Azkals lose to Division 2 squad in Germany

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Azkals got a rude awakening on Wednesday when they faced a Division 2 squad in Germany.
The Azkals suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of FC Ingolstadt, 4-0.
The German club, which finished in 14th place in Germany's 2nd division football tournament, raced off to a 3-0 halftime lead and never allowed the Azkals to get into a groove.
The Philippine football team will play one last game in Germany, this time against 3rd Division squad Darmstadt 98 on Friday. They will fly off to Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday for the 1st leg of their FIFA World Cup group qualifier. Source

Azkals face tougher foes in last 2 matches in Germany

by Earl Victor Rosero
The men’s national football team, popularly known as the Azkals, will pit their skills and game strategy against those of FC Ingolstadt 04, a second division Bundesliga football club on June 23 at around 12am Manila time.

"The tune-up games in Germany will help them bond and learn about each teammate's game so they can complement each other and work better together," Stephen Permanes said to GMA News Online via Facebook interview.

Permanes is a member of the Philippines' under-23 national team training pool. As midfielder for the University of the Philippines' football team, he was named the UAAP Season 73 most valuable player.

FC Ingolstadt announced on its website the test match against the Azkals. That fixture was supposed to have taken place two days prior but was reset, allowing the Philippine team two extra days to rest and train further for the friendly.

Members of the Philippine Azkals take a break from their training to tour Amsterdam. Ace Bright