Azkals continue rise

The Phl Azkals continued their rise in the Southeast Asian region. The Azkals started the year with the hiring of a new coach in former Olympics US team captain Thomas Dooley. The American coach introduced a new program that led to the country's historic runner-up finish in the AFC Challenge Cup and best ever ranking in FIFA at 127th spot earlier this year.

This year also saw the retirement of homegrown talent Chieffy Caligdong from international play. The former national team skipper wound up his international career with 16 goals, the second best in history next only to current Azkals star striker Phil Younghusband.

But a dream finals stint in the AFF Suzuki Cup remains elusive for the Azkals as they fell 0-3 in aggregate score to Thailand in the semifinals. The Azkals though consoled themselves with a tough scoreless stand against the War Elephants at home, the first time in a long while that Thailand failed to score against Phl, and becoming a regular fixture in the Final Four as they made it for the 3rd straight time.

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