In defense of the Philippine Azkals

One stern warning was sounded out a couple of days before the Philippine Azkals played in Kuwait early Sunday.
The Azkals were told to beware as they would be in for a hell of a fight.
Beneng Santos, a retired overseas worker who also served as member of the national cycling pool, gave the warning not only because of the noted might of the Kuwaiti team, reigning Gulf football champion.
Santos, who spent a dozen of his younger years toiling in the Middle East, explained it would be next to impossible to beat Kuwait because, just like in most Gulf states, football is treated like religion there.
The game is second nature, practically a way of life out there, the way basketball is embraced fanatically here.
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True enough, Kuwait blanked the Philippines, 3-0.
But Santos did not feel too bad.
Reason: The Azkals were not crushed and humbled, contrary to initial fears.
Of course, there were also fans who readily wondered whatever happened to the Azkals.
For the record, the game was a lot closer than the final score indicated.
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There were indeed some loose ends, lowly moments in the Azkals’ game
Broadcaster Bob Guerrero said our national booters appeared tired in the homestretch.
Azkals’ coach Michael Weiss swore they could’ve done better, ruing the absence of four tested men, two of them serving forced suspension.
But, all told, the Azkals have nothing to apologize for.
The Azkals failed to prevail not because they were inferior or unworthy.
The Kuwaitis prevailed because they’re truly seasoned and vastly superior.
There are things that can’t be rushed.
Although it has had the chance to play some masterful games, the Azkals team is still a great work in progress.
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Meanwhile, I would like to thank Azkals manager Dan Palami who humbly accepted my apologies over an inadvertent slur that had appeared in my column.
Please share Palami’s reply:

I meant to write you earlier to  seek clarification re your position on Danny Simon’s piece, but you beat me to the punch. Thank you for writing An Apology to the Noble Azkals. On behalf of the team, I humbly accept.
As a supporter of Philippine football, I know you’re well aware of our long struggle to get to where we are now. You know as well, that there are even greater challenges ahead. We are mindful of our shortcomings, but we continue to try and work steadily towards our dreams for football in the Philippines.
For the record, I appreciate the efforts of the PFF organizing committee. It wasn’t perfect, but given the time and conditions they had to work with, I believe they acquitted themselves.  You are right to say I would not “condone misdeeds,” but no one has approached me to complain about overzealous marshals during the match, and it is not within my purview to investigate the matter. I hope you get the clarification you are seeking from PFF.

As we struggle with growing pains in this resurgence of football in the country, I’m certain mistakes will still be made. Future matches will not be perfect, and there will always be areas for improvement.  Still, I hope that never again will the unfortunate experience of one tabloid writer result in the thrashing of the whole event and by extension, the Azkals themselves.
To have controversies threatening what we painstakingly built is a huge blow to morale. With your column as a powerful platform, I hope we can work together to maximize football’s potential to unite sports fans and forge a stronger sense of community and pride in the Filipino.
Thanks for your attention, and thank you for your support.
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(INVITE: Filipino viewers can fully appreciate Philippines-Kuwait football match on Thursday “as though they are in the stands” by upgrading to HD (high definition), SkyCable announced yesterday. Balls HD will air the game exclusively on SkyCable HD Channel 167. The experience will be worlds away from ordinary (SD) standard definition, the announcement added. Owners of HD-enabled TV sets with SkyCable subscription are being invited to take advantage by upgrading and watching the game in HD)