In to compete

In the lead-up to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the Philippine Azkals made known their intention of being not just a participant in their first-ever appearance in the continental football spectacle but a team looking to make waves and go through.
Fast-forward to two weeks since setting foot on the United Arab Emirates for the Asian Cup, I would have to say the team has delivered on such a promise.
Their 0-0-2 record may not show it but the Azkals have been competing in Group C of the tournament, the so-called Group of Death.
They have been taking the field with a though-out game plan on the baton of coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, enabling them to give their opponents more than what they probably were expecting.
The Philippine men’s national team made 2015 runner-up Korea Republic have second thoughts in pushing it to the limit for a narrow 1-0 victory.
In its second game against China People’s Republic, it also went all-out in the opening half.
The Chinese eventually exerted its dominance as the match progressed on their way to a 3-0 victory but amid all of it the Azkals never stopped competing and averted what possibly could have been a wider margin of deficit.
The team now faces a Kyrgyzstan in key match today in Dubai where a win could merit for it still a spot in the next round of the tournament as one of the four best third-placed teams among the six groupings.
Regardless of where the Azkals end up, I believe their maiden Asian Cup appearance is already a success.
With their spirited effort and showing in the tournament, they have shown that a country like the Philippines, still finding its place under the football sun in the international scene, belongs not only in tournaments in Southeast Asia but at least Asia-wide.
Of course a lot of work still needs to be done to achieve the stature of staple Asian Cup countries but it is something I believe can be done with constant exposure in tournaments like the one hand and continuity of programs for the national team and talent cultivation.
Having followed the Azkals in this edition of the Asian Cup, I have to give props to the players for putting the team in steady position to win each time.
Goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard has been solid, despite the four goals scored against the Philippines to date, playing in place of premier keeper Neil Etheridge.
Midfielder Stephan Schrock has been great wearing the captain’s band in the tournament, providing the energy and leadership on and off the field.
Noteworthy as well are Javier Patino and Patrick Reichelt and on defense Alvaro Silva, Daisuke Sato and Luke Woodland.
I tip my hat as well to veterans Phil Younghusband and Manny Ott, who despite not getting the same number of minutes they used to have are still focused and ready when called upon.
Whether we get into the knockout stage of the Asian Cup or not, I think the Azkals message has been sent. We are in to compete, and compete we are doing.
All the best, team, for the remainder of the campaign, and here is wishing for greater heights moving forward.
 
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com