Azkals' captain Stephan Schrock hopes to one day go down as 'best ever' of Philippine football

 Despite making it to the semi-finals in four out of the last five editions, the Philippines went into the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup as massive underdogs.

Expectations were understandably low, as lack of preparation, unavailability of the players and injuries plagued the Azkals in the buildup to the tournament.

But other teams were wise not to discount the Azkals, because despite all the challenges and the absentees, among the names they would have seen on the team sheet is one they know could strike fear in opponents’ hearts – team captain Stephan Schrock.

But, unbeknownst to many, Schroecky came into the tournament leaving behind a heavily pregnant wife in Germany.

Still, he came to Singapore with Mrs. Schroecky’s full blessing, even if he might have missed the birth of their child had the Azkals made it all the way to the final.

“Of course, it’s very hard for me and the kids, and my wife especially,” says the Azkals captain.

“But she is a hell of a woman, she supports me as much as possible and she wished us going all the way, even that would have meant I would be not there for the birth or Christmas.”

“Real warrior, she is.”

Despite his best efforts however, the Azkals narrowly lost in the opening match of the tournament against Singapore.

And in that match, Schrock was at his usual physical best, driving the Azkals forward and going all in with his challenges, something the Singapore fans didn’t take too kindly to.

After a strong challenge on Singapore wunderkind Ikhsan Fandi, Schrock’s every touch was lustily booed by the Singapore faithful.

Did it affect his performance on the pitch, or did the jeers from the crowd inspire him to do better?

“You have to have some talent to get booed,” he says.

“I got booed so many times already even in Germany on almost every away game. I couldn’t care less to be honest - I don’t play for the other fans anyways.”

Stephan Schrock has accomplished so much in his storied football career. From helping SpVgg Greuther Furth gain promotion to the Bundesliga, to playing in Germany’s top division with Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt, to scoring in the Europa league, Schrock has seen and done it.

With Ceres-Negros, he has won the AFC Cup Asean Zonal Championship along with numerous PFL titles.

But where does representing the country, and captaining the Azkals in the AFC Asian Cup and the Suzuki Cup count among his list of achievements?

“To lead the nation into the pitch is always special. The highest you can achieve, I would say.”

“A big honor and big responsibility at the same time. Perfect for me.”

Obviously disappointed at not being able to lead the Azkals further in the Suzuki Cup, Schrock isn’t quite ready to look ahead to the 2022 edition of the regional tournament.

“That’s something very far in the future. I basically just pay attention in the present.”

Will we see the feisty Schrock in United City Football Club’s colors next season?

“For now, I’ll just fully focus on my family and try to support my kids and especially my wife before our little princess will come,” he coyly answers.

So much has been said about Schrocky, but there is still one more thing he would like be remembered for.

“Very simple: I wanna go down as the best ever in the Philippines,” he states.

“I think with what I have achieved, the competitions in Europe and Asia - the titles and awards the performances. No one ever touched there and for me personally I’m unmatched.”

“When I decide to retire, I gave the sport all I had, and deserve this title.”

—JMB, GMA News