Azkals just too happy to play vs idols

MANILA, Philippines - They just received a 1-6 beating from David Beckham and the LA Galaxy on Saturday night’s Smart Dream Cup but the Philippine Azkals came off it like winners.

Well, it’s not everyday that you got to play against the English superstar and see him do his trick on the pitch first-hand.

Or share precious space in the scoreline with Beckham like Fil-British Phil Younghusband, the lone Azkal to find the bottom of the net against the Galaxy.

Younghusband struck at the 41st minute to help the Azkals stay within striking distance after Beckham (28th) and Mike Magee (38th) gave the Galaxy an early 2-0 lead.

“Considering it was still a 2-nil score at the time, it was more of a boost to get us back into game. It’s only after the game that you think about who you’re up against. But to score in the same game as my childhood hero David Beckham, it’s a dream come true for me,” said a jubilant Younghusband.

As a nine-year old back in England, Younghusband even wrote then Manchester U star Beckham a letter of admiration, and met him as a 10-year-old ball boy when Chelsea played Man U.

So when Beckham’s trip to the country as part of the Galaxy’s Herbalife Asia Pacific Tour was finalized, Younghusband was the most excited.

At the pre-match press conference the day the MLS Cup champ arrived, Younghusband was able to chat with his idol, and got a promise he’d receive Beckham’s No. 23 white jersey after the match.

To his shock, though, Beckham handed it to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao upon getting subbed.

“He gave his shirt to Manny, I saw it and said ‘oh no, I’m not gonna get it,’” shared Younghusband.

But Beckham had more surprises. Already out of the post-game presser, Beckham went his way back to the press room to fulfill his promise and hand an autographed white jersey, drawing a wide smile on Phil’s face.

“I’m so happy, I’m gonna cherish that moment for the rest of my life. David’s a very, very nice guy, to come and give it to me personally, even though he’s busy and got lot of attention, that’s awesome,” he said.

Local star Chieffy Caligdong, who wore the captain’s arm band against Galaxy, said it was a dream come true and learning experience.

“We’re truly happy they played their game against us, seeing the first goal of David. We learned a lot from this game, something we’ll bring to our preparations in next year’s AFC Challenge Cup,” he said in Filipino.

“It was like a dream having your idol here. You only watch him on TV before but now I’m sitting right next to him. We’re all so excited especially in the first five to 10 minutes and as captain I was reminding them to finish the game first, there’s time for picture-taking later,” he said.