Azkals' bid the 2014 World Cup starts tomorrow.

Time: 1:18 a.m.
Where: In our bedroom.
Now Playing: "Take Me Over" by Cut Copy.

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Well, I am so stoked about tomorrow's event. I think everyone is, as well. Either you're a basketball fan, or boxing fan, everyone will be focusing into football, to the Azkals. As they conquer Sri Lanka for the Round 1 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2014, Asian Zone Qualifiers on June 29 and July 3. If we win these fixtures by aggregate, we will face the mighty Kuwait. I am so nervous if we make it the Round 2 but at least if we win against Sri Lanka, we make history as we pass Round 1 for the first time in our long time campaign in the World Cup qualifiers in Asia, correct me if I'm wrong. Before this World Cup campaign of the national team, we last did it way back 2003, for the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. As usual, we didn't pass Round 1. Four years after, we didn't even try to compete for the qualification for the recent FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.



I guess this year, we can compete again because we have some good chances this time and at the right time that the sponsors and television exposure is great for our national team. I mean, the exposure to the sport, that people are aware that they are here. I hate when people only knew the Azkals because they are good-looking. C'mon, "FOOTBALL". Instead of football chants, I hear screaming girls. Gladly, there's the so-called "Kaholeros". Football chants will be great in a football match. That's why I love football so much because of the passionate game and the fans carry it on with their chants to the opposing team, the tradition, the history, the rivalries. Every goal is special in football, unlike basketball.

Here's my breakdown or my pre-match analysis of what will happen tomorrow afternoon in Colombo, Sri Lanka:

I watched a game of Sri Lanka vs. Maldives on YouTube in the 2008 SAFF Championship, the football competition in South Asia, it's like in South East Asia, the AFF Suzuki Cup, and I see, their strategy is the "Quick Counter". They put their men in defense and when intercepts, the attacking midfield surges and run like their is no tomorrow. Because of defense, they can have thru-balls as much as they want. I don't know if they still have that strategy because they have a new manager from China and they trained to Korea recently for this match. This was ued to be our strategy, the Azkals use this in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 and we got some great results, that's why we beat the hell out of the defending champions Vietnam that day. We used it also to Indonesia but their midfield is so sturdy, we can't get those passed in the box.



That's why in that game, not much counter attacks and we focused more on defense. Indonesia was great on defending plus their fans was pointing laser at Neil Etheridge which obviously did cause the game for us but that Gonazales goal, astounding no laser and stuff. Our fault. We grew as a team now and I think Coach Weiss has changed a lot from a defensive team to a full grown counter-attack squad. I can see that they will do the normal 4-4-2 formation or the 4-1-2-3 formation which are attacking-type formations. I prefer the 4-1-2-3 formation because it will suit their style as a team. The "Quick Counter" team in order to beat Sri Lanka. I hope that Coach Weiss taught his boys on defense, especially in the midfield. Also, the passing, is truly a must. That was one of main problems, especially in the Mongolia fixtures. We didn't get some accurate passes. They can still do the basic like passing in the opposing half's first. Passing through defenders first to maintain possesion and if they find some weak spots into their half, go on and take until we score. It's great that we will have chances if they keep it up tomorrow.

So here's my prediction:

I'd say,

Leg 1 in Colombo: 2-0, Philippines. Goals from Araneta and Guirado. Guirado has that capability of running defenders and yes, he is an attacking midfielder, while Araneta is a great left winger but can reach the box easily for the header. Caligdong and J. Younghusband can make great assist and can score as well. I must not forget P. Younghusband. He can score at any time around 90 minutes. I must also reckon the tight defense of the back 4. I hope they won't allow Sabio to the line-up because of his incosistency but if he does play, he must stepu-p and don't concede any corner kicks, or goals. I know it's hard.

Leg 2 in Manila: 3-1, Philippines. I don't know, probably a hat-trick from someone or it will be a team game. Gotta watch out.

Philippines will win 5-1 on aggregate. Yes, I predicted two lopsided wins for us. I have a feeling we can easily demolish Sri Lanka.

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I can't wait to see these guys play on the pitch once more. I'll wear my Azkals t-shirt come that day and I wish to buy their new kit on the Mizuno store come Sunday. I heard it's available right now. I wish they ship it early to Festival Mall ASAP. Here's the photo of the new Away kit.



