The Azkals absorbed yet another defeat at the hands of the Indonesians to lose a trip to the finals at the Suzuki Cup. Even at the start of the match, it was very evident that the Indonesians wanted the victory more badly than the Azkals. The Indonesians were more active and aggressive during the match while the Filipinos were quite tense. And with a spectacular goal by Gonzales, the Indonesians booked a seat to the finals.
I can't help but feel sorry for the Azkals. But the team and the people behind it just had it coming. The team was more preoccupied with social activities, photo shoots and courtesy calls than game plans and practices. It was as if the team was being sold as celebrities through high profile publicity than sports heroes with remarkable athletic abilities.
But I give credit to the Azkals for making the Filipinos experience the joy of watching a football match. Perhaps now, Filipinos will dare to watch a football match without getting bored and actually enjoying it. If only for this, I commend the Azkals. The desire of Filipinos to be one with the whole world in its fascination with football has been clearly addressed by the almost Cinderella finish of the Azkals.
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