Azkals to pitch camp in Doha
A 26-MAN squad will be called up for the planned Philippine Azkals training camp in Doha, Qatar on May 18-31 as part of the team’s preparations for the joint FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
The remaining group stage matches will be played in China in a centralized venue on June 3-15.
“As far as squad selection it’s still going on right now,” Azkals coach Scott Cooper said during an virtual press conference on Wednesday.
The Philippines currently sits in third place with seven points in Group A of the qualifiers, which was shelved last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Syria occupies the top of the table with 15 points, while China is level with the Philippines in terms of points but the Asian powerhouse claim second due to a superior goal difference.
The Azkals last played on Nov. 19, 2019, absorbing a 0-1 loss to the Syrians at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Cooper said that the Philippines needs to gain maximum of nine points to advance in the next round and having to work with a close to full strength squad in the Doha training camp will boost the team’s chances.
The Azkals will face Guam, China and the Maldives to complete their group stage fixtures.
“We don’t have excuses,” said Cooper. “No players are saying no, we got the time in Doha, we’ve beaten Maldives and Guam already away from home, we tied with China here.”
“So it is up to us in the staff now to raise the bar, and that’s what we’re hoping to do here with the national team.”
Among those who are committed to join the national football team’s campaign for joint qualifiers is goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, but Cooper acknowledged that the Birmingham City standout in the English Football League Championship will have to go through scheduling hurdles.
“Neil is eligible. He is wanting to come. He is just getting his passport renewed at this moment,” said Cooper.
Etheridge, however, has personal commitments that include his upcoming wedding that could affect the schedule.
“Of course, Neil is getting married this summer too right around the middle part of that. He is going to be with us to start off, then let’s see where it goes,” said Cooper.
