Photo from Addison Tan The Philippines and Malaysia played to yet another draw in a very physical friendly match held in Manila, as the Azkals prepared for their first Asian Cup qualification game against Nepal at home in a few days’ time. With the home side way ahead of Malaysia in the latest FIFA rankings, Azkals fans would be forgiven if they expected nothing less than a resounding victory. Yet, while many fans trudged away at full time with a rueful smile and a shake of the head, the optimist in me sees very positive signs for the game against Nepal on March 28. Azkals Coach Thomas Dooley finally has a full-strength squad at his disposal, and his team selection was very different from the one we saw in the disastrous 2016 Suzuki Cup played at home soil. Captain Phil Younghusband was deployed in a more forward position together with the available Javier Patino, as the Azkals looked the more aggressive side in the first half. Neil Etheridge, back in an Azkals jersey after missing out on the Suzuki Cup, looked assured between the sticks. Dennis Villanueva played alongside fellow Global FC teammate Amani Aguinaldo in the heart of the Azkals defense, a partnership which looks set to be the new look centerback pairing in the foreseeable future. “I’m pleased with Dennis’ performance,” said Dooley in the post-match press conference. “He has a great technique and we gave him freedom to move forward.” With European club football experience under his belt, a very confident Daisuke Sato marauded the left flank, with his opposite number Junior Munoz looking to seal the right back position with an equally impressive shift. A very industrious Iain Ramsay owned the wing as he continually whipped in crosses from the left, but perhaps a bit of unfamiliarity with the movement from some of his teammates — Phil Younghusband has never played as a striker with Ramsay on the same team — meant that one or two passes would not hit its intended target. Dooley now has a few days to ensure more cohesion within the team, not to mention to work on putting the ball at the back of the net. “You have to score goals to win games, and we didn’t score”, said the Azkals coach. “The last pass was a little bit off. We will be working on our finishing, finishing, finishing.” Photo from Addison Tan The game saw the Azkals experiment different approaches, with crosses from the wings interspersed with attempts to lob balls over the top to Younghusband and Patino. While this may work at times, the default plan must be to get the ball to Manny Ott, who should now be the fulcrum of the Azkals’ attack. Given the keys to the Azkals’ midfield, Ott should be the focal point of the Azkals assault. Alongside him, defensive midfielder Kevin Ingreso should provide cover and do a better job of not losing the ball. James Younghusband came on and provided a decent shift, but his aerial prowess is wasted on the wings, most especially as his crosses from the right could only meet subs Fitch Arboleda and Mike Ott, not exactly the tallest of forwards. It is hoped that the draw against Malaysia, while not a victory in the record books, gave the Azkals’ great preparation ahead the more important match against Nepal in the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium was nowhere near Panaad levels, but it was a decent-sized crowd, albeit with many Malaysians in attendance. With the remaining Azkals’ home games for the Asian Cup qualifiers being held in Bacolod, the March 28 match will be the last chance for Manila-based fans to catch the Azkals in action. Manila — and its fans — must come out and make a stand, and let their voices of support be heard far and loud. Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/2mX47MR

Keen to make amends after crashing out of the AFC Champions League, reigning UFL champions Global FC kicked off its 2017 AFC Cup campaign with a straightforward 1-0 victory in Manila against tournament debutants Magwe FC of Myanmar. Misagh Bahadoran scored the solitary goal in the 39th minute from a sublime Matthew Hartmann cross, and Global didn’t look back en route to their first win of the tournament. Here are five thoughts from the game. 1. Much better AFC Cup start for Global FC Photo from Addison Tan Two years ago, Global were famously thrashed in their AFC Cup debut in 2015. Fast forward to 2017, the ‘People’s Club’ made a perfect start to the tournament with a win against the Burmese Cup champions at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Having also played in the AFC Champions League preliminary stages, Global banked on its experience to repulse a physical Magwe side, who largely left Patrick Deyto untroubled all evening. Global paraded three new players in their lineup, with Brazilian central defender Wesley dos Santos, former Swansea City midfielder Kemy Agustien and Trinidad and Tobago striker Darryl Roberts making their debuts, and all three provided strong performances for the Philippine champions. Three points are in the bag, and Global FC now focus their attention to the next two games away from home, against Beoungket Angkor in Phnom Penh, and the mighty JDT in Johor. 