Azkals x Puma

(Photo by Roy Afable)

The sport of football is rapidly getting popular these days since the Philippine Azkals' successful run at the Suzuki Cup in 2010. Fans show their support by wearing replica jerseys of the Azkals in each of their games. A couple of weeks ago, the Azkals took a bigger step by signing with German sports brand Puma as their new provider of official team kits and equipment.

Ready for the friendly match

Nepal Football team coach Graham Roberts and PHL Azkals coach Michael Weiss

shake hands as both teams are ready to slug it out at tonight's friendly match.

(Photo by Roy Afable)

The Azkals look to bounce back from their loss in a previous exhibition match against the Singapore Lions last week. Tonight they face Nepal in another friendly match and for sure, the Azkals are not gonna take their opponents lightly.

Some reminders to those watching the PHL Azkals-Kuwait Al Azraq match on July 28

(Image via SoccerCentral.ph)

Many of you already gotten their tickets for the home football match of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers between Philippine Azkals and Kuwait Al Azraq. Indeed, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium will be packed and loud once more. To those ticket holders who are dying to see the Azkals in action on Thursday, here are a few reminders (straight from the Philippine Football Federation) before y'all troop to the Rizal Stadium:

Where the Azkals PWN3D the Brave Reds in Manila happen

The team celebrates after Chieffy Caligdong scored the first goal for the Azkals.
(Image via talakayanatkalusugan.com)

Football has been making some noise in the Philippines. Yes, the beautiful game definitely touched the hearts of every Filipino and now everybody wants to get into it. Basketball will always be numero uno in the country but football or soccer to some, the popularity of the sport is just contagious. With the Philippine Azkals getting that much needed away goal in Sri Lanka last June 29, a win in Manila would book them a ticket to the second round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.

It's a draw for the Azkals in Sri Lanka

The Azkals struggled against the Brave Reds during
the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka.
(Image via Sportales.com)

The road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup has begun for the Philippine National Football team. Since their successful stint in last year's Suzuki Cup and AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers, their game against Sri Lanka is no exception. Getting a spot for the World Cup is perhaps one of the biggest challenges for the Azkals. A win -- by 2 goals at least -- on the Brave Red's home turf could give them an advantage when the Philippine team returns to Manila for the 2nd leg of their match in Rizal Stadium on July 3.

Music and cheer of Azkals' fan group Kaholeros for July 3 game revealed

(Image via SoccerCentral.ph)

I'm not sure if I'ma declare this one an Air Tsinelas exclusive, but this is indeed a scoop nonetheless. Got an email from one of the Kaholeros -- a popular group of Azkals fans much like the Azkaleros -- the purpose is to simply share what kind of love they are gonna give the Philippine Azkals as they play the Sri Lanka Brave Reds in a home game for the FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifiers on July 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila.

Live airing of Azkals' game on TV doubtful

As the Philippine Azkals prepare themselves for a game against Myanmar tomorrow for the AFC Challenge Cup, Filipino fans expecting to watch their game live on free TV is in doubt. Obviously, Myanmar has strict rules in airing live sporting events. Pretty sure, that is not good news for Azkals fans here in the country.

PHL Azkals advance to AFC Challenge Cup albeit loss to Mongolia

The Philippine Azkals had a big win against Mongolia in Bacolod last February. While the Azkals have the advantage in qualifying for the AFC Challenge Cup, playing at the Blue Wolves' home turf is big challenge altogether. For about a month, they trained up north to Baguio and Japan to prepare themselves for the cold weather in Mongolia. The earthquake that struck Japan almost hindered the Azkals to make their flight to Ulan Bator, Mongolia.

Inevitably, the Mongolians have the edge when it comes to playing in freezing temperature. The Azkals were without key players like Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier and Chris Greatwich. Another Azkals player Ray Jonnson almost didn't make it to the lineup as he flew in to Mongolia just in time. Despite it all, the Philippine Team were just as ready to take on the Blue Wolves.

PHL Azkals defeats Mongolia for AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier

The Philippine Azkals played their first home at the packed Panaad Stadium in Bacolod against the Blue Wolves from Mongolia to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup. A few minutes prior to kick-off, Azkals' Coach Hans Michael Weiss announced his official team line up for the game. It pretty much kept everybody guessing about it though. Nonetheless, they are very much expected to win this all important qualifying match.

Azkals ready for battle against Mongolia tomorrow

With just hours before the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers kick-off at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, the Philippine Azkals look to be ready to clash with their Mongolian counterparts. Speaking of the Panaad Stadium, the venue got a little bit of a makeover days prior to the historical sports event. That goes to show that football has become a hot item since the Azkals made their triumphant run at the AFF Suzuki Cup last year.

PHL Azkals prepare for AFC Tournament on February

The Philippine Azkals during the tryouts.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

With their success in the recently concluded AFF Suzuki Cup last year, the Philippine Azkals prepare themselves for an even bigger challenge -- the AFC Challenge Cup. The team has already begun training for this Asia-wide soccer fest 2 weeks ago and I was lucky enough to witness the team's practice sessions at the University of Makati. The Azkals will be playing 2 home games in Panaad, Bacolod against Mongolia starting February 9.

Mari Martinez officially out as PFF President

Screen shots of FIFA's letter to PFF recognizing Mariano V. Araneta as the organization's new President.
(Images courtesy of Mr. Chino Trinidad)

Days after the Philippine Azkals lost their bid at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 against Indonesia, The Philippine Football Federation or PFF has received word from FIFA that Mari Martinez has been relieved from his post as President of the organization. Replacing him is Mariano V. Araneta as the new head of the PFF.