Azkals team remains positive despite early exit from Mitsubishi Electric Cup
Azkals team remains positive despite early exit from Mitsubishi Electric Cup
DAVAO CITY---The Philippine national football team remained optimistic despite an early withdrawal from the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation Mitsubishi Electric Cup, believing that the young players' exposure there could only improve them.

Josep Ferre, head coach of the Azkals, believes the squad's future performances will benefit from the experience gathered in the group games after the team suffered a 2-1 loss to Indonesia late on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals finished their season with a 1-0-3 win-loss-draw record after losing to Cambodia (3-0) and Thailand (4-0) in Bangkok. 

The Azkals' lone victory came on December 23 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, when they defeated Brunei 5-1.

With Stephan Schrock's Azkals career-ending, the Philippines will need to rely more on younger athletes in upcoming competitions.

After scoring two goals in his first match for the national team against the Bruneians, Jens Rasmussen is a player to watch.

Sandro Reyes, who made his senior international debut in 2021, also scored his first goal for the Azkals in the same game.

After 11 years of playing for the Azkals, Stephan Schrock has retired, but he still has faith in the future of the younger generation.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Photo: The Azkals
A veteran journalist and sportswriter.

What's your reaction?

Facebook Conversations