Azkals seek end of century-old title drought

THE PHILIPPINES will be looking to end a title drought that has lasted close to a century when it hosts the four-nation Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup starting Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

As the highest-ranked team in the field at 150 in the Fifa rankings, the Azkals are tipped to claim the country’s first trophy since the 1913 Manila Far East Games won at the expense of China.

But coach Michael Weiss dismissed notions that winning the tournament will be a cakewalk for the Azkals, who are using the event as part of their preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup in November.

“It’s a tough tournament and it won’t be easy without the professionals (from Europe),” said Weiss, who will miss standouts like Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Neil Etheridge due to club commitments.

“But I’m confident with the team that we have now,” added Weiss, whose squad will face United Football League side Loyola Meralco Sparks in a tuneup match at Rizal Memorial Stadium in preparation for the tournament that will also involve Chinese-Taipei, Guam and Macau.

The Azkals will have key additions in Filipino Americans Demitrius Omphroy and Matthew Uy for the tournament. Both were impressive in the Azkals’ Chicago camp.

After seeing limited action in the three international friendly matches early this month, Jason De Jong is expected to play a major role in defense for the Azkals, who open their campaign against Guam on Sept. 25.

“De Jong has come a long way and he’s showing that he can be a good option in defense for years to come,” said Weiss.

Goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano is also the frontrunner to get the start in the absence of Etheridge and Roland Muller.