2. MOTM dos Santos forms a good partnership with Amani Photo from Addison Tan Strong and physical, Wesley dos Santos impressed in his debut in the heart of the defense, en route to a Man of the Match performance for Global FC. A rather shaky start in the opening minute saw Global FC on the back foot right from kickoff, but as the game progressed, the Brazilian and his defensive partners gradually grew in confidence. Against a very robust and physical Magwe side, dos Santos rose to the challenge and formed a solid partnership with Amani Aguinaldo. The presence of dos Santos makes up for the departure of Milan Nikolic, and allows Global to field Dennis Villanueva and Paul Mulders in their normal positions. 3. Against better opposition, Global needs to take its chances Global controlled possession for majority of the game, but they were met with a stubborn Magwe side content to sit back and pack the middle of the field with blue shirts. After Misagh’s goal opened up the game, Magwe had no recourse but to go and try to get something from this game, which meant Global had chances to kill the game off. Perhaps the lack of quality games has dulled the team’s cutting edge in front of goal, as quick passing combinations could only see Global half-threaten Magwe’s goal. On the other end, Magwe hardly threatened Patrick Deyto, but stiffer opposition down the road will mean that Global need to take their chances if they harbor any chance of progression to the knockout stages. 4. Global’s left flank does plenty of damage Photo from Addison Tan Usually placed as a defensive midfielder, Matthew Hartmann was deployed in the left side of a back four, and he played the role of the modern foraging fullback to perfection. Linking well with Pika Minegishi, Hartmann tormented delivered crosses from the left, and it was his cross in the 39th minute that found Misagh Bahadoran who duly delivered the only goal of the game. Could his performances for club lead to a long overdue Azkals’ call up? 5. Fans starved of football action The official attendance at the Rizal Memorial Stadium might be only 456 people, but current PFL players, coaches and staff and a smattering of fans on complimentary tickets meant that the actual number of fans in the stadium was slightly higher. From the heights of 2011-13, football in the Philippines has slowly and surely been in a decline, but evenings like these remind us of the attraction of the beautiful game. In years past, night games and lit floodlights at Rizal Memorial featured packed stands filled with fans sporting banners of support. It is hoped that fans do their share to bring back the sport to those heady levels, which may seem like a lifetime ago. It is what Philippine football deserve, and badly need now. Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/2lIDTAx

Global FC photo Philippine club football history was made yet again as defending UFL champions Global FC notched a 2-0 victory against S.League side Tampines Rovers in the first preliminary round of the 2017 AFC Champions League. Second half goals from new boy Ahamd Azzawi and captain Misagh Bahadoran sealed Global’s win in Manila, as they now have the distinction of being the first club from the Philippines to play in Asia’s top club football competition. Here are five thoughts from the game. 1. History yet again, for Philippine football After watching bitter title rivals Ceres Negros and Kaya FC progress to the knockout stages of the AFC Cup last season, Global did one better by being the first Filipino club team to play in the AFC Champions League, albeit in the preliminary rounds. Team owner Dan Palami always sets the bar high for his team, and after being the first Filipino club to play in the AFC Cup in 2015, Global FC became the first to play in the prestigious Champions League, where the likes of Asian powerhouses Guangzhou Evergrande, Al-Ain and Al-Ahli regularly ply their trade. 2. Global’s new signings made an impact Omid Nazari (Melaka United) and Milan Nikolic (Loyola Meralco Sparks) were some of the names that left in the offseason, but Global have strengthened their squad by the addition of Paul Mulders (Ceres), Ahamd Azzari and Shu Sasaki. And the trio proved themselves worthy of donning Global’s yellow and blue colors with a winning performance on the field. Mulders, usually a midfielder by trade, was slotted to the heart of the Global defense to partner with Amani Aguinaldo, and he acquitted himself with an assured display. Shu Sasaki provided energy from the flanks, but it was Azzawi who stole the show with a goal and an assist to cap off an excellent Global performance. 3. Misagh Bahadoran is still the main man Kept largely quiet in the first half, Bahadoran sprung to life in the second half as he embarked on his trademark runs to trouble Tampines Rovers. Against the evergreen duo of Mustafic Fahrudin and Daniel Bennett, Bahadoran was starved of service in the first 45 minutes. In the second half, this was immediately rectified as his teammates looked to feed the speedy Global captain, and the team duly produced more cutting edge as a result. Where Misagh Bahadoran goes, Global FC goes as well. 4. Brisbane Roar next With participation in the 2017 AFC Cup secured, Global could be forgiven for going to the Champions League with a ‘nothing-to-lose’ attitude. But it is certainly not every day that teams get to play at this stage, and Global duly took the opportunity with both hands as they attacked from the onset against a pedestrian Tampines side hit by several key player departures in the offseason. Global FC dominated large parts of the game, and Tampines were kept especially quiet in the