PHILIPPINE AZKALS beat SRI-LANKA 4-0 : the 2014 FIFA world cup Brazil qualifiers

The afternoon downpour in Manila didn't dampen the spirits of team Azkals nor did it lower the energy of 13,000 people who filled Rizal Memorial stadium yesterday. It was round 1, second Leg of the Preliminary Competition Asian Zone  match between Philippines and Sri-Lanka for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil where team Azkals trashed Sri Lanka 4-0.

FIFA was very strict with the time. The game starded at exactly 3:30pm. Teresa and I came all the way from Rizal and were late for a few minutes. While lining up the gates of Rizal Memorial Stadium, people were already screaming inside the arena which intensified my excitement to finally get into the experience. This was my first ever live football experience!!!I am sure same is also the case with many of the Filipinos inside the stadium yesterday.

 
a young football fan proudly wears a face paint or the Philippine flag

I actually shouted in facebook and twitter that I was not feeling well. The damn cough and flu has elevated my body temperature a little higher than normal. But  that didn't stop us from going to Manila to watch the match. I have made a resolve to support  soccer in the Philippines because it saddens me every World Cup when the whole world go crazy over the most famous game on earth and Filipinos are not even aware of it. Sad,sad, sad. So when I heard of the Azkas I said this is it!!!! I want to exert every effort I have to support the Philippine Azkals and Philippine football in general.

One avid soccer follower said, football is a religion to the spiritual.The Philippines-Sri Lanka game yesterday was my official passage to being a soccer fanatic. 

team Philippine Azkals huddle

And it was a passage of water. It rained heavily for more than 30 minutes during the initial stages of the game. At first I was like, OMG, I am not ready for this. I know I will be getting completely sick the next day. After a few seconds of resisiting, me, my wife and other members of YOPHO said, "what the heck, let's do this!!" We let our covers and hats down and cheered like there will be no tomorrow. We were completely immersed into the rain and the team spirit of all the people in the stadium cheering for our national team---Philippine Azkals!!!

Filipinos for the Azkals!!!

The crowd roared when the first goal was made, courtesy of Chieffy Caligdong. I think that was after around 17minutes of the game. The whole time, Philippine Azkals dominated the match. It was pretty obvious from the ball possession since the very beginning. There were a lot of chances for goals at first and they were missed. Phil Younghusband made a few attempts but to no avail. But he finally nailed one before the end of the fist half which made the score 2-0 in favor of the Philippines.

The 2nd half was equally  exciting. I notoced that Sri Lanka tried to step up their game and were neck to neck with the Azkals in terms of ball possession but it only intensified the Philippine teams resolve to deliver more goals. The 3rd goal of the match came from Angel Guirado. Phil Younghusband hit another one during a penalty kick in the dying hours of the match. That sealed the faith of Sri Lanks 4-0 .

The Philippine team will play against Kuwait next. Let's keep our fingers crossed on this one.

I am no football player but I enjoy watching it. I also believe that this is the sport where we Filipinos can excell in. We are decades away in terms of tactics and gameplay if you are to compare our players with the best of the world but I think we can really be good at the sport.

After the game, the members of Azkals took the time to go around the stadium and greet the crowd. The stadium went roaring again with cheers and praises from the happy Filipino football fans including us.

Chieffy Caligdong--no doubt one of the key players in this match

On all sides you look, you see and feel the optimism of the crowd. Many came in costumes and face paints. Many wear Pilipinas and Azkals tee shirts. I noticed that there are many versions of the shirt. So confusing. Since I'm thinking of collecting any Azkals merchandise I can get my hands into, I guess I will be shelling out a lot.hahaha. Started with a 400-peso white shirt and a scarf with PHILIPPINES in it.

I love football na talaga!!!lols

meet the die hard fans!!!!

YOPHO for Philippine football. Go Azkals go!!!!

we believe TEAM AZKALS!!!!

While football could be a bit boring when watched on tv especially during small matches, it's a completely different experience when seen live. I know the distinction now. Sharing the passion for Philippine football with all those fans yesterday was a very good experience. It was my first time to watch it live and I am sure I will be going back for more even if it means braving the rain again. We were here because we believe!!!!It is my wish that more and more Filipinos throw their support on this sport. It's about time!!!!

Thanks Jun Avila of YOPHO for securing 8 tickets for our group. Hope next time mas marami na tayo.:)

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