Ranked 143rd in the world by FIFA, the Philippines national football team is regarded as one of Asia’s quickly improving sides.
AFF Suzuki Cup / ASEAN Football Championship semi-finalists in 2010, the team currently features several European-based professionals including Neil Etheridge (Fulham FC), former German Under-20 international Stephan Schröck (TSG Hoffenheim), and former Denmark youth international Dennis Cagara (Karlsruher SC).
Nicknamed the Azkals (Street Dogs), the Phillipines are grouped with Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam in Group A of the competition.
Earlier this week the Phillippines 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup home kit was launched by technical sponsor PUMA. The predominantly blue uniform uses a PUMA shirt design first seen this summer in several English Football League kits including the 12/13 Coventry City and Cardiff City strips.