesting AFF Suzuki Cup so far, with virtually interesting and fascinating matches that have resulted in exciting results with one matchday remaining, November 30 in Thailand and December 1 in Malaysia.

Here's a look at what each of the eight nations can do if they have dreams of hosting a home game one week later...

Matchday 3 will take on November 30, with a 9:20 PM (in Manila) kickoff for both matches:

Thailand vs Vietnam at Rajamangala Stadium
The Philippines vs Myanmar at Supachalasai Stadium

Myanmar has the toughest road to climb in this group. They need to win against the Philippines AND (preferably) Thailand beats Vietnam, because if Vietnam wins against the Thais, the 2013 SEA Games hosts will need to beat the Azkals by at least four goals AND whatever the margin of victory the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup champions had secured against the hosts.

Vietnam has a similar road with Myanmar, in that they need to win their match against their opponent to have any chance of advancing, but that still depends on the result of the Philippines-Myanmar match. If Myanmar wins, the 2013 SEA Games hosts will need to win by four goals or less PLUS whatever Vietnam's winning margin over Thailand is. If the Azkals manage a draw, Vietnam needs to win by at least two goals over the hosts.

The Philippines can secure a place in the semifinals with a win against Myanmar. They can also secure it with a draw AND Thailand preventing a Vietnamese win. A defeat will eliminate the Philippines from semifinal aspirations. The Azkals have an outside shot at going on top of Group A with a win AND Thailand losing to Vietnam, provided that the combination of a Filipino victory AND a Thai defeat exceeds five.


Thailand has already secured its seat in the semifinals. A draw against Vietnam will be enough to secure the top spot in Group A. In the off chance that they lose, they will still maintain first place if The Philippines fails to win against Myanmar or the Azkals win by less than this equation: [five then subtract the margin of their defeat to Vietnam].

Matchday 3 will take place on December 1, with a 8:45 PM (in Manila) kickoff for both matches:

Malaysia vs Indonesia at Bukit Jalil Stadium
Singapore vs Laos at Shah Alam Stadium

Laos needs to beat Singapore if they have any shot at advancing as a runner-up. It would be better if Indonesia beats Malaysia, as no additional tiebreakers will be necessary, but a win by the defending AFF Suzuki Cup champions will mean that they need to beat Singapore with the margin from this equation: [four then subtract the margin of Malaysia's win over Indonesia].

Malaysia can win the group if they beat Indonesia AND Singapore is unable to win over Laos. If Singapore wins over Laos, they will need to have a winning margin of better than two compared to their Causeway rivals. A draw with Indonesia means the defending Suzuki Cup champions will need to have Laos beat Singapore by a winning margin no larger than 3. Malaysia can afford to lose to Indonesia as well, provided Singapore loses to Laos by a margin at least larger than two.

Singapore can win the group with a victory over Laos AND Indonesia unable to win over Malaysia. If Malaysia beats Indonesia, Singapore can still win the group if their Causeway rivals win by a smaller margin than that of the Lions. They can also advance with a draw if Malaysia does not win over Indonesia. A loss eliminates them from semifinal contention.

Indonesia can win the group with a victory over Malaysia. They can also win the group with a draw, provided Singapore does not win its match against Laos. In fact, the Merah Putih only need a draw to advance to the next round. If they lose to Malaysia, they will need Laos to beat Singapore, but the number needs to be less than this equation: [four then subtract the margin of Malaysia's win over Indonesia].

The final 22 for the Philippines revealed for the AFF Suzuki Cup

The Philippine Football Federation released on Friday afternoon the list of players competing in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

From the initially-released 35 around a month ago, it was whittled down to 26-27 names earlier this week before eventually settling on the final 22, which will be the basis for the upcoming Group Stage matches and any fixtures subsequent to it if the Azkals manage to go beyond it.

Eight members from the 2010 Suzuki Cup team make their return to the 2012 lineup, including the brother tandem of James and Phil Younghusband.

Those guys will join forces with the core of the team the recently copped the Philippine Football Peace Cup (formerly known as the Long Teng Cup), the first tournament the nation has won in 99 years. That team had the likes of Denis Wolf and Patrick Reichelt providing the scoring.

The AFF Suzuki Cup will commence with action in the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, with Vietnam facing Myanmar at 630pm in Manila followed the Philippines going up against hosts Thailand at 920pm. AkTV and Star Sports handle the televised coverage.