last 45 minutes, save for a late Khairul Amri penalty in the 88th minute which was parried away to safety by Patrick Deyto. A trip to Brisbane, Australia is next for Global FC in its quest for participation to the group stages of the AFC Champions League. While some may consider that a pipe dream, it won’t matter to Global FC, a team that was formed fifteen years ago by friends playing essentially weekend football. They have come this far, and will have everything to gain. 5. News of PH football’s demise greatly exaggerated Poor attendances in the recently concluded Suzuki Cup in Manila and the 2016 UFL season had some pundits ring the death knell for Philippine football. But even just for one night, fans of Global FC and Philippine football proved the naysayers wrong as one thousand strong fans packed the central main grandstand to lend their voices of support. Rizal Memorial Stadium was decked in Global Yellow and fans starved of live football for two months were treated to a show by the men in yellow. The flames of domestic football may not have been burning as brightly as before, but it is still glowing, even if at times barely flickering. Fans, with the help of Global’s victory, are needed to keep the flame burning. Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/2k6U3DD

The Philippine national men’s football team battled Singapore to a 0-0 draw in the opening group stage match of the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup on Saturday night in Bocaue, Bulacan. Coming into the tournament as the region’s top ranked team, the Azkals were favorites to win against Singapore. But despite playing with a numerical advantage for most of the match, they were unable to break down a stubborn Lions’ side. Stephan Schrock came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first 45 minutes, but it was Azkals debutant Pika Minegishi who shone the brightest as the Global man twice came close in the second half. Here are five thoughts on the Azkals ultimately disappointing draw. 1. Disappointment for Azkals, but not yet a disastrous result AFP Getting a point from the opening match of the Suzuki Cup is not yet the end of the world, but given the circumstances leading up to the match, it certainly feels extremely disappointing. Touted as the worst Singapore side in recent times, the four-time champions relished their underdog role as they stood firm amidst the Azkals second half onslaught. The Azkals had hoped to start the Suzuki Cup campaign with a victory against the supposedly weakest team in the group, but now the path to the semi-finals has taken a more difficult route with victory against Indonesia a must. Merah Putih impressed even in their 2-4 defeat to defending champions Thailand, and the Azkals now have to go into that game knowing three points is the bare minimum. 2. Azkals’ defense held its own AFP With Daisuke Sato and Simone Rota unavailable for the Suzuki Cup, there were concerns that the Azkals defense would be one of the major worries coming into the tournament. But a solid performance from a rather makeshift pairing of Amani Aguinaldo and Jeffrey Christiaens in the heart of the Azkals defense allayed fears of a defensive catastrophe with a firm display, aided in no small part by Singapore going down to ten men for most of the game. Aguinaldo and Christiaens, who have never played together at centerback in a competitive match, now look set to continue their partnership in the next games. Kenchurro Daniels and Kevin Ingreso also acquitted themselves well, but they will face sterner tests against Indonesia. However, it was the young Amani Aguinaldo who shone the brightest, with his strong leadership and performance to marshal the backline. 3. Azkals have a collection of stars – not yet a team AFP There were at least three instances in the match wherein the more than one Azkals could be seen going for the same ball. Whereas individual talent in the squad is unquestionable, the eleven individuals on the field have to start playing together like a team if we want to progress. To be fair, two months ago did anyone expect the likes of Pika Minegishi, Jeffrey Christiaens, Mark Hartmann, and Mike Ott to play important roles for the team? The quartet played important roles against Singapore, and they must come together quickly if the Azkals want to score our very first Suzuki Cup goal at home, and go through to the next stage of this tournament. 4. Livewire Pika Minegishi must start against Indonesia AFP Why did it take only now for Pika Minegishi to don the Azkals’ colors? That was the foremost questions among the minds of those watching the Azkals draw Singapore in the first group stage match of this year’s Suzuki Cup, and for good reason. Just as he had done all season long for Global FC, Minegishi flourished in the left wing as his livewire performance caused havoc for opponents who couldn’t cope with his pace and trickery. He was unlucky not to score, missing an open left footed shot after a free-flowing Azkals move and seeing his unmarked header saved by Hassan Sunny late in the game. But his performance will now surely merit a starting spot in the next game for the Filipino-Japanese. 5. Phil Younghusband AFP Deep in the second half, with the Azkals on the ascendancy against a reeling ten-man Singapore and needing a goal, the sight of the Philippines’ all-time leading scorer Phil Younghusband playing defensive midfielder could not have been a welcome scene. With 42 international goals for the Philippines, no one is better acquainted with finding the back of the net for the Azkals than Younghusband. And yet, he can be seen deep in the enemy’s half and somewhat a peripheral figure in the Azkals attack. While Coach Thomas Dooley now seems unwilling to move Phil Younghusband further up the pitch, it seemed obvious to many watching that Younghusband the forward can cause more damage than Younghusband the defensive midfielder. Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/2gwaeK2

