PHILIPPINE men’s football team coach Tom Saintfiet likes the mix of players that he has formed for the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier against Iraq on March 21 and 26.
Goalkeeper and team captain Neil Etheridge leads the 28-man roster with seven players making their senior debut Matthew Baldisimo of York United, Michael Baldisimo of San Jose Earthquakes, Jeremiah Borlongan, and Chima Uzoka of Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, Mark Swainston of Kaya FC-Iloilo, Andres Aldeguer of Central Connecticut University, and Theo Libarnes of Far Eastern University.
Well-balanced group
“We have a well-balanced group,” said Saintfiet. “We have a good team to face Iraq, but we need to play professionally and try to steal some points.”
PMNT is facing an Iraq team that remains unblemished after winning its first two matches against Indonesia, 5-1, and Iraq, 1-0, in the November window.
Saintfiet: We have players who can do the job
“We have a balanced team to face a strong opponent. We are both experienced and young in the mix. It’s important we look at players who can do the job and who we think could be ready for this task in every position,” said Saintfiet.
Also in the team are goalkeepers Patrick Deyto and Kevin Ray Hansen; and defenders Amani Aguinaldo, Pocholo Bugas, Marco Casambre, Jesse Curren, Simen Lyngbo, Jesper Nyholm, Christian Rontini, Daisuke Sato, Jefferson Tabinas, and Paul Tabinas.
Midfielders Justin Baas, Kevin Ingreso, Oskari Kekkonen, Mike Ott, OJ Porteria, and Santiago Rublico; and forwards Jarvy Gayoso, and Patrick Reichelt also made the roster.
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