The Philippine Men’s National Team set their sights for the biggest tournament they will participate in to date, the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Facing Korea Republic, China PR, and Kyrgyz Republic, the Azkals find themselves in a challenging group with an opportunity to be one of the 16 teams to advance to the knockout stages.
Leading to the Asian Cup, the Philippines fairly impressed in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 where they finished as semifinalists for the fourth time in five outings.
In preparation for Asia’s showpiece tournament, the Philippines MNT will conduct a training camp in Doha, Qatar. The team will also have a FIFA International Friendly Match against newly crowned Suzuki Cup champions Vietnam on 31 December 2018.
The team will proceed to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 3 January 2019 on time before the first match against Korea Republic on 7 January 2019.
Majority of the team were part of the Suzuki Cup squad. Kevin Hansen, who plays goalkeeper for Danish side AC Horsens, is the newest addition to the team. Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will miss the tournament.
Midfielder Miguel Tanton returns to the squad having suited up for the Philippines in the 3-2 win over DPR Korea last March 2016. Javier Patiño is also back after missing the recent Suzuki Cup with an injury.
The head coach is Sven-Goran Eriksson who will be assisted by Scott Cooper, Christopher Greatwich, and Stefano Marsella.
23 players compose the Philippines squad for the AFC Asian Cup.
Players:
- Michael FALKESGAARD – Goalkeeper
- Kevin Ray HANSEN – Goalkeeper
- Nathanael Ace VILLANUEVA – Goalkeeper
- Carlos DE MURGA – Defender
- Stephan PALLA – Defender
- Daisuke SATO – Defender
- Alvaro SILVA – Defender
- Adam TULL – Midfielder
- Luke WOODLAND – Defender
- Kevin INGRESO – Midfielder
- Paul MULDERS – Midfielder
- Manuel OTT – Midfielder
- Mike Rigoberto OTT – Midfielder
- Stephan SCHROCK – Midfielder – Ceres Negros FC
- John-Patrick STRAUSS – Midfielder
- Miguel Javier TANTON – Midfielder
- James YOUNGHUSBAND – Midfielder
- Jovin BEDIC – Forward
- Curt DIZON – Forward
- Javier PATIÑO – Forward
- Iain RAMSAY – Forward
- Patrick REICHELT – Forward
- Philip YOUNGHUSBAND – Forward