Etheridge joins Azkals in final tuneup vs Aussies

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals take on the Qantas Australia under-23 tonight in Dubai (midnight in Manila), hoping to continue their progress as they wrap up their 10-day Middle East camp in the build-up for the AFC Challenge Cup.

Fil-British Neil Etheridge, Phl XI’s first-choice keeper, joined the team from England the other day to man the goal for the Azkals, who split their first two friendlies in the Gulf without him.

The Azkals bowed to a superior Uzbekistan Olympic team in Dubai, 0-3, slowed down by defensive flaws amplified by booters playing out-of-position at the back; then rebounded with a 3-1 disposal of Qatari side Al Ahli SC over in Doha, displaying a more stable and disciplined backline this time.

The Pinoy booters are expected to lean on what they learned in their two previous matches which they would need against their next opponents, the Olyroos, who are in match shape, having been competing in the Asian qualifiers for the London Olympics.

“We have to go through this match with the same determination, same tactical approach and with the same fantastic spirit like in the last match,” Azkals coach Michael Weiss said.

“It will be a tough match, it will be harder but we also have these two matches under our legs and we know how we want to play.”

Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta, who has been monitoring the team’s training, expressed concern over the team’s defense and ball distribution.

“For me, the most important thing is to focus more on defense and how to distribute the ball. In the first two games, the midfield is not being utilized for distribution. I think they should work on that – pass the ball (more) to (Jason) de Jong or (Marwin) Angeles to make the plays,” Araneta told The STAR.

Araneta admitted he didn’t like it that the players were made to play in a different position against the Uzbeks, the current Group B leader in the ongoing Asian Olympic qualifiers.

“James (Younghusband) played right defense, which is not his usual position. James is a lot better in the midfield because that’s his usual game. You can also see the mistakes of the defenders in the offside traps, because they’re not really used to it. Let defenders play defense. If we want to experiment, try James at central midfield but not as defender,” Araneta said, stressing he’s making his observation as a “former player.”

Azkals coaching staff led by Michael Weiss were forced to tinker the defensive positions by injury to Rob Gier and unavailability of Ray Jonsson against the Uzbeks. They made their adjustments against Al Ahli with the arrival of Jonsson who teamed up with Carli de Murga, Luis Guirado and Jason Sabio at the back, allowing Younghusband to go back to his sweet spot.

“They adjusted in the second match and put the real defenders on defense. But what I just didn’t like is fielding (Lexton) Moy with only two minutes to go. If they want to give players experience, send them in with 10 minutes left before the whistle. How can you achieve this in two minutes?” Araneta said.

The Azkals are gearing up for the Mar. 8-19 Challenge Cup in Nepal, where they are grouped with 2010 titlists North Korea and former champions India and Tajikistan.