AFP Allow me to tell you a personal story on the AFF Suzuki Cup. I had always dreamed of being able to follow my country through a football tournament, from the group stages to the knockout rounds, and most especially after the Philippines’ improbable run to the semi-finals in the 2010 Suzuki Cup. The 2012 and 2014 editions provided the perfect opportunities to do just that, but life – and mostly work – prevented me from doing so. While travel to Singapore and Vietnam respectively for the group stages of the past two editions aren’t the most taxing distance wise, being away for the greater part of a week will take its toll. That was why, when it was announced that the Philippines would be hosting one of the group stages of the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup, this writer was beyond excited. This was the perfect opportunity – three group stage games to support the Azkals at home, albeit at the Philippine Sports Stadium in far-flung Bocaue, Bulacan. No need to book international airline tickets, no need to book hotels, and minimal need to file for leaves from the office. If only more people shared this passion. I hope many people realize the historical significance of this tournament to Philippine football. The AFF Suzuki Cup should have a very special spot in the hearts of Filipino sports fans, as this was where the Filipinos’ love for the beautiful game was rekindled. Its effects are being felt today, and would be so for the foreseeable future. The erstwhile fledgling United Football League burst into prominence, and for a while, on live primetime TV too. Many football players’ dreams have been fulfilled. Hundreds of football-related jobs have been created and fans have regularly seen quality local football matches. This is why fans must support the team in this year’s Suzuki Cup where, despite the lackluster promotion of the tournament by the many parties involved, the Philippines actually has more than a decent shot of winning it all. Some may say that the golden generation of Philippine football has passed, but I humbly beg to disagree. The Azkals have the players more than capable of providing that winning performance, with Captain Phil Younghusband and former Bundesliga veteran Stephan Schrock leading the charge. While being bracketed with defending champions Thailand, four-time champions Singapore and tricky Indonesia will not be the easiest of groups, the Azkals have nothing to fear. Despite injuries to key individuals, notably to defender Simone Rota and winger Patrick Reichelt, and the uncertainty surrounding our back four – the Philippines have a great chance. Global FC captain Misagh Bahadoran is in the form of his life, former A-Leaguer Iain Ramsay is available and Coach Thomas Dooley is spoilt for choice at the goalkeeping position with Roland Muller and Patrick Deyto staking their claim at the starting spot. It is now hoped that more people get to support them, here at home. So, from one football fan to another, I exhort the fans to make time and effort to support the team. Be there in the stadium, watch on TV, and be active on social media. The team needs its fans to be the proverbial 12th man on the field. And it can also be argued, the football fans need the team to succeed as well. Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/2gejuSO

AFP The Philippine national men’s football team slumped to a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Bahrain in the first of the Azkals’ two scheduled friendlies ahead of the 2016 Suzuki Cup. Coach Thomas Dooley experimented with his line-up, putting in Kevin Ingreso in the hole behind Misagh Bahadoran, with captain Phil Younghusband and Manny Ott alternately providing defensive duties. Patrick Deyto was preferred in goal behind an Azkals back four featuring an Amani Aguinaldo and Luke Woodland center back pairing, with James Younghusband and Iain Ramsay providing width in the midfield. An overall lethargic and unconvincing performance saw the Azkals lose, but Mike Ott came on to provide some cheer for the fans as he scored his team’s maiden goal. Here are five observations from the match. 1. Reinvention of James Younghusband Dropped last year from the Azkals, the elder Younghusband has reinvented his game and has developed new weapons for the team. From being a winger whipping in crosses from the right, James has bulked up and provided the squad with another option at the number nine position. Winning almost all aerial battles, James has surely cemented his place in the Azkals team for the Suzuki Cup, and arguably a place in the starting 11. The onus is now on how Thomas Dooley will best utilize the hulking Loyola captain. When aerial balls are sent into the box, his ability to win it is something the team could exploit, preferably with teammates getting close to his knockdowns. 