Different breeds of Azkals unite to play vs Indonesia in semis

They may be of different breeds, whose foreign accents connote mixed nationalities, but the Philippine Azkals are ready to play as one solid unit in their Suzuki Cup semifinals match with Indonesia on Thursday. Fil-English players Chris Greatwich, Neil Etheridge, and brothers Phil and James Younghusband, blended perfectly with the local talents spearheaded by team captain Ali Boromeo as shown by their remarkable upset win over defending champion Vietnam. A draw with Myanmar sent the Filipinos to the semifinal round for the first time in league history. The team, whose members are now being embraced as modern day heroes by our basketball-loving nation, paid a courtesy visit to President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang. The Azkals wrapped up their Monday schedule with an intense practice session at the University of Makati football field from late afternoon until early evening. For Borromeo, the mixture of Fil-foreign and local-bred players gives for an interesting mix to the squad.

“It’s more of giving the team a balance," said Boromeo. “We had a strong mindset in the different aspects of the game." But for Phil Younghusband, their differences in culture and race served no hindrance at all. Being Filipino is definitely the most important thing that keeps them united. “For me, it doesn’t matter if you came and grew up in other country or you’ve been to different provinces. What’s important is that we are all proud to be called as Filipinos," said Younghusband. The Azkals will try to win their next two games on enemy’s territory — at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Although playing thousands of miles away from home, Etheridge, a 20-year-old goalkeeper, vowed to go all the way. “I promised myself and the whole team that we will give our 110 percent to win," said Etheridge, goalkeeper of Fulham, a professional football club in London. “We promise that we will do everything to make fellow Filipinos proud of us," said defender Anton del Rosario. “Every time we go out there in the field, we have a mindset of always keeping our heads up high," added midfielder Jason de Jong. The other members of the Azkals are Ian Araneta, Jerry Barbaso, Yanti Barsales, David Mark Basa, Joebel Bermejo, Emelio Caligdong, Christopher Camcam, Mark Ferrer, Roel Gener, Robert Gier Peter Jaugan, Ray Jonsson, Nestor Margarse, Reymark Palmes, Kristopher Relucio, and Eduard Sacapaño. – MRT, GMANews.TV