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| Courtesy of Fritz Gerald Dalida Photography |
The Azkals play world-class football.
Does this mean that our players possess the vision and creativity of Lionel Messi?
Or the pace and strength of Didier Drogba?
Or the on-the-ball skills and selflessness of the Spanish World Cup team?
Maybe. Maybe not. But the Azkals play world-class football.
Whenever they play, we forget that a good number of the players hail from foreign shores. Whenever they play, we forget that for the most part, the players communicate largely in English. Whenever they play, we forget that in a country that divides itself all-too-easily along class, social or ideological distinctions, they embody unity in diversity, and the strength that comes only from being, in the end, truly Filipino: a mélange of influences, bound by love and joy.
The Azkals play world-class football. Whenever they play, they bring our world together.
Many thanks to Mikhail de Guzman of Soccer Central Philippines, Andi of The Official Azkals Fan Page on Facebook, Fritz Gerald Dalida and the inimitable Ebong Joson for making the viewing experience truly memorable. Kudos also to Bob Guerrero for educating Filipino fans everywhere on the offside rule.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
