AFF Cup 2018: Philippines team spends money, determined to "reign"

The empty-handedness at the 2016 AFF Cup has caused the Philippine Football Federation to spare no expense in investing in “The Azkals” - the nickname of the Philippine team. Before 2008, the Philippines was just an average team in Southeast Asia.

But since starting to use players (starting in 2009), “The Azkals” have transformed to become a formidable opponent for Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia. They have reached the semi-finals of 3 AFF Cups (2010, 2012, 2014) and in the latest FIFA National Team Rankings, the Philippines National Team is ranked 2nd in Southeast Asia, just behind the Vietnam National Team and right above the Thailand National Team.

Soccer stylePhilippines

In fact, the Philippines is the only Asian country that has been completely influenced by Western culture due to its four-century colonization by Spain, the United States, and (from the 16th to the mid-20th century).

Due to the long process of continuous immigration abroad, there are many Filipinos (Africans) all over the world. Therefore, just after the decision to "open the door" for players of African origin to play for the Philippine national team, "The Azkals" immediately had 20-30 players from Europe and America playing in their squad.

The Philippines team is determined to "reign" in the top regional tournament. Photo: Internet

More than a decade ago, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) widely and enthusiastically announced that players of Filipino origin would return to the country to join the national team. Whenever they heard of an impressive performance by an African player, the Philippine Football Federation sent people to find a way to contact, persuade and create many incentives to attract them.

Because of their reputation, foreign players are now lining up for the Philippine national team. In addition, the Philippine Football Federation has decided to reform the National Championship since 2009 into the professional United Football League to allow foreign players to play in the Philippines.

Of the 23 best players of Philippine football participating in the AFF Cup 2018, there are 10 names currently playing abroad, most of them are naturalized players. Most notably, 3 stars are currently playing in Europe, including: Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City - England), Amin Nazari (IFK Mariehamn - Finland) and Daisuke Sato (Sepsi OSK - Romania).

The remaining 7 players are all playing for strong clubs in Southeast Asia, such as: Michael Falkesgaard (Bangkok United), Javier Patino and Stephan Palla (Buriram United), Alvaro Silva (Kedah FA), Luke Woodland (Suphanburi), Iain Ramsay (Felda United FC) and John-Patrick Strauss (Erzgebirge Aue).

In addition, in the remaining list, there are some bright stars in the National Championship such as: Amani Aguinaldo, Paul Mulders, Manuel Ott, Patrick Reichelt, brothers Phil Younghusband and James Younghusband.

Philippines team determined to "reign king"

After the semi-final match of the Bangabandhu Cup 2018 in Bangladesh, the Philippines lost 0-2 to Tajikistan, the Philippine Football Federation felt the need to replace coach Scott Cooper, who was only used to coaching youth teams. Immediately, the Philippine Football Federation invited coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to replace coach Scott Cooper, who will work as an assistant in the national team.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson replaces coach Scott Cooper. Photo: Internet

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, with his proven coaching ability, is expected to take the Philippines to the finals, so he spares no expense. This Swedish coach helped England reach the quarterfinals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He also spent time coaching the Mexican national team. At the club level, Eriksson has also had success with Man City, Fiorentina, AS Roma...

“We are breaking all barriers to help the national team achieve good results. We are very excited to have Mr. Sven-Goran Eriksson. With his reputation, experience and ability, there will be no doubts about this decision. Mr. Eriksson will help the Philippines reach new heights and that is why we had to beat many clubs and national teams to hire him here,” said Mr. Palami, President of the Philippine Football Federation.

At the AFF Cup, the Philippines team is in Group B with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and East Timor. This makes the situation in Group B more unpredictable than ever. People expect veteran coach Eriksson to change the quality of the Philippines team in a short time and after the group stage, if there is a confrontation with our coach Park, it will be very interesting.