Azkals rip Bonner SC in Germany

Manila, Philippines - The Azkals ripped the Bonner SC Under-19 squad, 4-1, as the Phl men’s football team’s training camp in Germany goes into its second week.

Showing improving cohesion since the start of camp, the Azkals stormed ahead to a 3-0 lead at the half en route to the victory over the German youngsters who regularly campaign in the Under-19 Bundesliga-West.

Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, Fil-German Stephan Schrock and Ian Araneta scored the goals for the Azkals, who are now two-of-two in their test matches in Germany. Phl XI earlier beat Achen-Duren Selection, 4-1.

“We’re slowly achieving cohesion,” said team manager Dan Palami, whose team received tremendous support from Filipinos based in Germany. “We played well, especially in the first half.”

The two wins should serve as a confidence boost for the Azkals, who are set to face a tougher opponent in second division team FC Ingolstadt on Monday in Grundelfingen.

The Azkals took a break from training yesterday and engaged in a singing contest of the “Lupang Hinirang.”

The team was divided into three groups, composed mostly of Fil-foreigners, and the one that can give a decent rendition of the national anthem would get 1,500 Euros (roughly P94,000).

“We want everyone in the team to put to heart the lyrics of the Lupang Hinirang,” said Palami. “We have a great atmosphere here and the rapport between players in the camp is very encouraging. But we also want to get the team more inspired, show some nationalistic fervor.”