Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Azkals Won, Whole Country Rejoiced

Ladies and Gentlemen, Football in the Philippines has officially come back.

Long swallowed in whole by its fast-paced cousin Basketball, Football has suddenly become the toast of the country, even creating a mania reminiscent to those experienced only by rockstars and here in the Philippines, by F4(Korea and Taiwan versions) and Super Junior (ewww!).

Few hours ago, the Azkals (Philippines Men's Football Team) defeated Mongolia 2-0 (it's nil NOT zero or none or love) on the first leg of its play-off match, which will be followed up on Ulaan Batar in Mongolia come March 15 (?).

The game was historical because it marked the first time the whole country actually supported the entire match with full-on media coverage, thanks largely to ABS-CBN. Chieffy Caligdong and Phil Younghusband both gave the Azkals its 2 goals with shots fired towards the end of the first and second halves respectively.

It was fun seeing everyone watching the game, with me surprised that my mom actually watched the tie instead of the usual telenovelas. It was a very meaningful win. Why? Because 1.) the Azkals won, 2.) Philippine Football won, and 3.) Football as a sport won.

Let's support the Azkals some more and learn how to shout in front of our TVs!

*Here are the YouTube videos of the 2 goals. Enjoy!





5 Responses to “Azkals Won, Whole Country Rejoiced”

Bernardo "Berniemack Habagat" Arellano III said...
February 10, 2011 at 6:43 AM

And a few years ago, they were just like nothing. Indeed, they live up with the name of "Azkals" since they were ignored except by the football afficionados, local media and some national sports media back then in 2006/7(?) when they played in Iloilo and Bacolod for the AFF Challenge Cup.

And I say, all the hype right now is needed, IMO. :)


Logan said...
February 11, 2011 at 2:22 PM

I love it! My next visit i am gona have to scout out a sick jersey replace my FC Barcelona jersey with one from the county i love!


Jerick said...
February 11, 2011 at 3:42 PM

@logan, i'll accompany you when you decide to buy one.


Raft3r said...
February 12, 2011 at 10:58 PM

if they all looked like brown moneys, would anyone be even interested in the sport?


Jerick said...
February 13, 2011 at 8:27 AM

i think yes. manny pacquiao, nonito donaire, efren bata reyes aren't gwapos in the first place but people were interested in them.


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