Icheon Citizen captain Joo Won Moon will be exchanging with Azkal’s Phil Younghusband

-  Only one more day before the first ever Korean football team in over 5 decades lands on Filipino soil. Korea’s Icheon Citizen FC lands in Manila Thursday night and will get rested before Friday’s press conference and practice at Rizal National Stadium for the KIA Rio Cup. The Philippines/South Korea football match is produced by Dragon Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

Playing minus popular  stars Phil and James Younghusband of the Loyola-Meralco United Football League team as well as four other lesser lights  from the Kaya squad, the Azkals United won the respect of the visiting Korean third division champions  Icheon Citizen FC who won the Kia RIO Cup in a penalty shootout by a score of 4-2 after a 1-1 score in regulation.

Filipino referee Wilfredo Bermejo who first awarded the Azkals a clear penalty  but then reversed himself after consulting the linesman deprived the Azkals United of a potential goal and a 2-1 victory in a well-attended match for the victims of “Sendong.”

However, respect football analyst Bob Guerrero didn’t disagree with the decision and highlighted the fact that the officials worked as a team which is essential and that they didn’t favor the home team which was also commendable. It also turned out that the referee had earlier officiated in a UFL match at 2:00 p.m.

The Korean officials in the stands as well as the Icheon Citizen FC players didn’t tale issue with the penalty call. When ABS-CBN showed slo-motion replays on the giant screen inside the Rizal Memorial Stadium which is taboo in football there was a howl of protest from the fans as well as the Azkal players led by Angel Guirado who played his best game since donning the country’s colors.

The guts stand of the Azkals United proved that given a chance to compete the players who are normally on the sidelines could step up and play as a compact unit, helping each both in defense and offense.

Fil-German Denis Wolf showed his definite potential as a striker and it was only his apparent nervousness that told on at least four attempts at goal, one of which was denied by the tall South Korean keeper after nifty pass from Chieff Caligdong who was a constant source of trouble for the Icheon Citizen defenders.

The visitors scored in the 20^th minute through Bin Tae Wan who capitalized on one of the Azkals defenders falling down and hammered home a fine goal beating Eduard Sacapano all ends up.

Unfazed, the Filipinos attacked relentlessly and kept play for long spells in the Korean half and defended resolutely to thwart every Icheon Citizens counter-attack.

Finally the Azkals were rewarded in the 89^th minute  when young Fil-Iranian Misagh Bahadoran who had a fine game played the ball in to Filipino-Italian newcomer Marwin Angeles who scored to send the fans up on their feet screaming with joy.

Because a trophy was at stake there had to be a penalty shootout to determine a winner and the physically stronger Koreans who played a rugged game hammered home four spot kicks past a hapless Filipino goalie while Guirado was unlucky to hit the cross bar while Carli de Murga shot way over the cross bar and agonized after the miss.

Football icon David Beckham has agreed on a new two-year deal to remain with Mjor League Soccer champions LA Galxy

There had been widespread speculation that the 36 year old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder had been mulling over offers from Paris St Germain and a number of English clubs.

But after deciding to remain in the US and to play for the LA Galaxy Beckham said  ”This was an important decision for me. I had many offers from clubs from around the world. However, I’m still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy.

The popular and charismatic superstar who led the LA Galaxy in a 6-1 thrashing of the Philippine Azkals by scoring a trademark goal off a free kick  in a friendly at the Rizal Memorial stadium last  month said “My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here.”

Under the new contract Beckham will be allowed by LA Galaxy to play for Britain in the London Olympic Games which is scheduled from July 27 to August 12 if he is selected by manager Fabio Capelli.

Beckham said ”I’ve seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I’m as committed as ever to growing the game here.”

Head coach Bruce Arena was delighted that Beckham extended his stay.

Arena said  ”I am thrilled that David has chosen to rejoin the Galaxy, especially as he had numerous options where he could continue his career.”

