Azkals to play Korean team for Sendong victims

Thursday, January 12, 2012

FOLLOWING a successful exhibition match with a third-tier Spanish club last week, the Azkals are expected to have their hands full for another fund-raising game for the victims of tropical storm Sendong (international name: Washi) on January 21.

Taking on the Azkals at the 13,000-seater Rizal Memorial Stadium is Korea's Icheon Citizens, whose players reportedly had World Cup experience.

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South Korea is the most successful Asian country in the history of the World Cup after qualifying in eight tournaments. It even placed fourth in 2002 when it co-hosted the event with neighboring Japan.

Players from both Azkals and Korea will be making appearances and appeals to the Filipino and Korean communities to rise up and support the cause, according to lead organizer ABS-CBN.

All ticket proceeds from the game will be donated by ABS-CBN to the charities helping the needy families from the disaster especially in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Last week, the match between the Azkals and CF Internacional de Madrid raised almost P2 million in cash donations, which was forwarded to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

"Even though it is a tragic situation, out of this we hope to bring our two cultures closer together. This would be a hopeful beginning of the New Year," Peter Musngi, vice president of ABS-CBN Sports, said.

The Azkals have been getting valuable experiences with top tier football teams.

Last December, they hosted the LA Galaxy with superstar legend David Beckham and they went against CFIM, where they lost 1-3. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)