Something is not right with the way media continues to give celebrity status and recognition to the Azkals. FIFA / Coca-Cola World Ranking as of January 2011 reveals that the Azkals are merely at # 152. But media has cleverly made it appear that the team has made great strides in its world ranking by virtue of its decent finish in the Suzuki Cup. In fact, media hype has made it possible for the Azkals to earn a visit to Malacanang with a presidential award to boot.
I just have to hand it to the public relations officers of the Azkals for making a mediocre team seem like a World Cupper. Interestingly, most of the Fil-foreigners in the team were able to secure playing contracts with football clubs abroad after the Suzuki Cup. I can't help but think that the team's stint in the Suzuki Cup was more of a move to preserve the careers of its Fil-foreign players. The less competitive Suzuki Cup gave the Fil-foreigners the opportunity to shine among less skilled players in an international event.
Now, I hear that Smart Communications has pledged 80M pesos for the Azkals. Considering that the Philippine Dragon Boat team, which holds the distinction of being the fastest dragon boat team in the world, does not receive any form of support, the Azkals are lucky indeed. Considering that Dondon Cortuna and Luzviminda Mcklinton, who are international champions in bodybuilding, might miss their chance to defend their crowns due to financial constraints, the Azkals are indeed blessed beyond comprehension. I guess the sad reality is that good looks and media hype truly defeat athletic excellence in the country.
Well-written! It would take years for athletes to master a certain type of sport. It's also wrong to think that Filipinos must get into soccer just because we're short. A soccer player has totally different needs from a basketball player. It also requires a different kind of training. If our passion is in basketball, and we fail to excel in it, then we're taking the same route of failure by overhyping soccer. I've nothing against the Azkals but we need to be patient, take it slow, take time to master the sport. And Overhyping it does not help to that end.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you for writing an article that is not blinded by the Filipino-bias surrounding this soccer team.
ReplyDeletedear anonymous,
ReplyDeletethank you for reading my post.
God bless.