This is the official reply by the Asean Football Federation to the Philippine Football Federation's request (sent by Secretary General Chito Manuel with the approval of PFF Interim President Mariano V. Araneta) to have the home games played in Vietnam. I have cut out the email addresses etc. That not for the public's viewing anyway.
To the Azkals,
ReplyDeleteTake strength from the fact that where ever you go to fight for flag and country, we who have no choice but to be left behind send our most sincere love, support and prayers.
As the sailors of La Naval de Manila departed from Manila Bay in 1646 to fight the mighty Dutch Navy, they too left behind their loved ones only carrying with them their hopes and prayers. Off to war they went aboard 2 Galleons built for the purpose of commerce to meet 18 Dutch battleships from Batavia (now Jakarta) and Java, the best that military technology had to offer.
Yet in the face of the mighty enemy, they did not fear. They carried on believing in themselves, and believing that by the mighty grace of God, through the intercession of Mary Queen of Victory, they will be victorious. Indeed they were victorious.
Now you, sons of La Naval de Manila are also about to depart, also about to face a mightier enemy from Batavia and Java, and also faced with overwhelming odds.
Take courage! We shall be with you with every pass, every tackle, and every kick. We shall feel each bump, each bruise, each elbow and every foul. We will cheer for every save, every fake, every strike, and with ever goal. We will be there with you until the end, whether pain and agony, or thrill and glory.
And if God willing you should prevail in the end, pause for a while and listen. Perhaps, in the silence of the crowd, you just might hear our roar all the way from the Philippine Islands.
go go go!azkals go!you can do it!
ReplyDeleteIf we do make it to the Finals, I have a suggestion to make. Why not hold our away game in England, maybe at the grounds of the Fulham football club? It will be a win win situation for all parties. Even the AFF would consider the possiblity of their regional crown being contested in the country where football all began and promote the event globally and would garner the support of the event's sponsors. Fulham would be intriqued by the possibility of promoting the Fulham brand to a market of potentially 300 million people and might jump at this. There is a big Filipino population in England who will support our team and the Fulham fans will be out in force with their chants to support out team bec. of Neil Etheridge.
ReplyDeleteTo continue with my suggestion of having the Final in England, I would like to add that most of our starting players are from Europe and would be highly motivated to play their best if it is played there. Neil can showcase his ability to start to the Fulham fans and management. Our other players can potentially garner offers from other clubs in England etc. if they play really well esp. with Phil Younghusband who is really good enough to play in the higher divisions in Europe. Also other potential candidates for the national team will be motivated to play for us after such an event. Our national team might even get offers to play friendlies with other European teams considering how many of our players are from there. Plus the financial aspect if everything is marketed right is potentially enormous and lucrative and can cover the higher expenses incurred for both teams having to travel to England.
ReplyDeletehttp://hoopbytes.blogspot.com/2010/12/martinez-sold-out-azkals-chances-for.html
ReplyDeletecjeagle,that will happen when martinez is out on our RP team.he should resign because he sold our home advantage for $400k
ReplyDeleteWhile a game in the UK would be great, I just don't think having it there would fill up a stadium. Yes, it would be great to showcase the Younghusbands, Etheridge, and Coach McMenemy, but the reality is that the stadium won't be filled.
ReplyDeleteNo amount of marketing in a matter of weeks can bring people to the seats to watch the Philippines vs. Malaysia or Vietnam. Not gonna happen.
Gotta keep the finals in the region.
After mulling it over, you are probably right xyz. There is not enough time to market the team. Something like this would have to be planned far in advance of the event.
ReplyDeleteHopefully we can host the event if we reach the finals for the good of the sport in our country.