2.) Kevin Ingreso is not a number 10 The former HSV II standout may have been playing as an attacking mid before for his club team in Germany but in this Azkals line-up, the Ceres defender is best suited to take up a more defensive position. Coach Dooley may have wanted to experiment on how Ingreso would fare in a more advanced position, but after 45 minutes he would have seen enough. In the first half, Ingreso created a chance in the 27th minute when he flicked on a pass for Manny Ott to shoot. But there was more fluidity when Mike Ott came on to replace him in the second half. With the Suzuki Cup looming, it is important for Dooley to get his tactics spot on, and these friendly games should help him find his best starting 11. 3. Are Phil Younghusband and Manny Ott best suited to playing that deep? The Azkals coaching staff presumably wanted to let Ott and Younghusband to dictate the play from deep, perhaps almost as deep-lying playmakers. But that is not playing to their strengths. They both like to be on the ball, go forward, join the attack and be involved in the final third. Ideally, when one of Ott or Phil join the attack, the other should be disciplined enough to hold his line. But at times, this isn’t happening, leaving the Azkals back four exposed time and again, especially when we lose the ball in dangerous areas. While both are talented enough to play in any outfield position, should we really rein in and curb the attacking instincts of two of the better offensive players in the country? 4. Kids are alright. Mike Ott grabbed the headlines with his goal for the Azkals. But even without it, he still performed brilliantly. Taking up good positions and displaying a crucial striker’s instinct, the younger Ott provided spark off the bench for the Azkals. However, the other subs also made good accounts of themselves. Pao Bugas and Daniel Gadia worked hard when they came on, while Fitch Arboleda provided a good shift when he came on. All three play their club football in the UFL, certainly a good sign for the domestic league and their presence bodes well for the Azkals’ future. 5. Need a lot more fans in the stadium Kick-off was scheduled at 8 p.m., and swathes of empty seats greeted the Azkals as they took to the field. Granted it was a Friday night, where traffic will be at its most horrendous, but certainly the national team deserve more than that, especially with the Suzuki Cup being hosted in Manila in five weeks’ time. The Ultras Filipinas once again provided a voice, but more warm bodies are needed if we are to realize the full potential of what it means to play at home. The next home friendly against North Korea will be a great opportunity for the fans to show their support which the team so badly needs. http://j.mp/2dnI5yO

UFL photo When Stephan Schrock confirmed his move from Germany to the Philippines in late January this year, most fans were understandably delighted, seeing it as a chance to see their football idol up close and personal every week. Five months after his move from Furth to Manila and Bacolod, Schrock has positive things to say about his experience in playing for Ceres La Salle in the UFL. “All in all I have good experience here. It’s a little bit different than in Germany and it’s not that organized as it is in Germany but still at least everybody is playing against each other and all in all it’s fun, it’s a good experience for me”, he told InterAksyon.com. While happy and seemingly settled in his life in Manila, the 29-year-old shared some of his frustrations in playing in the UFL, notably when Ceres recently played a Forza team who only fielded ten men to start the game. “Playing against a team that showed up with only ten men, i was thinking: ‘Are we wasting our time here?’ “We train every day at 6 a.m. We are a professional team, and we face an opponent like this.” Schrock said the last time his team played against an undermanned squad was when he was six years old, “when some kids didn’t show up because these kids knew they would be beaten silly.” Nonetheless, when Schrock does get to play against teams who do field 11 men, he has been in fine form, helping his club side Ceres La Salle to six straight wins in the league, including inspiring his club to overcome a stubborn JP Voltes and Stallion. The presence of several Azkals in Ceres has undoubtedly made his transition to the Philippines easier, with Manny Ott and Patrick Reichelt tracing their roots to Germany as well. “The connection is there; almost half of the team is speaking the same language. We try to speak in English, so that everybody is on the same page but of course it is a lot of easier when you speak in the same language and have the same educational background.” UFL photo Schrocky was a vital cog in Ceres’ historic run to the knockout stages of the AFC Cup, even if it ended up with Ceres being defeated by South China in Panaad in the Round of 16. “The AFC was a lot of good experience, a lot of tough teams,” he said. “(It’s tough) if you receive a knockout blow in the 117th minute, and so far over 90 minutes we did not lose one game and in the end you sit back and have nothing in your hands. “It’s hard for us and was very disappointing because everybody–the management as well and the team and everybody that was involved–put the heart and the sweat in it, of course we were down for a week but we have