Philippine Azkals: A Heartbreaking yet Inspiring Loss
Angel Guirado Aldeguer hugs a crying Misagh Bahadoran after their loss to Kuwait on 28 July 2011. (interaksyon.com) It's finally over. Their dream to reach the 2014 World Cup has finally come to a heartbreaking but inspiring end. After a 5-1 aggregate in favour of Kuwait, all hopes broke down as the Philippine National Football Team or the Philippine Azkals bowed down to Middle East superpower the Kuwait Al-Azraq for the home leg of 2nd round of the World Cup 2014 qualifiers . Although a glimmer of hope was lit as German 2nd Division Bundesliga midfielder Stephan Shroeck striked a 25-yard goal at the last minute of the 1st half, it was backfired by goals by Yousef Naser and Waleed Jumah on the 2nd half. Indeed, it was not yet their time. How heartbreaking their loss be, the cheering Filipino audience at the Rizal Memorial Stadium never stopped chanting "Azkals! Azkals!" in support of their national team, together with a standing ovation. It was neverth...