Hurting Azkals arrive today with heavy hearts

MANILA, Philippines -- After absorbing a knockout blow last night at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, the Philippine Azkals arrive today with heavy hearts knowing that they let down Filipino sports fans still reeling from the devastating loss of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao last weekend.

Despite losing 1-nil to the Finals-bound Singapore Lions, the second consecutive semifinals appearance for the Azkals is already considered another achievement for the emerging football country in the Southeast Asia. Some of the players including team manager Dan Palami and former Azkals took to Twitter their disappointment and frustrations bowing to come out stronger just like what Pacquiao told people after his knockdown: "We will rise again!"