Almost but not Kuwait.

Time: 1:24 p.m.
Where: In the study table.
Now Playing: "Amber" by 311.

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Well, still can't get over on what happened on last week where the Philippines vs. Kuwait match-up began and ended. It's better late than never. It's such that I am satisfied that the Azkals fought hard up to the very end and it was a very proud moment. Did their strategy throughout the two legs it's such that the Al-Azraq was too experienced and too good for us. It's not a shame to lose to an experienced squad like Kuwait who ranked 95th in the FIFA Rankings as of now comapred to the Azkals' 162nd spot.

First Leg Observation: I just noticed that the match opening up a bit between the two sides, especially in our side but the last line of defense were solid until they loosen up the grip and concede a goal in the 16th minute. Miscommunication between Sabio and Gier. Still blaming Sabio for getting out of the box. Another miscommunication happened in the second half, and again, it was in the central defense. Sabio did it again. Hay, scrambling in front of goal, still, the nifty right foot by the Kuwaiti defender, Neda, scored and put up a cushion, it was 2-0. The third goal was just pure skill on the Kuwaitis and showing the inexperienced of the Azkals in the defense. It was just collapsed out after being solid in the last 50 minutes.



Michael Weiss, the coach/manager of the Azkals, didn't trust his other players on the bench in the likes of Roel Gener, and Simon Greatwich, who were later substitutes in the last four minutes of the match. Another thing, we truly missed the presence of the armor of the central defense, Captain Aly Borromeo and the heart of the midfield, Stephan Schrock who mostly dictates the run offensively and a hardworker on taking on those forwards out. It was 3-0, in favor of Kuwait. Experience kills youth.

Second Leg Observation: The Azkals woke up and attacked the on Kuwait's half for all 45 minutes but it was the counter-attacking strategy of Kuwait that made the match competitive in both sides of the pitch. Al-Mutwa, who was silent in the fist leg, just rushed forward in the first half and I think 3 on-target attempts was close, either it hit the post or over the crossbar. Felt the prescence of Aly and Schrock again as they defend and control the pace of the game respectively. Chieffy was persevere to keep the possession throughout the first half and it was worth it. He passed the ball to Phil yet it was broken and the ball was on Schrock and he shocked and electrify the whole Rizal Memorial Stadium with a roar! What a stunning strike was that. Goosebumps every time I watched this video below. What a proud moment. At first, before kick-off, I just wish a goal for the Philippines, win or lose, qualified or not, against the mighty Kuwait and it happened. Thanks to Schrocki.



However, in the second half though, just like Leg 1, the center defense was just our main problem. Yes, more pressure applied in the second leg but it was just not enough to utilize the Kuwaitis from scoring. Etheridge did his best to get those loose balls in front of him but that second goal was just pure miscommunication, and on the opposite side, Kuwait's experience dominated the Azkals' youth. It was a nice game that thrilled the whole nation although it was a disappointing loss. It's understandable that the Azkals are still in the developing mode, getting the chemistry of the players, the system, the rotation, the proper formation in each fixture and hopes for Philippine football to grow.

Future of Philippine football

Now that football is back in the Philippines after being dominant in the sport in Asia half a century ago, I am hoping that the government or probably MVP, to build a huge, state-of-the-art football stadium. Probably, an 80,000+ capacity crowd inside supporting for the Azkals is more fun to watch than the previous matches. Also, the United Football League, our version of the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, etc., to grow and to be televised for the people to be aware about local club football plus, they will able to learn more about the beautiful game. Also, international exposure is the key on a higher FIFA ranking. We need to have international friendlies once in a while. Facing higher ranked teams will be good for us. It may lower our morale but every loss is a win, winning experience, that is. Grassroots development and continuous programs on football should be on the move as well. The Azkals management is also doing the search for fresh talent in Europe, U.S. and hopefully, they'll go to South America. I hope there will be Filipino-Brazilians, Filipino-Argentinians or Filipino-Uruguayans there to showcase their talent and play for our national team, playing with our colors. I wish the best of luck for Philippine football and as an avid football fan, I am happy that the Azkals existed and football was reborn here because of them. That's their main objective as well, to revive football, for football to be part of the list of Juan de la Cruz's favorite sports. Go Azkals Go!

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Time: 2:59 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Doubt" by Delphic.

Talangka.

Time: 3:12 p.m.
Where: In my bedroom.
Now Playing: "My Shadow" by Keane.


People in the Philippines, especially those sports fans, known for having "crab mentality", "talangka". To get their happiness back, they must bash or criticize what they don't like. This is the issue right now that enrages me a lot and I actually want to kill these certain people right now ruining the Azkals' reputation. I am not a violent person but if these killjoys want to do their thing, then we, loyal football fans, going to go head-to-head just for the equality of the mainstream sports here in the country.



Just read several articles including this one from the violent sports writed in the name of Danny Simon (I don't reckon him as a "real" sports writer with these nonsense criticisms) and published publicly to the whole Philippines that are furious and angry as of the these time, by the one and the only "Talangka King", Recah Trinidad. Come on, last time, Nonito Donaire, now the Azkals? Give me a damn break, Mr. Trinidad.

The link of the said article I that I kept reading and kept enraging me, a lot.

