Let's get rabid

By the time you read this, either the 80,000 spectators at the Geloga Bung Karno Stadium at Jakarta, Indonesia had gone hoarse celebrating or had been defeaningly silent in agony. The last scenario would be preferrable. We have done the impossible, as far as our Azkals are concerned, never mind the borderline insane powers-that-be on the national football federation.

For Philippine football, the Azkals in particular, this is the first semis appearance in the 14-year history of the Suzuki Cup. Previously known as the Tiger Cup, this tournament is held every two years. Dominance is shared by Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. We hosted in 2006 the qualifiers for the same tournament at the Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City. Why can't we host it now?

The Asian Football Federation cited three reasons why - the dressing rooms are not air-conditioned, the stadiums lack seats and the field lights are insufficient. Negros Oriental Football Association's Charlie Cojuanco said it best, "We in Negros Oriental have it with us to host these games. What we do not have, sadly, is unity in purpose."

The Philippine Football Federation president-without-a-clue did not contest nor defend our right to host one semis game. Maybe the thought of shares from gate receipts from 80,000 paying fans in Indonesia blinded national pride. A home-and-away semifinals all played "away" in Indonesia is nothing but ridiculous. 

Prior to this game, the Azkals squared off with Indonesia three times, losing all their matches, including a game in 2002 at the same stadium in Jakarta where we were mangled with a 13-1 humiliation.

Riding on the mini-tsunami recently created by the Azkals, a senate inquiry is being proposed on why we can't host this tournament. And after deliberating on national TV, what happens? It will still remain an inquiry, with the minutes archived and put to slumber. I wish the days of Gintong Alay and somebody of Michael Keon's caliber will resurrect and inject life to national sports programs. 

Gov. Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte is offering a 64-hectare facility for the Azkals as "their home for competitions and training." I say we give this some serious thoughts, considering all premises related to Mindanao. The Mindanao Civic Center Sports Complex has a new football field and grandstand, two swimming pools, a multi-purpose gym that can seat 10,000 people, weight training equipment, a permanent 3-hectare motocross track and a hotel.

Since Mindanao is kind of far from the big city, it will be free from distractions, therefore will be very ideal for serious training. Officials will be concerned with security but it could be noted that the Dimaporo family exudes a reverential fear from their constituents so I suppose safety concerns will be properly addressed.

The lowest FIFA ranking our Azkals had was in September of 2006 where we were almost at the bottom, ranked #195. In January of this year, we ranked #167. Our recent achievements now have us in #150. If by the grace of the Almighty we suceed in our quest, by January of next year, we could go up by two or three notches.

Two weeks ago, we whipped Vietnam in their home turf, with 40,000 screaming Vietnamese. We can do the same thing in Jakarta. What is 80,000 fans? It's just like in Vietnam, although twice the number. Anyway, our boys are used to playing in foreign soil so it will be just another game in another country.

Get rabid, Azkals! And when you're through with Indonesia, let's finally get rid of that calloused dick that wants to revamp everyone on the team and he just might baptize them as MariMar's Poodles. Eeeeew!

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