Azkals fans — and fangirls — await Stephan Schrock’s return

Filipino-German defender Stephan Schrock (R) is expected to give the Azkals more midfield bite. Reuters

The first leg of the Philippines’ second round of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup versus Kuwait is over and done with, and it’s time to move on to the second leg.

For fans — and fangirls — everywhere, one of the best pieces of news for the Azkals is the return of Filipino-German Stephan Schrock for the Manila leg at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on July 28.

Schrock was a revelation in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers versus Sri Lanka. Save for a handful of times that he lost the ball in the midfield, he was effective at breaking the opponent’s defense, creating opportunities for himself and for his teammates.

Unfortunately, Schrock’s temper got the best of him and was given his second yellow card (and what a sight it was, this guy losing his cool), making him miss the first leg of the team’s matches versus Kuwait.

Looking back at how the first leg versus Kuwait played out, there were times when you couldn’t help but think just how Schrock and Aly Borromeo, who was also serving suspension, were sorely missed. Think of just how those two could have made contributions in a highly defensive stance against one of their toughest opponents to date. Think of how Schrock would have been very useful in counter-attacking—he could easily create some plays to support the lone striker up front with his speed and creativity.

At a match where the second half saw the Philippines succumb to fatigue, it may just have been a bit beneficial to have another set of legs in there—that or another natural right back, who may just have been as efficient as Ray Jonsson at left back, in snuffing out any threat from the Kuwaitis, who kept passing the ball around, looking for the best possible scoring option.

Three goals sure pose a huge deficit for any team to overcome, but it can be done — just ask any Liverpool supporter. Of course, we just may have a better chance at overcoming it if Schrock was back in action.

That, or at the end of it all, the ladies just want Schrock to release some pent-up aggression.  Or better yet—how about a shirtless lap of honor once more? You know you can’t resist those tattoos and musculature anyway.

Mika Palileo is a proud football fangirl — albeit one with intricate knowledge of the beautiful game. Follow her thoughts on Twitter or on her blog.

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