Asean hails Fil-Am, Fil-Dutch World Cup athletes

MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) identified two athletes in the ongoing World Cup in Brazil who have Filipino ancestry.

"Even though no ASEAN country is in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, three players have ASEAN connection," two of whom have Filipino fathers, the 10-member bloc said in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

Jonathan de Guzman, who is born to a Jamaican mother and a Filipino father, plays for the Netherlands following gaining citizenship in 2008. He is part of the national team's regular starting lineup.

The 26-year-old midfielder belongs to Swansea City AFC based in Wales with whom he played in the English Premier League and helped secure the club's first major trophy.

Team USA goalkeeper Nick Rimando, meanwhile, has a Filipino father and a Mexican mother. The 35-year-old is acknowledged by FIFA.com as a "fan favorite in Major League Soccer" with quick reflexes and "undying commitment."

Profile photos of World Cup players with Filipino roots. FIFA

"Hurray for Jonathan and Nick!" ASEAN said.

Besides the two players with Filipino roots, the organization also identified Massimo Luongo of the Australian national team. He was born to an Indonesian mother and his Italian father.

ASEAN's sports body said it is mulling on joining the bidding for the 2034 World Cup.

"We will offer other Asean countries to join us in organising the World Cup. Asean countries that want to become co-host must have the means as it needs a large allocation," ASEAN Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said on Sunday.