Another Heartbreak?

AFC U22 Asian Cup Qualifier

by: Shanks608

                The Philippines U-22 squad will have its last match later this afternoon against Taiwan for the AFC U22 Asian Cup Qualifier. Unlike the Senior squad, which boasts of many foreign based players, playing in different leagues abroad, this young U22 squad is mostly made up of collegiate standouts from different schools in the Philippines. One notable player is Jinggoy Valmayor who plays for UP Diliman and is a standout player in the UAAP. Another is Paolo Pascual who is the goal keeper for the recent UFL League champions Global FC and Jeremy Thauer who plays for Nomads FC also in the UFL. 

This squad also has its foreign reinforcements namely Jacques Van de Bossche, Jeff Christiaens & Angelo Verheye Marasigan who are from Belgium, OJ Porteria from USA and the Angeles twins Marvin & Marwin who are from Italy. Most of these players are holdovers from the SEA games roster. Some players like Mark Hartmann & Joshua Beloya who are still eligible have not been called up due to some issues. (I have no idea why..)

Unlike the senior squad who is making waves in football, this young squad shows the current status of football in the grassroots level in the Philippines. It's sad to say but we are still far behind from our Asian neighbors. The squad have been, let's say, the "whipping boys" in this tournament. Their first match was a (5-1) defeat against Myanmar, second was a (7-0) loss against Malaysia, third a blowout (9-0) against Vietnam and a whopping (10-0) defeat against South Korea.

Our players showed heart! but they were just over matched. A lot have been blaming the coaches, some the players, but what can we do? we've already suffered defeat, what's done is done. 

The recent rise of the Azkals to fame, specially the senior squad have overlooked the development of our other teams. They focus more on the senior squad which obviously gives them the moolah! 

The PFF is too busy planning for the Seniors' friendlies but they can't even provide a decent coach for the younger squads and a decent training camp. The PFF should also give focus to our younger squads because they are the future of Philippine football. The senior team can't play forever. 

Well, Goodluck for our U22 team today. I'm not expecting a win anymore but I hope they keep the goal difference to a minimal.. 

Ciao!