Several Azkals without clubs after national team stint

The Philippine Azkals were readying for a key match against Kyrgyzstan at press time. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/DENNIS MALLARI

DUBAI—It’s not just Phil and James Younghusband whose club careers were uncertain before they joined the national team in the AFC Asian Cup here.

Defensive stalwart Alvaro Silva is also playing for the Azkals without even knowing where he will continue his club career next season.

Silva, who has played in Spain, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Vietnam and most recently, Malaysia, said he remained focused on the Azkals and would decide on his future only after the team’s stint was finished here.

Phil and James Younghusband are also without clubs after Davao Aguilas decided it won’t field a professional team next season. Another teammate of the Younghusband brothers at Davao, Adam Reed, is also here with the national team and came on as a sub against South Korea.

“I want to focus on the team because we still need to win and reach the knockout stage,” said the 34-year-old Silva, who was set to start for coach Sven-Goran Eriksson against Kyryzstan in the Azkals’ final group C match at Rashid Stadium here.

A strong physical presence with the ability to read danger before it happens, Silva is one of the primary reasons why the Azkals held South Korea for long periods, before conceding a goal in the second half in a 0-1 defeat.