The head coach added ”I felt that he was one of the best players in all of MLS last season and we could not have achieved the success that we did without him. We look forward to trying to replicate that success this season with David once again in a Galaxy uniform.”

The popular Philippine Azkals team minus several of its European stars face a daunting task against the strong Korean Challenge Cup League Champions Icheon Citizen FC in a historic friendly benefit game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Pool ace Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions which is staging the game in cooperation with the Philippine Football Federation and the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN informed the Manila S tandard that the Korean team would arrive on Thursday nigh and will practice tomorrow afternoon after a scheduled press conference.

The Koreans will be captained by its MVP Joo Won Moon and Icheon star players  Ji Hoon Yang and  Jae Young Jin.

The Azkals will be backed by prolific goal-scorer, striker   Phil Younghusband who has so far scored 18 goals in international competition for the Philippines. He will be backed by his brother James Younghusband, a solid midfielder has scored 6 international goals, including the lone goal against Internacional de Madrid FC last Jan. 7. There is also the dazzling Chieffy Caligdong the captain of the Azkals and an enlisted serviceman with the Philippine Air Force. Standing only 5’5″, Caligdong has so far scored 13 international goals for the Philippines.

Williams who is known in pool circles as the “Korean Dragon” who captained the US Mosconi Cup team in their annual encounter with Europe told us that  Koreans all over the Philippines are “itching with excitement at the prospect of rooting for their visiting countrymen, while of course Azkals die hard football fans will be in full force cheering them on against the experienced South Koreans.”

Respected football and pooll TV commentator Bob Guerrero noted ”Everybody in the Philippine Football community knows how good Korean Football is. Korean players are very fit and technically excellent. We know Icheon Citizen will give the Azkals a torrid test. I think it’s great that our national team is being tested with these tough tune up games before the Challenge Cup,” which is scheduled to take place in April in Nepal.

 Azkals German Head Coach Hans Michael Weiss will have his hands full with Hyun Chang Lee, the Icheon Citizen Head Coach who has had an illustrious caree. He won the Football Association  2011 Leadership Award for Best Challengers Team. He has a half a dozen championship wins including the 2005 National League Championship. He was promoted as the 2000 to 2003 National Football Team Director. He has been the Citizen FC Head Coach since 2000. Most recently, he led his team to another 2011 Challengers Cup Championship.

The South Koreans are not underestimating the young Azkals. The progress of Filipino football has not escaped their attention. Lee said “We are impressed by the big scores the Azkals have made against their wins over Nepal and Sri Lanka. We are very curious about them, but they seem like a dynamic team. There is pressure of course on us as Koreans have never lost to the Philippines in  football. But all we can do is play our best.”

Araneta disclosed that the PFF board “had already approved the agreement and we have only to finalize the contract which would give ABS-CBN the right to cover all the Azkal games plus other football activities.

Araneta clarified that AKTV IBC 13 of the ABC 5 Group had the exclusive television rights for the Asian Football Federation Suzuki Cup but ABS-CBN will have coverage rights for “the local Under22, Under 23” versions of the Suzuki Cup.

Araneta told the Manila Standard that ABS-CBN “is giving us P75 million worth of airtime which is what we have to discuss because the others are straightforward.”

The PFF president said they were “more interested in the concept of promoting football as well using the P75 million worth of airtime.”

Araneta said there is growing interest in the upcoming Kia Rio Cup between  Azkals United vs the South Korean squad Icheon Citizen at 7:00 p.m. on Januaryv 21 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The match is the brainchild of ABS-CBN vice president for Sports Peter Musngi and Dragon Promotions CEO Cindy Lee and its founder and world class pool player Charlie Williams and is made possible by the cooperationof the PFF and the sponsorship of Kia Motors.

The Head Coach of the Korea National Under 20 men’s team who is also Head Coach of the Korea National women’s team Young Ki Lee is one of the key figures in organizing the event. He is regarded as a long respected  figure in Korean football.

