Azkals

By Princess Pearl Fetalbero

Nobody expected the Philippine national men’s football team to reach the semi-
finals in the Asean football federation Suzuki cup, but somehow the askalz did,and
proved all the doublers that the future of Philippine football is right.

Cebu foot ball association president Richard Montayre lauded the Azkals for their
amazing run that was unforeseen by many, despite the feet that the squad is out of title
contention after being beaten by Indonesia, for Phil Younghusband, the azkal’s
successful campaign in Suzuki cup was an eye opener for Filipinos. He believes the team
has created an immediate impact on Philippine football, because basketball may still be
the country’s favorite pastime, but the Pinoy azkals gave Philippine football a new lease
on life.
The dream begins where the dreams end: though the Indonesians have ended the
Azkal’s almost-magical performance in the AFF Suzuki cup, the dream now begins for
millions of captivated Filipinos who are giving football a second thought.

The name Azkals is taken from the term “asong kalye” which means Filipino dog
with no breed or class, approximately, the team did not receive much support from the
Philippine Football Federation prior to the Suzuki cup. Their performance was
unexpected. Basically, it was a good performance, but they could have done better if they
were supported by yhe public and if they gained support from the Philippine Football
Federation (PFF. In spite of the fact that the Philippines was eliminated in the semifinal
round, Montayre believes that the Azkals could improve with more support from
government and PFF.

The Azkals has brought new hope for the Philippines to bring about the
resurgence of a stronger and more dynamic system in terms of football development.
Most of the players of the football team tour the country to bring much-needed awareness
to the public that the Filipinos can have a very bright future with football, and they can
compete with other countries in international tournaments.