At Singapore the other night saw the end of our great run for a finals berth in the Asian Football Federation’s Suzuki Cup. Great because for the second consecutive time, we made it to the semifinals, proving to everyone worth their football savvy that our qualification two years ago was no fluke.
We lost to Singapore, 0-1 and it was kind of heartbreaking for our Azkals and the fans. Had we scored in our first game here at home, momentum could have been on our side since we could have at least a point on aggregates. But it was not meant to be.
The Azkals did their best , exceeded expectations and for that alone, we should be content. Sure, there were lapses and it happens everytime, not only on our side but likewise with the opposing side. Let’s not point our stinky fingers to whoever was to blame of our failure to make it to the finals.S**t happens. We deal with it, we live with it.
There was a time when Asian football powerhouses Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and yes, Singapore happily and wilfully kick our A double S. It was a long hard climb to respectability and most definitely, we had become a serious footballing threat in the region.
Some friends and acquaintances argue about the team’s composition. Strictly speaking, “askal” is a contraction of the term “asong-kalye”. The pure askals on the lineup are the likes of Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Ed Sacapano, Paolo Pascual and the other “brownies”. The rest are high breeds with international pedigrees.
The argument is that why the Fil-foreigns when we can have locals? Yup, we do have the local talents but it is in the preparation and training that sets them apart. These foreign-based players (with local moms and foreign dads), are either schooled in elite football academies or are currently playing in first, second or mid-level Euro leagues. And this is precisely the reason that we have them on the team. Do we really think we can make it this far with a purely “brown” squad? Case closed.
Two areas of concern that I would like the Philippine Football Federation to address, and if they can take care of this, Asian football glory will be ours.
Keeping the team intact – The Caligdongs, the Sacapanos, theYounghusbands, the Giers, the Guirados, the Jonssons and other like species will one day hang their football cleats. We have a talent pool of young athletes, both foreign and domestic who are ready to do the job when the seniors retire. Giving these footballers international exposure will give them the necessary experience and confidence when called upon to represent flag and country in the senior team. Giving them these breaks leads to the next area of concern.
Cohesion – The present set up has the foreign-based players join the team a few days before the scheduled kick off. All things considered, there is that obvious lack of familiarity during actual matches that results in solo runs, often oblivious to teammates along the wings and that for me is wasted opportunity. If the team can address this, the possibilities are endless.
We have shown our love and support to the Gilas, the Volcanoes, the Dragon Boat team and yes, Manny Pacquiao. We can’t have everything, win everything. The best way of showing support is when the team is at its lowest. Let’s show more love to the Azkals and the rest of our national teams when they’re down.
If all else fails, we can easily claim the title of Asian football’s glamour team. All of the region’s matinee idols combined cannot match our Azkals’ rugged good looks. Maka buang sa batan-on ug tiguwang. Ersh. Ersh.
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Where were you when The PacMan kissed and slept for a couple of minutes on the canvas? Me? I was blankly staring at the TV screen speechless and stunned. Normalcy returned when my daughter Ana rushed inside our room and excitedly cried, “Kita ka ni Pacquiao!?” And where were you when Nanay Dionesia ranted and raved, seeking for the head and blood of her beloved son’s pastors? That was the second highlight of the fight.
Many post-fight reactions were heard, from the ridiculous to the sublime but the fact is, our hero lost. It was a really good fight and I had PacMan leading over JuanMa until he got careless on the sixth round. Boom! Curtains down on our pride.
Now here comes the possibility of a fifth fight. Please, no more. What is there to prove? Juan Manuel Marquez has won four different division titles. Manny Pacquiao held titles in eight divisions. Between these two fighters, they have accomplished what most other fighters can never achieve. Unless greed gets the better of them, another instalment is in the offing. Sobra na, tama na. Heed to Nanay D and Jinkee’s wishes, Manny. It is for your own good and safety. You already have the world.