Lee noted that the Philippines and South Korea have not played for a very long time. Filipinos and Koreans should feel the patriotism in their hearts during the game. That’s another reason why npeople are looking forward to this game. But th goodwill and charity is also in all our minds and the combination of these factors is why I believe this event will bring our two countries further together. It could be the start of a nrw improved relationship between the Philippines, Korea and the Koreans living here.”

Dragon Promotions which has been a leading promoter of pool in the world and has staged several major international tournaments in Manila is venturing into football because of the charitable nature of the event with proceeds going to help the victims of typhoon “Sendong” through  the Sagip Kapamilya ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.

Araneta told the Manila Standard that the Azkals United will not field several of the Europe-based players because of their club commitments but will be anchored by exciting regulars Phil and James Younghusband, Chieffy Calidong, Ian Araneta and Anton del Rosario among others.

Araneta noted that several talented Koreans are playing in the United Football League and that the “Stallions” team that whipped Philippine Navy 6-0 the other day had seven Korean booters in the squad.

Two LA Galaxy superstars were on either side of the pitch in the English Premier League clash between Everton and Aston Villa on Saturday but Mark Ryan of the Daily Mail reports “We expected the brightest star from the LA Galaxy to be Aston Villa’s loan signing, Robbie Keane but instead it was his Californian team-mate Landon Donovan who glittered for Everton and created their equalizer with a pass of brilliant simplicity.”

Victor Anichebe who came off the bench had hardly touched the ball when Donovan cut in from the left in the 68^th minute and in the words of Ryan “ shredded Villa’s defense with exquisite timing” allowing Anichebe who came in as a substitute in the 61^st minute to slam one into the Aston Villa goal on the 69^th minute.

Anichebe who has long been sidelined because of injury fired past Villa g oalkeeper Shay Given with ease to even the score at 1-1 after Darren Bent who scored off a pass from Stephen Ireland in the 58^th minute.

Although Keane who came on later in the game for Aston Villa had two opportunities to grab the glory from Donovan, the resolute defending of John Heitanga denied him on both occasions.

But Villa manager Alex McLeish wasn’t at all disappointed with Keane’s performance. He said “’Robbie looked bright when he came on. I never started him because he hasn’t been playing for two or three weeks and he has been travelling across the pond.”

Everton manager Manager  David Moyes  had nothing but praise for the on-loan Donovan. He said “It was the cross from Landon and his pass for the goal. He was the best player on the pitch. To run for 90 minutes and not be taken off is a testament to him.

‘I’m going to give him a couple of days off so we don’t burn him out before he goes back to  LA in February.’

Football Helps Koreans & Filipinos Bond in
The Kia Rio Cup: Azkals United vs Icheon Citizen

The Philippine Monument , in the north of Seoul, South Korea. The memorial monument was erected in 1966 to commemorate the victory of the Philippine troops in the Battle of Yultong in 1951   

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 On January 21, 2012 at 7:00pm in Rizal Stadium when the Azkals take to the field against the South Koreans from Icheon in the Kia Rio Cup, there will be history made. Not only because it’s the first time the Azkals has faced an experienced South Korean football club, and not only because this marks the first time in over 50 years that Philippines has faced against South Koreans. And not only because Koreans living in Philippines will join in with their neighboring Filipinos in a packed sports stadium rooting for their countrymen in a football game. But history will remember this game as also when Korea came to help football grow further here, as well as a cause to help the needy. A time where the two different countries could embrace each other further.

The game bringing together Filipino and Korean football players is the brainchild of ABS-CBN Sports Vice President Peter Musngi and Dragon Promotions CEO Cindy Lee and its founder Charlie Williams. This event is also made possible by the cooperation and help of The Philippine Football Federation and sponsorship of Kia Motors.

