Latest news with #FacundoGarces
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.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Argentina-born Garces joins Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: Who would have thought an Argentine defender had ancestral ties to Malaysia? Well, Facundo Garces does, and he's now officially part of the Harimau Malaya set-up, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed on Monday. The 26-year-old centre-back, who hails from Santa Fe, began his career with Colon in Argentina and currently plays for Deportivo Alaves in Spain's La Liga. Garces has been cleared to represent Malaysia and is expected to feature in a closed-door friendly against Cape Verde on Tuesday, ahead of the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. National coach Peter Clamovski welcomed the new addition, describing him as a calm, experienced presence in defence. "Facundo is a fantastic character," said Clamovski. "He's a composed defender with leadership qualities and top-level experience. "More importantly, he's incredibly passionate about representing Malaysia and making the country proud." Garces, clearly emotional about the opportunity, said pulling on the Malaysian jersey was a moment of great personal pride. "Being part of this national team is an incredible honour," he said. "Since arriving, I've felt the warmth, the family spirit, and genuine support from everyone here. "If this is just the beginning, I can't imagine how powerful it'll be when the whole country is behind us. "I'm ready to give everything for Malaysia." With all his paperwork finalised, Garces is eligible for immediate selection and is currently training with the squad during the Fifa international window, which runs from June 2-10.
