Latest news with #DeportivoAlaves
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Looking up to Garces
New Malaysian football player Facundo Garces. PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Malaya revolution continues with more Malaysians abroad expected to be unveiled soon. But for now, the spotlight shines on a towering new addition. Facundo Garces, a 25-year-old centreback from La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves, has officially joined the Malaysian national football team, adding an unexpected but exciting twist to preparations for the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. His inclusion has sent ripples through the local football community, not only for the surprise factor but also for the calibre he brings. "To be part of this national set-up is an incredible opportunity and a massive honour," said Garces. "Since arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I've felt the passion, the family spirit, and unwavering support within the team. "If this is just the beginning, I can't imagine how amazing it will be when the entire nation is behind us. I'm ready to give everything I have for Malaysia." Standing at 1.89m (6'2''), Garces is a commanding presence at the back. He first rose to prominence with Argentine Primera Division side Colon, where he amassed 129 appearances. Since his January move to Alaves, he has featured in 10 matches - starting the last seven league games in a row - proving his growing stature in top-tier football. Known for his aerial dominance, Garces is not only a defensive rock but a threat during set-pieces. National coach Peter Cklamovski couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "Facundo has a strong character. He's calm under pressure, has a fantastic personality, and brings with him valuable experience from top level competitions," said the Australian tactician. And Garces might not be the only one making waves in this international window. Sources suggest that two more players - possibly three - could join Garces in the current training camp. Cklamovski's extensive scouting network may soon bear more fruit, with names like winger Imanol Machuca, striker Rodrigo Holgado and centreback Jon Iranzabal being closely linked to the national set-up. Machuca, 25, is a nimble flanker who plays for Velez Sarsfield on loan from Brazilian side Fortaleza. The pint-sized Argentine-born winger, who stands just 1.70m (5'5'') is capable on either flank and thrives on creating goal-scoring chances. Holgado, 29, currently leads the line for Colombian giants America de Cali. The clinical striker has already netted seven goals and registered two assists in just 15 league appearances this season - an impressive return that could add bite to Malaysia's attack. Then there's Iranzabal, a 28-year-old Spanish-born defender who recently helped Azerbaijani club Sabah lift the national cup. The 1.87m (6'1'') hard man is renowned for his technical defending and was among the earliest mixed-heritage names linked with Harimau Malaya following Cklamovski's appointment. With new blood injecting quality and depth into the squad, the national team's ambitions are gaining momentum. And if this wave of talent delivers on its promise, Malaysia's dream of back-to-back Asian Cup appearances may soon become a thrilling reality.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Garces' 'granny connection' to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Fans have been wondering how did this footballer from the Western Hemisphere end up in Malaysia's national team. Facundo Garces hasn't graced the M-League before, so his name doesn't ring a bell with the fans here. So, the news of one of the national team's latest heritage players has raised eyebrows, and many wondered about his links to Malaysia. On Monday, the 26-year-old centreback was announced as one of the new heritage players to be added to Harimau Malaya. Garces is to strengthen the defence ahead of the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Most of the fans welcomed Garces' coming and some were even surprised that a player of Malaysian descent is playing for La Liga side Deportivo Alaves. According to Argentine media outlet Garces, who previously played for Club Atletico Colon in Argentina before joining Alaves in Spain, has a Malaysian grandmother. "For Facundo Garces, who once played with Colon, it is understood his connection to Malaysia is through his grandmother," reported the Argentine media outlet. Garces' presence should provide more options for Harimau Malaya coach, Peter Cklamovski, in forging a formidable team against Vietnam. Cklamovski used the services of heritage players — 29-year-old Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel in the 2-0 win over Nepal in an Asian Cup qualifier on March 25 and the 23-year-old flanker Spanish-born Gabriel Palmero in the 2-2 with Cape Verde last week. Three more foreign players — Rodrigo Holgado, Jefte Betancor and Jon Irazabal — are also reported to be joining Harimau Malaya for the match against Vietnam. Malaysia have fared poorly against Vietnam — suffering seven losses and one draw since 2016. Their last victory over Vietnam was in December 2014.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