Forwards

Angel Guirado - Salgaocar FC (I-League - India)
Denis Wolf - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Phil Younghusband - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines) 

Midfielders

Marwin Angeles - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Jason De Jong - Stallion Penson FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Chris Greatwich - Morris County Colonials (National Premier Soccer League - United States)
Jerry Lucena - Esbjerg FC (Superliga - Denmark)
Paul Mulders - ADO Den Haag (Eredivisie - The Netherlands) 

Wingers

Emelio Caligdong - Philippine Air Force (United Football League - Philippines)
Jeff Christiaens - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Demit Omphroy - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Patrick Reichelt - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
James Younghusband - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines) 

Defenders

Dennis Cagara - Karlsruher SC (3. Bundesliga - Germany)
Rob Gier - Ascot United FC (Hellenic League - England)
Juan Luis Guirado - Racing Lermeno (Tercera Division - Spain) *also listed on Global FC's roster
Ray Jonsson - Grindavik (Úrvalsdeild - Iceland) *contract with the team expires at end of October
Carlie de Murga - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Jason Sabio - Kaya FC (United Football League - Philippines) 

Goalkeepers

Ref Cuaresma - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Roland Muller - MSV Duisburg (2. Bundesliga - Germany)
Ed Sacapano - Philippine Army (United Football League - Philippines)

The Trequartista Sweeper - Envisioning how we play

The roster for the AFF Suzuki Cup will be revealed later this afternoon.

When the 35-man pool was released, I was intrigued with the possibilities as to who should be in the roster. I thought carefully about how Hans Michael Weiss used his roster in his previous competitions, the availability and form of those individuals, and came out with my own projected lineup for the Suzuki Cup.

That pool has since shrunk since Marvin Angeles, Matthew Uy, Mark Hartmann, OJ Porteria and Lexton Moy were left behind and Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller, Stephan Schrock and Manny Ott pretty much ruled themselves out due to their unavailability.

With that, this is my own constituted 22-man lineup.

GKs: Sacapano, Cuaresma (2)
DFs: de Murga, J. Guirado, Cagara, Gier, Jonsson (5)
MFs: Mulders, Lucena, de Jong, Gonzales, Greatwich, Mw. Angeles (6)
Wingers: Omphroy, Caligdong, Reichelt, Christiaens, JYH (5)
FWs: PYH, Wolf, A. Guirado, Araneta (4)

This would be my preferred starting XI

You're probably wondering why I have this formation.

1. The best way to make Ed Sacapano's life easy is to have a rock-solid back line to neutralize the opposition. Having veterans like Gier and Jonsson with added upgrades in Juani, Dennis and Jerry will surely help in neutralizing the likes of Le Cong Vinh and Teerasil. If we need offense from the back line, we can then insert the Global FC wingers Omphroy and Christiaens to provide some spark.

2. Guirado and PYH are interchangeable. We already saw the potential of Phil as feeder in their friendly against Singapore.

The Trequartista Sweeper - Deconstructing the 35-man RP AFF Suzuki Cup Pool

Photo courtesy of the PFF.

As per the AFF guidelines, the PFF released the provisional pool of 35 players a month before the start of the Suzuki Cup, as reported here. What I will do now is expound on the selections and see where we will go from here to Friday, when we will whittle that number down to 22, 20 of which are eligible to play. This is after all the friendlies have been played from June all the way to the just-concluded one in Cebu.

Goalkeepers: Ref Cuaresma, Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller, Ed Sacapano

This is arguably a position of strength for the Philippines, with solid options all around. Availability is the biggest issue, with status of Neil and Roland still up in the air, although it looks slim for the latter with reports that their regular keeper being out until Christmas. However, both Ed and Ref have stepped up nicely in the action that they have seen, whether for club and country. Neil and Ed also were present in 2010, so they are familiar with the conditions.

Defenders: Dennis Cagara, Rob Gier, Juan Luis Guirado, Ray Jonsson, Carlie de Murga, Jason Sabio

Dennis has received his clearance from Karlsruher SC to play in this competition, considering he has not figured with the lineup that is currently on a roll in the 3. Bundesliga. Injuries are the proverbial woe in this group, from Rob's hamstrings to Juani's knee to Jason's groin and now, Carlie's meniscus, which caused him to miss the friendly against Singapore. This is already to add to the knee issues that has bothered and kept reigning skipper Aly Borromeo on the sidelines. That is why it is encouraging that Rob and Juani were able to play the entire match against Singapore. A very solid unit, which will be put to the test against the best Southeast Asia can offer.

