Jing Jamlang, special to InterAKTV
“It’ll be a disaster if we don’t let these guys go to the SEA Games.”
UFL All-Stars coach Ernie Nierras kept his words short and sweet. Clearly impressed with the level of play from the U-23 Azkals in last night’s charity match, Stallion’s double-winning head honcho, was full of praise of his opposition.
“The movement was very good. They’re very confident. For a young team like this to be able to hold their own, you can see the quality within the team,” said Nierras.
The game may have ended in a 1-1 draw, but the young national team, without established stars like the Angeles brothers, Jeffrey Christaens, OJ Porteria, and Jason de Jong, impressed with an unmistakable air of welcomed brashness. This was a team that believed in themselves.
Considered underdogs going into the match, the U-23 Azkals threw out any ideas of a one-sided affair early, settling into the game immediately.
Surprisingly calm and creative in possession, the largely homegrown group looked right at home against established internationals such as Chieffy Caligdong, Chris Greatwich, Anton Del Rosario and Misagh Bahadoran.
Equally, if not more authoritative in defense, Brian Reid’s boys looked extremely organized and well prepared. From those that witnessed the match, it seems the general consensus is that the U-23 Azkals have all the tools to be a real force in the region.
“This is going to be a very strong team,” Nierras agreed. “And they’re not even complete yet.”
Jing Jamlang covers football for InterAKTV and announces matches for AKTV on IBC. He served as an assistant technical director for the UFL during its maiden season. In his column Off the Upright, he gives his take on various football issues. Follow him on Twitter for more football discussion.
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