The Home Game We’ve Been Waiting For: Philippines vs. Indonesia
Christy and I returned from our Saigon-Siem Reap trip shortly before the Azkals became household names, thanks to their 2-0 win over the Vietnamese team in the Suzuki Cup 2010 group stages.
After the football high we were left with from that year’s World Cup, we were definitely curious to know more about our own national team.
Yes, this was the only time we really started paying attention. And wished we had made our trip to Vietnam a few weeks later so we could witness history unfold live.
I recall being at home in the middle of a dinner party during the semi-final match against Indonesia and excusing myself so I could watch the game in my room. (If I recall correctly, it was because Christy texted me to tune in.) It was the first Azkals game I ever got to watch, and I was instantly hooked.
While our team conceded 0-1, it was clear that bigger things were in store for them upon their return home.
But personally, I never thought I would, a year-and-a-half later, be sitting at the pre-match press conference, with some of the guys who were part of that 2010 game: the Azkals’ Chieffy Caligdong and Rob Gier, and Merah Puti’s Ifram Bachdim.
This happened yesterday, June 4th, at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center.
Finally, the two nations will meet once again. Both teams with big changes in their lineups, and with the serious goal to play for the win.
Our guys will be sporting kits by their new sponsor, Puma. Contract-signing took place right after the press conference.
Anyone tuned in to the previous friendly versus Malaysia already caught a preview of Puma’s support. Those were temporary kits as the official ones, Puma reassures us, will be designed specifically for the Philippine team, and will be ready in late August. There was also a brief mention that they will be holding a contest so that fans have a chance to create a new look for the Azkals.
Once we get details on that contest, we will let you know.
So folks! Kickoff is this evening, 7:00pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Will you be there? Hope to see you.
For more photos from yesterday’s pre-match press conference, head over to our Facebook Page.
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