Midfielders: Marvin Angeles, Marwin Angeles, Jason De Jong, Anto Gonzales, Chris Greatwich, Jerry Lucena, Nestorio Margarse, Jr., Lexton Moy, Paul Mulders, Manny Ott, Matthew Uy

There are two sets of midfielders in this group. One set is composed of the defensive-oriented guys (Jason, Anto, Jerry, Nestorio, Lexton and Matthew) while the rest are the creators / facilitators. For the first group,  Jerry reportedly was only given clearance as of the moment for only one match, the group stage fixture against Vietnam, while no details have been made available as for Manny. Most of the defensive guys are pretty similar, especially when you look into their respective roles with their clubs. It's a matter of taste or fit with regards to the selection. It can be said that Jason is probably playing the best out of those similar guys. As for offense, the twins have handled the midfield role well, with Marwin being a little bit better than Marvin. Chris is best known for his 2010 heroics, while Paul best helps with the attack and with feeding the people up front, especially with his capabilities.

Wingers: Misagh Bahadoran, Emelio Caligdong, Jeff Christiaens, OJ Porteria, Demit Omphroy, Patrick Reichelt, Stephan Schrock, James Younghusband

Although Stephan is most likely unavailable for the competition, this is a solid unit anchored on its two skippers, Chieffy and James. The 2010 veterans will lead a group of young and talented players led by the PFPC sensations and Global FC teammates Christiaens, Omphroy as the wingbacks and on the right wing by Reichelt on the moments when JYH was unavailable. OJ showed promise until an illness sidelined him, while Misagh also has been a trusty sub, but he is currently rehabbing from an injury that caused him to miss the friendly in Cebu.

Forwards: Ian Araneta, Joshua Beloya, Angel Guirado, Mark Hartmann, Denis Wolf, Phil Younghusband

Interesting new wrinkle being introduced by Weiss during their match against Singapore, where Phil was doing a little more distribution. But any chance of progressing in the competition will need the UFL Golden Boot winner to do some work in putting balls into the net. In his absence due to those moments of unavailability, Denis Wolf has stepped in and in fact, won a competition with his effort. Angel has reportedly secured his club's clearance for his participation in this competition, who has been the beneficiary of his offensive production in spite of the team's struggles in the I-League. Being recalled into the national team pool is an encouraging sign for both Mark and Joshua, while Ian has already announced that this is the end of the road for him in his international career.

I ask you now this question: Who do you want to be in your Suzuki Cup 22?

Suzuki's Ultimate ASEAN Fan Contest

Suzuki recognizes that football fans in Southeast Asia are among the best in the world with regards to their intensity. passion and vibrancy for the game.

These same fans have the chance and opportunity to show that kind of passion through a contest the Japanese company is sponsoring.

Fans can post a photo on the official AFF Suzuki Cup Facebook page. (Facebook.com/affsuzukicup) The photo should show why they should be the ASEAN Ultimate Fan. Then these fans need to share that photo to as many people as possible. The lucky winner will be receiving a prize package that includes a Suzuki Nex motorcycle, Samsung Galaxy S3 Mobile Phone, Toshiba tablets, Nike products and Nikon cameras.

“Following a record breaking event in 2010, we wanted to reward fans for the unwavering support of their national teams. What better way to do that than through a search for ASEAN’s Ultimate Fan,” said Ian Mathie, Senior Vice-President, Football – South Asia, ASEAN, and Australia. “We have seen outstanding growth across our digital platforms and this promotion will continue to develop this area and further position the AFF Suzuki Cup at the forefront of the development of ASEAN football”.

The 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup will be held from November 24th to December 22nd with group stage matches in Malaysia and Thailand. The semi-finals and final matches will be played on a home-and-away basis.

Preliminary Lineup for the AFF Suzuki Cup released

The Philippines named their preliminary lineup for the AFF Suzuki Cup on Thursday afternoon on the Senior Men's National Team's website.

Eleven members from the side that two years ago made the miraculous run to the semifinals in Indonesia under Simon McMenemy return under the auspices of Hans Michael Weiss to attempt to replicate the feat. They will join forces with the core of the team that won the Philippine Football Peace Cup, the first tournament title the Azkals secured in almost a century.

Out of the 35, twenty-two will be selected to participate in the competition proper.  The eight nations have until November 23 to finalize their respective lineups. Out of that 22, each team can register twenty players who can be eligible to play in a particular match in the Suzuki Cup. That list of twenty will be known sixty minutes before each fixture.

In cases of injury or club conflict, (the competition is not included in the FIFA Calendar) the coaching staff can select an alternate, but said alternate needs to be included in the original pool.

The Philippines begins its AFF Suzuki Cup group stage campaign on November 24 against co-hosts Thailand.