“The Philippines and South Korea have not played for a very long time. Filipinos and Koreans should feel the patriotism in their hearts during the game. That’s another reason why people are looking forward to this game. But the goodwill and charity is also in all our minds, and the combination of these factors is why I believe this event will bring our two countries further together. It could be the start of a new improved relationship between Philippines, Korea, and the Koreans living there”, said Young Ki Lee,  Head Coach of the Korea National Under-20 Men’s Football Team  and the Head Coach of the Korea National Women’s Football Team.  Lee is also one of the key figures in the organizing of this event along with Dragon Promotions, ABS-CBN Sports, and The Philippines Football Federation. He has been a long respected figure in Korean football.

Philippines has been known as a hot bed full of South Korean travelers and ex-pats making their home there. But Filipinos have also made careers and homes in Korea as well. Filipinos even helped South Korea in its greatest war against North Korea and China. The Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea (PEFTOK) fought in the Korean War during 1950-1953. Philippines sent 7500 soldiers and most notably during the Battle of Yultong in 1951,  was described as displaying great strength and resilience. They were at the forefront of the battle, defending the democracy and integrity of their freedom-loving brethren from South Korea. 

“We were very moved by what happened to the Philippines recently with the tragic floods. Even though we are coming from far away and intend to try our best to win, this is a friendly match for a good cause. We want to show that Koreans care about not only Koreans living in the Philippines, but the Fil-Koreans and also our Filipino brothers and sisters. It doesn’t matter who wins, because the real victory is the improvement of our relationship with Filipinos through sports. We want to learn from Filipinos”, said Hyun-Chang Lee, the Head Coach of the Icheon Citizen Football Club.

Legendary sports writer Ronnie Nathanielsz of Viva Sports noted the potential social impact of the game. “The Azkals have made a name for themselves in the public eye, strong enough to where now football is a sport that the people of the Philippines care about. Of course a Korean soccer team is going to a big challenge for the Azkals, but at the same time the outcome of the game will show the progress of Filipino football.”

Nathanielsz adds, “Thousands of people flock to our football games here in Manila. I’m sure the Koreans will be there in great numbers with their vocal support, drums, and flags to support their team. But I have no doubt that the game will also enhance the relationship between Koreans and Filipinos here. I’ve always believed sports was the single greatest force on earth to bring countries together. And in the Philippines, between these two great nations, it will be through football.”

   

ABS-CBN has set up its Sagip Kapamilya program to accept and distribute aid to the flood victims. They are accepting only donations in form of money now as food supplies and goods are abundant , thanks to the amazing response of the Philippines community. Donations can be sent to Sagip Kapamilya ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St., Diliman, Quezon City. More info at  http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/image/public-service/12/18/11/sagip-kapamilya-operation-sendong  .You may also call Sagip Kapamilya hotlines:            +63 (2) 411-4995       ; +63 (0) 2- 394-9272 ;             +63 (0) 917-887-4411      

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Considering that Spain is the World Cup Champions in football and Spanish football teams play an attractive brand of the No.1 sport in the world, Filipino fans are in for some exciting world class football when the tough Spanish third division squad CF Internacional de Madrid plays the popular Philippine Azkals at the Rizal Memorial stadium on Saturday.

Even more touching is the fact that the Spanish team is flying in to engage the Azkals in a match to raise funds for a worthy cause – that of helping the thousands of victims of the devastating floods and mudslides caused by typhoon “Sendong” in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan and other parts of southern Philippines.

While charity will be in their hearts, playing top class football will be the aim of the visitors as well as the Philippine Azkals although the local side will have make do with the absence of some of its Europe-based stars who have club commitments.

The CFIM team was formed by a group of Madrid businessmen in 2002 and began in Division III Regional. The 2002/2003 season was a brilliant one in which the team surpassed all expectations and showed the excellent quality of its game. Not only did the team win all its games except one but shattered all records by scoring 187 goals and conceding only 25.