to move on now. “We have another big call now to win the UFL League and qualify again for the AFC Cup.” A healthy and inspired Stephan Schrock is certainly good news for Ceres, as they try to win their first piece of silverware this year. But his loan deal with Ceres will end in August and the big question now for Stephan Markus Schrock is: where will he play next? “I don’t know. I’m not sure. The rights are with the German side (Greuther Furth), the club team, so what we do now is we make an offer for extending the loan deal,” he said. “(There are) a few more offers from other countries, Germany as well. “I have to decide, not only for my career but also for my family, what’s best for them. “So far they feel very comfortable here in the Philippines and everybody in the club makes it for my family and my son very easy to have a connection here and to feel very well, so we will see what will happen in the next ten, fifteen days.” UFL photo If he does go back to Germany, that might mean he may miss the 2016 Suzuki Cup, which the country is hosting for the first time. “If I have to go back to Germany, I don’t think I will be available because it is not in the international (FIFA calendar) days,” Schrock admitted. “But if I’m here in the Philippines, of course I will be (available). If Coach Thomas Dooley gives me an invitation, then I’m in.” Wherever he decides to play next, he is now fully focused on helping Ceres La Salle win all competitions they are still involved in, beginning with the Singapore Cup where Ceres play against S. League defending champions DPMM Brunei on Wednesday. “It’s a good challenge against DPMM; they are a very, very good team. We know so far they’ve won the league last year, but it’s a good team.” Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/294rbY6

InterAksyon.com/Ver Marquez It may seem strange to some now, but when he started playing football, Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge didn’t start out as a goalkeeper. As a matter of fact, he started out as a striker, until one day a nine-year-old Neil started ‘messing around’ and playing as a goalie. He was so good as a goalie, that in the first small cup competition he joined guarding the net, he promptly won goalkeeper of the tournament. Stirring performances in goal for his local school and county caught the eye of Chelsea Football Club where he was picked up at 12 years old. Stints for Fulham and loan deals for other English clubs followed, before moving to Walsall FC last year. The call-up to the Azkals came in 2008 and as the country’s undisputed No.1 goalkeeper, he has delivered countless excellent performances for the national team highlighted recently by his exemplary showing against Uzbekistan and North Korea. Now, it is time for Neil Etheridge to give back. Last year, Etheridge set up the NE1 Goalkeeping School in Manila, to positive reviews. This year, they’re back with more in store. “I want to give back as much as I can, because really I’ve been the national team goalkeeper now since 2008. It’s been a long time”, says Etheridge. “I don’t believe that there’s a goalkeeping school that offers what I have to offer, with experience as much as I have in a goalkeeping sense.” Etheridge has had the opportunity to work with the likes of Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer and FIFA World Cup finalist Martin Stekelenburg, and he is keen to impart to his students what he’s learned over the course of his young career. “You learn a lot of things in a goalkeeping school. There are a lot of aspects of goalkeeping, from kicking to shot stopping and the different saves – the low ones, the high ones,” he said. “There’s cross taking, there’s positioning, there’s angled shots. “There are so many things the goalkeeper has to do, and he has to be an outfield player as well as a goalie. You’re asked to do so much. “That is the one side of it, and the other side is the mental strength. You let in a goal? No problem, we go again.” It may seem like hard work, but through it all, Etheridge stresses the need for enjoyment, for kids to take pleasure playing football. “The main thing is to enjoy it. They can expect enjoyment, it will definitely be fun.” Etheridge will be in the country for the Goalkeeping School, where students can expect to be given a personal relationship with each and every student with Neil himself. “You can’t put a price on people who really want to learn how to be a goalkeeper and really want to invest the time,” he said. “Our bond, even though it’s a coach and student relationship, it’s a bond that hopefully for years to come, will inspire them to do what I’m doing. “Students can expect to be worked hard, but it’s gonna be fun and they’ve gone out after the course with new confidence. They’ve come out and become a better person, and I believe they’ve come out to become a better goalkeeper.” The Neil Etheridge Goalkeeping School will run from June 9-22, 2016 at the Manila Polo Club. For more information, please email [email protected] or call +639179773111. Ryan Fenix is InterAksyon.com’s resident football analyst. His football column Rampaging Fullback appears exclusively on the site. He runs the football blog The Prawn Sandwich Brigade, covers football for Sports5, writes for ESPN FC, and serves as a FIFA Ballon d’Or juror. He is also a huge tennis fan. You can follow him on Twitter. http://j.mp/1SasIKz