Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com | Author: Unknown (c/o abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Article: Azkals in high spirits, all set vs Sri Lanka on abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals are ready to go for their home game against the Sri Lankan Brave Reds at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Sunday as they tangle for the right to advance to the next round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Nationals are positive that the hometown advantage will give them the needed boost to get past Sri Lanka, which held them to a 1-1 draw last Wednesday.
Filipino-American Nate Burkey, who scored the team's lone goal against Sri Lanka, said some of his supporters from the United States will be in the Philippines to watch the game.
“We’re in high spirits as of the moment. We’re gonna give 100% on tomorrow’s (Sunday) match,” said Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo.
For his part, player Anton del Rosario said, "Going home makes a huge difference."
It would be a historical feat for the Azkals if they get past the Brave Reds as this would mark the first time that the Philippines will advance in a FIFA qualifier.
If they beat Sri Lanka, the Nationals will face higher-ranked Kuwait next.
“Iba ‘yung preparation dito, hindi lang para sa Sri Lanka pati para sa Kuwait,” said team co-captain Chieffy Caligdong.
Asked if they are pressured by their fans' expectations, Azkals coach Hans Weiss said, "There’s no pressure. The pressure is they could not eat out of excitement and happiness."
Azkals fans to come in full force; Sri Lankans unfazed
Thousands of Filipino fans are expected to come in full force to the refurbished Rizal Memorial Stadium on Sunday.
Among them are Richard "Ebong" Joson of the Azkals' fan group "Kaholeros" (Barkers), who assured the Nationals their full support.
"The biggest difference now when they (Sri Lankans) come over here is that the Kaholeros and the rest of the nation will be behind the Azkals," he said in an interview on ANC's "Hardball."
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) even announced that there will be hundreds more tickets available to accommodate more Azkals fans.
The tickets will come from Sri Lanka’s share as the PFF’s supply has already run out.
Sri Lankan football team captain Rohana Ruwanthilake, however, said they don’t mind playing in front of a hostile crowd.
“It doesn’t matter…we want to win the match tomorrow,” he said.
Sri Lanka's South Korean coach, Jang Jung, for his part said his team’s morale is high owing to their success in suppressing the Azkals during their last match.
He refused to reveal if they will make changes in their strategy on Sunday.
“Why would I say [it] here? You come tomorrow then you’ll know,” Jang said, laughing.
“Their morale is so high, I think they are ready,” he said of the Brave Reds.
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/03/2011 1:17 AM | Updated as of 07/03/2011 7:14 AM
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REACTION ENTRY #1
(07/03/11)
The video above is only one of the many things that proves the influence of the rising name of the Philippine Football Team Azkals. All the fans of the Azkal players exert extra effort to impress their idols showing their love and concern to the team. These people support every battle the team will venture upon. And one of it was when the team Azkals played against Sri Lanka’s football team. Filipino people maintained the support for the team. Even personalities such as Angel Locsin, Kris Aquino and President Noynoy Aquino expressed their support to the Philippine Team.
But, how this Azkal team affects Philippine economy? It is simple and quite obvious though. Since team Azklals gained fame and got peoples support, they became product endorsers, models and TV personalities. They even became Ambassadors of Goodwill for our country. Also, they became ultimate sports icon for the Philippines. People, then, buy those goods and allows demand to increase. Example of which is the Bench Polo shirt endorsed by the Younghusbands. Since many people bought and patronized this product endorsed by the members of team Azkals, Ben Chan, the Bench proprietor increased the production of the aforementioned product to supply the demands of the increasing fans of team Azkals. This, now, affects the industries and the Philippine economy as a whole.
Moreover, on the day of team Azkals game, Philippine Stock Exchange is observed performing well. Probably because people, manufacturers and consumers, are affected in some ways on the game and because of the influence of the team Azkals. Since there are good information about the country conveyed by Teams Azkals performances on games like that of last June 3, the economy through the stock exchange and peso rate speaks for a little growth and increase. That put Azkals a factor in Philippine economy. Today, the team is only known in the pan-Asia since they are still starting to make name in the football arena; however, they already affect our economy. How much more if they will advance and qualify for the world cup? I bet, It would be more of great help to our slightly depressed economy.
This team Azkals, like Manny Pacquiao, brought Philippines to the limelight. They make Filipino people known – known to be good in many things... in many sports. They became instruments of solidarity. Team Azkals composed of mixed-blooded players acquired Filipino’s heart especially the women. But don’t get me wrong. Filipino guys as well tried to be one of those idolized Azkal players buying the things they wear and the food they eat to also catch the attention of many beautiful girls out there. Indeed, Team Azkals already affect the way Filipino live their lives. They already made a distinctive mark on Filipinos lifestyle and changed Philippines somehow.
For now, the least thing that we can do is to support our Philippine Team. We can pray for them and wish them luck. Aside from that, however, the primary and the great support must be coming from our national government. Team Azkals needs national recommendation and financial budget that our government can really offer first hand. As the team goes through game preparations for the next games, let us be of supportive enough, cheer for them and complement the government on the things we can do for the success of the team – which can also positively affect our Philippine economy.
(07/03/11)
A Tribute to Philippine Azkals Made By an Avid Fan
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| President Aquino with Azkals |
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| Team Azkals |
| Younghusbands for Bench |
Another thing, whenever there is a game to be played by team Azkals, Filipino gets excited of it. As a result, news on TV, prints and radio are almost all about the much awaited game. Bad news are being covered by the good effects implicated by the game of the Team Azkals. In addition, Philippines big companies such as P&G, Unilever, Universal Robina and Nestle airs the advertisements of their products on the time of the game where they know people will be watching. Thus, they will be catching consumers attention.
| Azkals's Logo |
| Philippine Stock Exchange |
| Winning Moves |
| James Younghusband |
| Team Azkals for the Philippines |
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PHILIPPINE AZKALS AND GOOD LUCK TO YOUR UPCOMING GAMES! AJA! :DD
-PETER JULES CANETE
