Azkals to play match versus Brazil in Rio de Janeiro
MANILA - The Philippine Azkals have risen to 145th in the world thanks to recent semifinal appearances in the AFC Challenge Cup and Suzuki Cup.
But now the team faces its stiffest test yet: an away game versus five-time FIFA World Cup champs, Brazil.
“Brazil are Brazil, but we need to play the best to be the best” says Azkals team manager Dan Palami.
The CBF or Brazil Football Federation, says the match that will take place in the historic Estadio do Maracana sometime in July. The CBF is expecting a full house in the iconic stadium which seats 78,838, as well as the participation of their stars, like Neymar, Hulk, Kaka, and perhaps even Ronaldinho.
Brazil won the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. No other nation has won the cup as many times as they. Italy is currently second on the list with four stars on their jersey.
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The Brazilians are known for popularizing the extravagant samba style of Football typified by masters of the game like Pelé, Rivelino, Romario, and Roberto Carlos.
The “Seleçao” as they are known, is currently ranked 18th in the world, and this surprisingly low ranking gives Palami hope.
“I feel there is a chance we can get a result from the game” he says.
The game will not take place on FIFA International Match Days, meaning it is unlikely that European-based stars like Stephan Schrock, Javier Patiño, Dennis Cagara, and Jerry Lucena can play.
But that does not faze Palami one bit.
“We have quality players in the UFL who will fight for the win.”
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Team officials believe that experience is everything for a momentous game such as this, which is why the Azkals will recall Fred Gonzalez into the team. The 34-year old Loyola Meralco Spark was a mainstay of the national team at the turn of the century and had scored thre goals for his UFL club in the league season before he was sidelined by injury.
The Azkals will also include several U23 players in preparation for the 2013 SEA Games.
“This will be a good way of testing their mettle before they play for the flag in Myanmar later this year” adds Palami.
The Philippines will go on a mini-camp before going to Rio De Janeiro in order to prepare for the game. Two friendlies are being mulled to toughen up the team versus the five-time world champs.
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As of press time it appears that Northern Marianas and Macau have agreed to play the Azkals in their drive to toughen themselves up for Brazil.
“Northern Marianas is on the rise and they will be a good opponent to build up our confidence for Brazil” says Palami. The Blue Ayuyu, as they are known, recently played Loyola in a 70-minute scrimmage in FEU's new pitch in Quezon City with the result being 0-0.
“Macau, like Brazil, is also a former Portuguese colony, so they play a similar style as Brazil. For sure that will help us get used to the Brazilian style of play” he says.
The Azkals are reportedly excited about the game, since many of them look up to the Brazilians as their idols. But team officials have informed the players that they must be professional and play for victory.
On the tactical side, the coaching staff has conducted brainstorming sessions to determine the optimal formation for the game.
A team official who asked to be anonymous said that the team will likely emply a 3-4-3 formation with Phil Younghusband, Ian Araneta, and Gonzalez as the front three.
A 3-5-2 formation is also being considered with Air Force's Jezurel Tonog at central midfield. The veteran can also operate as a deep-lying striker or as a “False 9.”
One thing is for sure, it will be a game that Azkals fans will not forget.
Follow Bob on Twitter @bhobg333.
Oh and by the way...
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