The CFIM coach Javier Garcia Marquez has said that one of the advantages of the Spanish team is that it’s a compact group anchored by team captain and solid  midfielder Julian “Juli” Bautista who is regarded as one of the best players in the Spanish third division.

The visiting coach also mentioned forward Rufino “Rufo” Sanchez who has dazzling skills and dexterity in front of the goal as one of the stars of the CFIM team.

While loaded with stars, coach Marquez emphasized that “the most important thing about the team is its cohesiveness.

The Azkals demonstrated this facet of the game in the first half of their match against the Major League Soccer champions LA Galaxy led by superstar David Beckham, US world cup team captain Landon Donovan and prolific English Premier League scorer Robbie Keane when they held the visitors to a 2-1 lead but collapsed in the second half with the fatigue factor playing a major part in losing by 6 goals to 1..

The Philippine Azkals will once again be anchored by the Younghusband brothers Phil who scored the only goal against LA Galaxy and won accolades from the Fox Sports TV commentators and hardworking James as well as Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado who has played in the Spanish league.

Real Madrid coach and former Chelsea mentor Jose Mourinho who heard about the game on Saturday sent a message in which he said  “Phil Younghusband was a talented player with potential who worked hard in search of a dream. In part I helped him reach that dream by giving him his debut game with the Chelsea first team”.

Several talents from the United Football League including Chieffy Calidong and  Ian Araneta will bolster the Azkals team.

The match will be telecast “live” by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN and the proceeds will be donated to the Philippine National Red Cross.

                             

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Phil Younghusband one of the stars of the Azkals

South Korea has a long history of being one of the elite football teams of the world

PHILIPPINE AZKALS TO FACE TOUGH SOUTH KOREAN TEAM IN CHARITY GAME ON JANUARY 21/Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

 

The popular  Philippine  Azkals will take on one of the top football teams from Icheon, South Korea on January 21 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in another laudable effort to help the victims of typhoon “Sendong” that killed over 1,200 people and left some 60,000 others homeless during the Christmas and New Year season..

 

Star players from both the  Azkals and the Korean team  will make appearances and appeals to the Filipino and Korean communities to rise up and support the worthy effort.

 

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN which will telecast the game “Live”,  to the charities that are involved in helping the needy families that suffered from the disaster.

 

The match will mark the first time in decades that the Philippines has faced a  team from South Korea where football has long been the top sport.

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In FIFA World Cup history South Korea has been the most successful Asian country having participated in eight World Cup tournaments. South Korea is known for having the  most organized football program structure in Asia from juniors to the pro level.

 

The match against the Korean squad which is one of the top teams from Icheon is expected to serve as a challenge to the Azkals since several members of the Korean team have World Cup experience

 

 

The Azkals have also  been getting valuable experience by playing against top class football teams including the Major League Soccer champions LA Galaxy anchored by superstar David Beckham, Landon Donovan who played in the last World Cup for the US and will return to play for Everton in the English Premier League beginning Wednesday on a two-month loan and Robbie Keane.

 

Prior to the game against Korea, the Azkals will tangle with  CF Internacional de Madrid, the third division Spanish club on January 7.

 

Peter Musngi, Vice President of ABS-CBN Sports which has worked closely with Dragon Promotions in the past in staging major pool tournaments in the Philippines noted that “For a long time now the Koreans have been infused into our country. Even Koreanovelas have become a staple part of our television programming as the TV dramas depict Koreans with an emphasis on family values and traditions, much like their Filipino counterparts. Though our language is different and our two countries are thousands of miles apart, we have so much in common in values. This Philippines Korea football game I hope is the spark that leads to more involvement from the Koreans who have made the Philippines their home.” It is estimated that  about 1 million Koreans reside in the Philippines.

 

 

Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions said “We are really excited about our first venture into a new sport. Football is the sport of the world, and we are amazed at the growth of it in the Philippines. It literally feels like an overnight sensation due to the diligent work of the Philippine Football Federation and the vast support of ABS-CBN”,