The Azkals announced its 25-man squad list for its training camp in Doha, Qatar for the combined FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Suzhou, China in June.
The roster is headed by Azkal veterans Stephan Schröck and Niel Etheridge, who’ll be the squad’s captain and vice-captain, respectively.
“Stephan Schrock and Etheridge are the core of this team in terms of the commitment and the things they do to talk to other players,” Azkals coach Scott Cooper said in a report posted at the Azkals’ official website.
The other players that were called-up are Mark Hartmann, Angel Guirado, Patrick Strauss, Iain Ramsay, Gerrit Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Patrick Reichelt, Oliver Bias, Jarvey Gayoso, Matthew Baldisimo, Mark Winhoffer, Lloyd Fagerlie, Carlie De Murga, Alvaro Silva, Luke Woodland, Jesper Nyholm, Martin Steuble, Jefferson Tabinas, Mar Diano, Niko de Vera, Michael Kempter, Bernd Schipman and Kevin Ray Mendoza.
Foes
The Philippines faces Guam on June 3, 2021, China on June 9, 2021 and Maldives on June 15, 2021.
The Azkals are currently third in Group A with seven points just behind second place China on goal difference.
The Philippines is in a tough spot right now wherein every match is a must win.
The leader of each group advances to the next round along with runners-up with the best record.
First leg
The Philippines already defeated Guam and Maldives and drew with China in the first leg.
The Azkals won against Guam, 4-1, at the Guam FA Field in Dededo, Guam, and squeaked past Maldives, 2-1, at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives. The Azkals settled to a scoreless draw with China at home at the Panaad Park and Football Stadoum in Bacolod City. (EKA)