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Good luck, Azkals!

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Time: 2:08 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Fader" by The Temper Trap.

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"Papa" + "150": Be inspired by Rizal and our dads.

Time: 3:25 a.m.
Where: In our bedroom (people here are asleep).
Now Playing: "Nothing in My Way" by Keane.

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"Papa"

Today is the 19th of June. Six billion people knows that this day is Father's Day, where this day is especially made for our dads, because they are an inspiration to their children, including me. For their dedication on work or whatever they do best in order to give their family members whatever they need. They fill what's missing and I'd say, I can borrow the phrase "Moms know best" and changed it to "Dads knows best... too!" Not only moms. Actually, "Parents know best". Both of them. Some times, there are misunderstandings in our family, that may lead to a broken family if there is no communication between the members, I'll still try to make it up to them.

Anyway, my dad is still sleeping and I am a usual vampire but yesterday, he made us "Sinigang" and it was delicious. He is like the cook of the house, but yeah, my mom kept saying every time that she is the best cook in this house. LOL. That was just naturally what she's saying pero alam niya na gusto niya talaga luto ng Papa ko. My characteristics of my father? He's a joker, magaling sa mga banat. Well, I always see my father's humor in reunions and slightly in home. He can be serious at some times, but that serious as in, in vital situations, when he helps the three of us in our need. Minsan naawa din ako sa Papa ko kasi he's like a "Houseband" kahit nagtratrabaho siya but I do lend him a hand in daily chores pero siya sa mega weekend chores. Hindi kasi siya sanay na may tumutulong sa kanya even if we insist na tulungan siya. He always kept saying na "Magpahinga lang kayo, ako nang bahala". Even at his mid life, he's still doing the tough laundry, fixing eletronic appliances and stuff. Nakuha ko sa kanya ang pagiging sporty, I mean not physically, but being a huge sports fan. We both love basketball, PBA siya, NBA ako pero we're both Lakers and Gin Kings fans pero pag sa ibang games na hindi involve ang fave teams namin, I oppose what Papa supports. LOL. I am a huge fan of football a long time ago, Manchester United is the club to be exact (Take that Liverpool, City) pero it seems my dad likes it too since he saw the Azkals in action. Football was not that popular here when he saw the Azkals.

So, I am not that type of person who expresses affection in any place, especially here in the Internet world but I know he knows that we love my Papa and Papa love us. Again, Papa, thanks to all and Happy Father's Day.

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"150"

We see Jose Protacio Rizal in monuments, parks, textbooks and in the Internet. We are all familiar on his story, on what he did for our country. Because of his heart-wrenching words in his novels, poems and other forms of literature, he fought the Spaniards and after that, led to "The Revolution". Yes, we know all of that but after almost two centuries, did our country change? I mean in the aspects of economy, system and stuff. Why did I even ask this question? Because of Rizal's dedication to protect the Filipinos, also because of his mind, his words and his actions. "Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa", ito ang dapat nating gawin. Rizal serves as an inspiration for a long, long time and we must not answer that we know Rizal that he is the guy in Luneta Park, the guy in the textbooks or the guy in school paintings, we must be proud that we are Filipinos. For me for example, I can be proud that I am a Filipino by buying Filipino-made products, supporting our local movie industry, following the rules, regulations and laws of the country and doing some good deeds, either small or big.

If Rizal fought for our country by doing those vital things step-by-step and sacrificed his life in order for the people to think that we can step out of the shadow and move as a nation. That Rizal blood in us is why we have this People Power, in 1986, and soon followed by other countries like South Korea, Tunisia, and recently, Egypt. We, Filipinos, are very expressive to issues and we fight for the right to freedom. That's why we are passionate because of Rizal. Today is his 150th birth anniversary. So make it special, do something good to help our country. Rizal might be happy. If Rizal lives at his 30's at this generation, we might witness a cruel world that he can change.

Maligayang Kaarawan, Rizal! ¡Feliz cumpleaños! Rizal!

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I'll make a blog on the Azkals' World Cup dream probably next week. Can't wait on their match.

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Time: 4:16 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Get Some" by Lykke Li.

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