The initial 35-man pool of the Philippines are as follows:

Midfielders

Marvin Angeles - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Marwin Angeles - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Jason De Jong - Stallion Penson FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Anto Gonzales - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Chris Greatwich - Morris County Colonials (National Premier Soccer League - United States)
Jerry Lucena - Esbjerg FC (Superliga - Denmark)
Nestorio Margarse, Jr. - Philippine Army (United Football League - Philippines)
Lexton Moy - Kaya FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Paul Mulders - ADO Den Haag (Eredivisie - The Netherlands)
Manny Ott - Ingolstadt II (Regionalliga-Bayern - Germany)
Matthew Uy - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)

Forwards

Ian Araneta - Philippine Air Force (United Football League - Philippines)
Joshua Beloya - Ceres FC (??? - Philippines)
Angel Guirado - Salgaocar FC (I-League - India)
Mark Hartmann - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Denis Wolf - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Phil Younghusband - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines)

Wingers

Misagh Bahadoran - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Emelio Caligdong - Philippine Air Force (United Football League - Philippines)
Jeff Christiaens - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
OJ Porteria - Kaya FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Demit Omphroy - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Patrick Reichelt - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Stephan Schrock - Hoffenheim (Bundesliga - Germany)
James Younghusband - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines)

Defenders

Dennis Cagara - Karlsruher SC (3. Bundesliga - Germany)
Rob Gier - Ascot United FC (Hellenic League - England)
Juan Luis Guirado - Racing Lermeno (Tercera Division - Spain) *also listed on Global FC's roster
Ray Jonsson - Grindavik (Úrvalsdeild - Iceland) *contract with the team expires at end of October
Carlie de Murga - Global FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Jason Sabio - Kaya FC (United Football League - Philippines)

Goalkeepers

Ref Cuaresma - Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (United Football League - Philippines)
Neil Etheridge - Bristol Rovers (League Two - England) *On loan from English Premiership side Fulham
Roland Muller - MSV Duisburg (2. Bundesliga - Germany)
Ed Sacapano - Philippine Army (United Football League - Philippines)

Blog Outsourcing - 12/6 edition

Welcome to today's edition of the Victory Formation.

This is the first Monday of December and I can smell the sweetness of the Holiday season. With the Holiday season comes the shopping experience. Once the days come closer and closer to Christmas, the madness draws more and more.

My mom really needed a technological upgrade, since she has been missing out on being a part of the pictures. So I took her to a nearby sale to help her in purchasing a brand new point and shoot camera. Afterward, I managed to help her with a brand new laptop for work usage, although it looks like my younger sister will be taking advantage of it more. Nothing like taking advantage of a little family time together.

On a personal footnote: My alma mater seals their case as the best collegiate team in the Motherland. Nonito Donaire stakes his claim as a top P4P fighter. And yes, we pulled off a miracle.

Hereforth are the linkage.



Remember Alyssa Milano's commercial with the NFL that also included the Snyders? Well, someone did the D-I-Y route.

The Sacramento Kings should be the proponent of this, really. Or maybe the New Jersey Nets.

So, the Detroit Red Wings just do it, time and time again...

Just don't be like Antoine Walker at this point, eh?

Yup, it's winter time, so perfectly fine for snowball fights.

Just happy that someone like her has our heritage. (Could possibly be NSFW, you have been forewarned)

Just when you think they are already protecting the QB, some say they are still not protecting enough.

Ok, this happened in Miz's turf. Will the resident lawyer comment?

The Nationals. Who knew? That definitely came out of left field.

Derek Jeter must be an Al Pacino fan.

A-Gon is gone in San Diego. Adrian Beltre to be Mike Lowell'd? No means no, Oakland.

Is George a HOFer? We will know later.

Lance Berkman will not be playing 1st base in St Louis, right?

Sooner or later, the Reds glut of starting pitchers will be addressed. One has left for Petco.

Aroldis likes sealing the deal more.

We are a feisty 4-17 team. The running joke after this transpired has been why we haven't been bought up yet.

Fitting for Jimmy V Week. George Karl now at 999.

Wordaaap!

Magic > Pistons > Stomach Virus.

NBA on TNT > NFL Network

Bad breaks cost the Lions another win.

Tarvaris Jackson secured the win.

Never piss off the Sports Guy.

Cowboys win, but lose Dez Bryant. Fair shake?

Just as you think Texas fans are out of the woebegone...

Lame pun alert... Minnesota goes for the Kill. More lame pun alert... You got Serb'd.

Meanwhile, they got their men in Boulder.

Book is closed. For now.

The hottest name in coaching.

Gus Johnson once again trended Twitter for this and this. Too bad the Jags ran roughshod over the toothless Titans. AFC West, you have been forewarned. He'll be at Chiefs - Chargers & Broncos - Raiders in the next two weeks.

Please return the head. Ktnxbai. More action in the Civil War.

Bad blood spilling in LA.

Here's a parting picture of the Azkals (monicker of the Philippine Football team, local parlance means mongrel)