Heroic Azkals: Not Everybody Happy

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Below is my own response to the article:

"-100 respect points to both Mr. Recah Trinidad and Mr. Simon. If you are a football purist, you will know that in our modern time today when it comes to sports, mixed nationalities in a national team are "definitely" natural. In basketball (yes), football (yes), even in boxing (lots). There's nothing wrong about it plus the fact that there are the so-called "Fil-shams" in this country. I don't even know what's race have to do on joining in a team, club or whatsoever. Probably on the talent on where did the athlete got it on a country he was based before coming to the country (THAT is the main thing people think of half-Pinoy athletes). I don't know if you are expressing your disappointment that the Azkals exist because they usually love a sport that you think is boring which I think and six billion people in the whole world think is a "beautiful sport" according to the great Pele. I don't know why certain people in this country don't have the mind of bringing pride and honor to the country by supporting the national teams of each discipline. The way I see it, these certain people have pride and honor to post their criticisms, I mean, hateful, bashing, violent criticisms to the people of the Philippines on how they feel especially with the Azkals and not so totally "CONSTRUCTIVE" criticisms. They mean it loud and proud which annoys me. Yes, including you, sir.

Of course, as a huge football fan, I am truly affected by this, actually all of the Azkals fans are affected, some didn't care, but greatly affected not because all of these statements you stated are true but because media bring the Azkals' name to promote football in the first place and the media will kill them as well. We are on the stage, why ruin people's happiness. Why are you so mad about the Azkals anyway? Like Mico Halili said, "I will not hate to make football fans happy". If you have great disappointment on the Azkals, just keep it on your head and don't publicize. Again, YOU SHOULD NOT HATE TO MAKE FOOTBALL FANS HAPPY. Same goes with other sports and vice-versa. Shame on people hating the Azkals because of their popularity. I know media is on the move whenever an Azkal is around and yeah, I know, they need to control on their publicity to focus on their trainings and stuff. Come on Philippines, this is unforgivable. Wala na kayong magawa kundi tumalak nang tumalak nang walang basehan at puro paninira lang ang ginagawa niyo sa Azkals na ang ginawa lang ay maibalik ang larong futbol sa bansa at magbigay ng karangaln sa bansa. Why be a BULLY? GROW UP and BE MATURE! Wala na nga kayong magawa at maitulong sa bansa, ganito pa gagawin ninyo mga buwisit sa lipunan!"



Seriously, for those who accuse us of being arrogant, snobs, or elitists, then I pity you. That just goes to show that they have either a shallow or no understanding at all of the beautiful game. Because the same way that fans are passionate in basketball, boxing, rugby, golf, baseball, or whatever sport they support, that’s how we feel too. I am not trying to pit football against any sport here. I am REALLY glad that the game I love so well is finally gaining the recognition it deserves. And although I still personally think that football is more suited to Filipinos, who am I to say that Filipinos should stop playing basketball? All i’m saying is give football a chance to grow in the Philippines. Because mark my words, when the time finally comes that the Philippine National Football Team qualify for the World Cup, you too will be one of us, screaming and celebrating with joy.

But at the moment, win or lose, it really doesn’t matter. WE WILL CELEBRATE. We celebrate the fact that FUTBOL is here and thriving in the country. We celebrate the journey, not the destination. We celebrate the players’ skill, sacrifice and the pride. We celebrate the dark ages of futbol’s irrelevancy in the Philippines, and we celebrate its popularity now.

And should you, Recah Trinidad, pass away (hopefully soon), I’ll celebrate that too like I celebrated on Osama bin Laden's death!

The last three paragraphs is not from me, it was from my fellow Azkals and football fans that are truly against these "talangka" journalists and the way they feel, is how I feel as well. As they say in Texas, "Don't mess with Texas" but here, "Don't mess with futbol!"

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Time: 3:35 p.m.
Where: Still here, very, very disappointed.
Now Playing: "All Alright" by Sigur Rós.

Azkals make Philippine football history.

Time: 6:02 p.m.
Where: In the living room, just finished watching the momentous game.
Now Playing: Nothing this time.

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Wow! Just wow! I've never been so thrilled like this before. As a long time football fan, I am always thrilled with every Manchester United goal but when your national team playing for pride and for country, you'll be thrilled three times more than your favorite club team. It was a blowout. 4-0. We truly gave it all to Sri Lanka.



What a match. When Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong scored that important goal. I had "euphoria". Grabe, then Phil Younghusband added that controversial goal which is to me is legal. It's normal in football to jump over a goalkeeper when the ball is loose unless if the timing is bad, it'll be a yellow card to the keeper or the player inside the box. It's wither way. Phil did dodge it and scored. Guirado added more magic when he outsmarts the Sri Lankan keeper Fernando... not once, but twice. One of those elegant moves led to a goal. New Azkal sensation Stephan Schrock was tripped by one of Sri Lankan defender. Caused the game and it was a penalty. Phil Younghusband yet again took the penalty kick and scored. Almost a hat-trick.



That was the round-up of the goals but it was fierce and caused for Schrock and our captain, Borromeo to not play in the important Kuwait match for Round 2. They are vital players in CMF and DMF respectively. Grabe. Kinakabahan na nga ako na Kuwait makakalaban natin, then, these bookings happened.



Well, can't wait 'till July 23 and 28. Although nervous, I am so stoked about this match-up. Heart vs. Talent! Go Azkals! Live the World Cup dream!

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Time: 6:34 p.m.
Where: Still here, wearing my Azkals away kit.
Now Playing: Nothing.