La Liga defender is latest addition to Harimau Malaya squad
Argentinian Facundo Garces has started training with the national squad. (X pic) PETALING JAYA : Facundo Garces, a defender for La Liga club Deportivo Alaves, has become the latest addition to the Malaysian football team. 'Welcome to the team, Facundo Garces,' Harimau Malaya's official X account said in a posting today. Garces, who was born in Santa Fe, Argentina, has started training with the national squad. The 24-year-old plays as a centreback for Alaves, which finished the recently concluded season in 15th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone. He is expected to make his first appearance for Malaysia in a friendly game against Cape Verde tomorrow, before Harimau Malaya face Vietnam in a key Asian Cup qualifier match on June 10. Bernama quoted Garces as expressing excitement at representing Malaysia, describing joining Harimau Malaya as an 'incredible honour'. 'Since arriving, I've felt the warmth, sense of family and genuine support from everyone. If this is just the beginning, I can only imagine how amazing it will be when the whole country stands behind us. 'I'm ready to give my all for Malaysia,' he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Harimau Malaya welcomes Facundo Garces ahead of Vietnam clash
PETALING JAYA: The national football team will have a new addition for their upcoming clash against Vietnam as they welcome Facundo Garces to the squad. The Argentine-born centre-back was announced by Harimau Malaya on Monday (June 2), adding that he has cleared all paperwork and is ready to be picked by head coach Peter Cklamovski. The 25-year-old Garces plays in the La Liga with Spanish club Deportivo Alaves. Garces arrived in Malaysia during the FIFA transfer window and will be eligible to be fielded during the Asian Cup third-round qualifiers fixture against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jon Guridi vs. CA Osasuna – Player props & odds to score a goal on May 24
Jon Guridi vs. CA Osasuna – Player props & odds to score a goal on May 24 [gambcom-standard rankid="4130" ] Believe Jon Guridi will score a goal in Deportivo Alaves' upcoming match versus CA Osasuna on Saturday, May 24 at 3:00 PM ET? For anytime goalscorer odds, updated statistics and trends, see below. Deportivo Alaves earned a win on May 18 against Real Valladolid by a final score of 1-0. The victorious Deportivo Alaves took six more shots in the matchup, 13 to seven. Keep up with LaLiga action this season on Fubo! Jon Guridi's Odds to Score a Goal vs. CA Osasuna Odds to score a goal next game: +675 Soccer player prop odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 12:40 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. [gambcom-standard rankid="4142" ] Jon Guridi's 2024-25 Stats This season, he has found the back of the net in three of 35 games. In terms of expected goals, Guridi (0.8 xG) is 2.2 lower than his actual goal tally (three). From the penalty spot, Guridi has one attempt and one goal. Thus far in the 2024-25 season, he has taken 23 shots (0.7 per match), with 12 being on target. Deportivo Alaves vs. CA Osasuna Scoring Insights With 37 goals in 37 games, Deportivo Alaves is 15th in LaLiga. On the other side, Osasuna has allowed 51 goals in 37 games, 12th in the league. Offensively, Osasuna is eighth in LaLiga (47 goals, 1.3 per match). And defensively, Deportivo Alaves is ninth (47 goals conceded, 1.3 per match). Deportivo Alaves has been outscored 47-37, and its -10 goal differential is 13th in LaLiga. In terms of goal differential, Osasuna is eighth in LaLiga at -4. Deportivo Alaves vs. CA Osasuna Match Info Matchup: Deportivo Alaves vs. Osasuna Deportivo Alaves vs. Osasuna Time: 3:00 PM ET 3:00 PM ET Date: May 24, 2025 May 24, 2025 Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza Estadio de Mendizorroza Live stream: Watch this game on ESPN+ Watch Deportivo Alaves vs. CA Osasuna on ESPN+ More Player Props: [gambcom-standard rankid="4338" ]
