Philippine Azkals: The Men Who Started it All (Part 4)
This is Part 4 of a series of posts about the men behind the rise of the Azkals. You are encouraged to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series.
Next on Hans Michael Weiss’s assignments was the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. The qualifiers were done for the first time since 2002, wherein the nation was one of a very few that did not enter to qualify for the 2006 and 2010 editions. And during those attempts to qualify for the event in the past, the national team only got stuck in the first round, losing with big margins to Asian neighbours.
But with an even deeper lineup made by the man, Dan Palami, the coach was sure for his team to, at least, break the record to get to the second round.
Many of the Filipinos have wanted to see their team making it to the main 2014 World Cup tournament in Brazil. But he was pragmatic to say that it’s too early to say the Azkals would be there. He knows the team has potential, but it would take a very long time to see the results.
In the away leg in Sri Lanka, where the boys played at a very rocky pitch, they played for their lives surviving a dry, unwelcoming climate – both with the weather and of its citizens who support their national team. The Ceylon team scored against them, until new recruit Nate Burkey scored the equalizer.
That goal became a glimmer of hope when they went back to Manila.
The home leg was held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium for the first time since it was last used in the early 1990’s. The miracle in Hanoi gave Rizal a decent makeover, with a refurbished pitch that was good enough for a Premiership match. With a sold-out crowd, it was the Panaad experience all over again for the German.
It rained during that afternoon, which came out as a lucky charm for the Azkals. At those few minutes into the match, Chieffy Caligdong scored the first goal. Phil Younghusband gave the second. Ángel Guirado scored the third and Phil made the final goal through a penalty kick. With five goals to one on aggregate against the Sri Lanka team, it led the Philippine team to the second round for the first time.
It was indeed a victory for the team and the nation. But Weiss remained pragmatic, as he knew they will face a very tough team, the Kuwait national team, the Al-azraq (the “Blues”).
He knew he would face a team that has qualified for the World Cup main draw in the 1980s, a team that is a two-time Asian Cup titlist, and a team from a Middle-East football powerhouse with a football system way better than its neighbours in South East Asia.
Again, at the away leg in Hawaili, Kuwait, in a drier, more unwelcoming climate, with a forty-degree centrigrade temperature and a band of hostile fans, it became a tougher game for the boys, with skipper Aly Borromeo and midfielder Stephan Schröck suspended for defensive over-enthusiasm and ill-tempered behavior, respectively. The cauldron-like weather was unlikely for many of the boys who mostly are accustomed to temperate climates in Europe and America. Hooligans dared to pass through security to bring laser pointers to distract players, specifically goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. The complexion was not very calm and exciting without Aly and Schröcki; it was turbulent and chaotic.
But Weiss was calm and confident his team will not be massacred with a massive scoreline. The score: three goals to nil in favor of the Al-azraq. Blue Haired Fan and company did not walk out in frustration.
Then came that home leg back in Rizal Memorial. Aly and Stephan were back, but it was too late. They had to make crucial measures.
Things were still chaotic as the team could took their every ounce of energy to battle out the very strong Kuwaiti defense. At that dying minutes of the first half, all hope was lost until Schröcki gave it a shot from Chieffy's assist.
The Azkals bade goodbye to their hopes of a World Cup, but never baded goodbye to a bright future ahead. And Coach Weiss entrusted it to his young wards.
Now, why have I brought up these men? Their money? Their effort? Their dedication? One thing. A faith. A faith that someday the Filipinos can be proud of how they look at their fellow countrymen. In this very competitive world, national pride comes with a price, a very hefty price. But these men gave everything for this. No way it shall hold them back. They are the main men behind these achievements, and everyone should be happy and proud of it.
Dan Palami. Simon McMenemy. Hans Michael Weiss. The men who gave what they had to bring up an awareness to the Filipino people that its fellow countrymen can do it. They gave their knowledge to these men so that unity, pride and honour will prevail. Until then, they will forever be remembered as the men who started it all for Philippine football.
KENNETH
