Etheridge, Wolf doubtful for Azkals

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-British goalkeer Neil Etheridge and Fil-German striker Denis Wolf, two solid performers in the Azkals’ 1-1 draw with Malaysia Tigers in Wednesday night’s Fifa international friendly, are doubtful participants in Phl XI’s AFC Challenge Cup campaign in Nepal next week.

Etheridge, who made a couple of great saves against the Tigers at Rizal Memorial football stadium, expressed willingness to man the net for the Azkals in the March 8-19 tourney but stressed his participation is all in the hands of his club, Fulham FC.

Wolf, the lone Azkals goal-scorer, failed to secure a Philippine passport in time for the submission of lineups for the Challenge Cup, where the Azkals will meet defending champion North Korea on March 9, former titlist India on March 11, and ex-champ Tajikistan on March 13.

“I’m unsure (of my availability for the Challenge Cup). I know the coach (Michael Weiss) wants me involved, the rest of the players want me involved and more importantly I want to be involved. But it comes down to a question of whether my coach at Fulham will let me,” said the Azkals’ first-choice custodian. 

Etheridge had already made his first senior appearance for Fulham against Odense Boldklub in the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League last December. Fulham also has scheduled fixtures in the duration of the Challenge Cup, against Aston Villa on March 10 and Swansea on March 17.

Wolf was hoping to reinforce the Azkals and help them like he did against the Tigers.

“I’m looking forward to win a lot of games in the future,” he said.

The Azkals’ outing with the Tigers served as their last test before flying to Kathmandu today for the final stretch of their buildup for the Challenge Cup, where they are grouped against the reigning and former champions.

“I think you have a fair chance,” assessed Malaysia coach K. Rajagopal, who described the Azkals as physically strong while noting that their rhythm and tempo are already there. “Your players would need that extra energy (against North Korea, India and Tajikistan) and I hope they can keep that consistently.”