THE AZKALS!

There's a lot of pretty compelling argument 'bout this Philippine Football n-name "Azkals". Even me, i used to asked people around me then, "why azkals? Why a street dog?". well, honestly, at first, i didn't like it, and am sure there are lots of others who didn't and don't like it as well- up to now, i bet. i also said, the nick name should be something regarding the Philippine Eagle for the eagle has always been the symbol of many things like strength, freedom, etc. but when they started to play the game for the AFF Suzuki Cup, at ng madalas ko ng marinig ang n-name ng team, i found it something amusing and i considered it to be cool. now, believe it or not, i love to call them "The Azkals".

However, I think, the question was answered when after one particularly long thread, the RP team coach then started a topic that simply said, "We will be proud Azkals." They even had an Azkal uniform made up.

Anyway, i wanna share my feelings, point of views, suggestions, comments (and violent reactions na din. haha) during their game with the Indonesia team.

For leg 1:

I was honestly disappointed. some of the players seem to panic when a defensive opponent is approaching to pressure resulting to a bad pass and a turn over. and i still noticed that during leg 2. i was also disappointed with Araneta. he couldn't control the ball and it seems he doesn't want to shoot the ball which is suppose to be his job and so he missed chances near the critical area. but still, the defense was really good.

I was touched when Neil Etheridge was teary eyed as he admitted making the mistake that led to the goal that gave Indonesia a 1-0 victory in the first leg. And this's what Ludmilla said in front of the television during the interview with Neil: "i was an athlete, too. i understand what you feel, neil. more than yourself, i know you felt that you let the team down and that you wanna cry. but you know what, i know that you know, we learn from our mistakes and mistakes makes us stronger". and i was shocked, as if he heard me! he repeated my line (though, the construction was a bit different), he said, "mistake will make me stronger". akalain ko ba yun? tsk..tsk.. but hey, am smiling while am typing this   :)

For leg 2:

I was disappointed again- now, with the officiating. but i commend the Azkals for the gallant effort. it's sad to hear specially when it's from "kapwa pinoy" about Azkals defeat. but am, still proud of how they've gone far to be in the semis considering that the Philippine National Football team considered as the weakest team in the competition.

As a proud Filipino, i wanna thank Azkals. your hard work paid immeasurable dividends in terms of the awareness and inspiration generated for the sport.

For me, the RP Team will always be the Azkals. For those who never liked the n-name, you are free to call them by any other name, because at the end of the day, by whatever name we call them, you and i will be cheering for them.

We should feel proud RP! Ecstatic. Shout.....Yahoo!    :)