Asian tiff gives Azkals chance to be noticed

KUWAIT – As the Azkals make inroads in international competitions and get to compete against Gulf power Kuwait and top-flight sides, the Filipino booters are also getting the chance to catch the attention of scouts from Asian clubs.

“It’s always like that (when you reach higher stages),” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss. “There’s always a good possibility for the boys.”

Most of the Azkals members are attached only to local clubs and an impressive showing in the 2014 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round against Kuwait could possibly lead to more opportunities abroad.

Fil-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado is currently unattached and is considering to play in Asia now, closer to the Philippines. The Younghusband brothers, Phil and James, are with San Beda in Phl.

“Playing in these Arab countries or playing in Asia at higher levels could open different doors, although this is just one step,” said Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge of Fulham.

“But once you play on the next stages, when we play in the group stages against the likes of Japan, China, Australia, massive countries, then we start to really open the eyes (of scouts). The Younghusbands, Angel, the Borromeos in the team can start to look to play abroad, which will always improve their football knowledge, skills and techniques,” he added.

As for now, the Azkals are focused on the job at hand – Al Azraq of Kuwait.

“For me that (impressing the scouts) is just secondary. What’s important is teamwork, the spirit and the aggressiveness and will power and 100 percent concentration (against Kuwait) and not be punished because of stupid mistakes,” said Weiss.