The Philippine men's squad are now on their final practices to their first ever match Vs North Korea in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 tournament.
Amidst the unlikely news going on involving 2 of the team members, Lexton Moy & Angel Guirado, the team is put to the test on and off the pitch.
The ever popular team moniker "AZKALS" has been tarnished by reality as the former 1st lady commented that these "Stray Dogs" should behave.
In J. Henson's article, Rafa Garcia, was in the room when the incident happened said that the boys were on the hype and ever excited to play the game, talked about men stuff - Girls - when the commissioner came in.
In the men's locker room, I don't expect everybody to be wearing gowns and tuxedo, I also can't imagine bantering while on those, for the mens locker room is where the adrenaline starts pumping.
It might have been a misunderstanding, but with all due respect to Ms. Commissioner, a complaint such as "Sexual Harassment" might have been too uncalled for.
This might have been a lesson learned, one way or another not only for the team, but also for everyone.
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A look on brighter side is that we are going head to head with AFC Challenge Cup Participating Countries in full force.
Neil Etheridge has vowed to make a solid stand for the Philippines as he was allowed by his English Club Fulham FC to participate in the tournament, further to this the Azkals will have Paul Mulders, Stephan Schrock, and Dennis Cagara on their side as the battle looms ahead.
As you might have already known, Team Vice Captain, Chieffy Caligdong has already announced his availability for the tournament.
Last time while the team was in Qatar, I asked him about how he was with the injury, he said that it was quite uncomfortable but he is working hard to get back in to shape just in time for the Cup. I'm glad that he is back and fighting for pride and country.
Azkals Line Up for Nepal
· Rob Gier
· Ray Anthony Jonsson
· Nestorio Margarse
· Stephan Schrock
· Nathaniel Burkey
· Paul Mulders
· Dennis Cagara
· Roxy Dorlas
· Juan Luis Guirado
· Marwin Angeles
· Joshua Beloya
· James Younghusband
· Phil Younghusband
· Ian Araneta
· Misagh Bahadoran
· Emelio Caligdong
· Roel Gener
· Angel Guirado
· Carli de Murga
· Lexton Moy
· Neil Etheridge
· Eduard Sacapano
· Jason Sabio
The Philippines is in a group of death as it faces North Korea, a qualifier to the World Cup finals last year; and former Challenge Cup titlists India (2008) and Tajikistan (2006).
The champion will automatically earn a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2015 , One of the most awaited and prestigious tournament in ASIA.