KICK OFF PH

The Philippines qualified for the World Cup for the first time on Sunday following a 4-3 penalty win over Chinese Taipei. Following up on their sensational performance in the group stage that saw them win against long-term rival Thailand and then followed by a gallant fight against  Australia, the Philippines time and time again rose to the occasion and made history on Sunday night that inspired a whole new generation of aspiring Filipino footballers.  Quinley Quezada broke the deadlock and put the Philippines ahead after 49 minutes before Chinese Taipei levelled through Zhou Li-ping at the 82nd minute. After a grueling 120 minutes’ playing time had failed to separate Philippines and Chinese Taipei,  the match went to a penalty shootout. Then it was penalties. Sara Castañeda scored first for the Philippines before Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-yu kept out Hali Long and Jessica Miclat. Tahnai Annis,  Olivia McDaniel, and Sarina Bolden  all finished for the ...

The Philippines U23 Squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup  Qualifiers  The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced on Thursday its squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup  Qualifiers which begins later this month in Singapore. The Philippines is in Group H and will begin its qualification process on October 25 against title holders South Korea, with games against Singapore and Timor - Leste slated for October 28 and 31, respectively.  Azkals U23 head coach Scott Cooper has refreshed his squad with some new faces for the upcoming U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The English tactician has selected his squad of 23 players for the campaign as the Philippines will be aiming to secure a spot in the final tournament for the first time in its history.  In order to get there, the Azkals must finish the campaign on top of their group or finish as one of the four best placers in each group.  Here are the players that have been selected: Goalkeepers : Quincy Kammeraad (Azkals...

Molde youngster Lloyd Fagerlie has been called into the Philippines senior squad. Photo: Rbnett.no Despite being left out of the final lineup for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Lloyd Fagerlie has nothing but gratitude to the Azkals management led by head coach Scot Cooper for giving him the chance to train with the seniors team. "Getting to know everybody within the organization has been a blessing and a true joy to be a part of," said Fagerlie. "Th e camp has been very instructive, and a very good experience," added the Molde FK academy product. The 18-year-old midfielder has been ruled out of the final lineup as he dealt with visa issues. "It's unfortunate that I wont be joining the team in the qualifiers because I didn't get my visa on time," said Fagerlie. Instead of delving on the negatives, Fagerlie said he is looking at the bright side and is ready to put all his learnings into action as he reports back to his mother club in Norw...

Niko De Vera reaffirms duty for the Philippine Azkals. Photo: Niko De Vera The 24-year-old defender has been called up once again to represent the Philippines National Team in the upcoming training camp in Doha that will take place in preparation for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers running from June 3-15. The Azkals will train in Doha and will have two international friendly matches against Palestine and Syria. Following the friendlies, Azkals head coach Scott Cooper will select the final  roster that will play against Guam on June 3, followed by China on June 9, and Maldives on June 15. Reacting to the news, De Vera described the call up as a "blessing" "It’s a blessing to be called up to the Azkals. I am ready to give it my all and help the team any way I can to get the wins we need," said De Vera who traces his family's roots back to Cebu City. For De Vera, he's out to fill whatever role he'll be given. And aims to absorb all he can in the training camp...

While Europe will always be the destination of choice for most players, there are a multitude of options in pro club football. Some of the more popular destinations are the Middle East, Japan, Korea or China mainly because of the financial incentives and the level of competition, but the interest in Thailand's Thai League is slowly gaining popularity and is steadily becoming the destination of choice for foreign players.  It has also opened doors for talented players from neighboring ASEAN countries thanks to the ASEAN quota rule.  For Ratchaburi Mitr Phol defender Luke Woodland, the Thai League is a great stepping stone to the big leagues in Asia. "All of us wants to play in the highest league possible," said Woodland. "For now, Thailand is a great place for us to get games and show ourselves in a top league to move into a bigger league again."  ASEAN Players in the Thai League 1 (2018-2020 Season) Since the introduction of ASEAN import ruling in 2018, a number...

United City FC have announced the signing of Filipino- German Andreas Campollo Esswein  Photo: Andreas Esswein Andreas Esswein shared his excitement for being part of the reigning Philippines Football League (PFL) champions United City Football Club. The 24-year-old midfielder was announced as the newest addition for United City Football Club on Friday afternoon ahead of the 2021 season. " It feels great to be given the opportunity again to play in the Philippines ," said Esswein, who previously played for PFL clubs Davao Aguilas and Global FC. The FC Astoria Walldorf product has said that the club's ambition was a big factor in his decision to join  the four-time PFL Champions.  " What I like about UCFC is that they are ambitious and they always try to improve year in, year out. They work hard not just to become number one in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia," he added. Not only did he join the league's most successful club, he's now playing a...

We often wonder why athletes would want to call it quits while still in their prime. Why would somebody prematurely call time in their playing career rather than extending it as long as possible? There is sadly a cut off point for all professional footballers, it is often when they are mentally at peak that their bodies give up on them. Many careers are ended by long term injuries from which a player never recovers. Some just grow to slow to be able to compete at the highest level. While others step away from the game that they love for personal reasons.  Here are five national team players who decided to end their career prematurely, for better or worse. Demitrius Omphroy Demitrius Omphroy with the Philippine Azkals. Photo: Anton Sheker The former Sporting CP academy player, who was drafted 26th overall by the Toronto FC in the 2011 Major League Soccer (MLS) Super Draft, had seven appearances and three goals for the Philippine Azkals and was part of the Philippines Azkals squ...