Philippine Football Team, a major development

For the first time in recent history, Filipinos are actually following their football team, a major development in a country where the three B’s – basketball, billiards, and boxing – are the only sports that garner any significant TV time. Over the long term, the Azkals’ fairytale run could spark a long-overdue renaissance in football, a sport that many believe is actually a better fit for Filipinos but that has been woefully neglected and underdeveloped.

The Philippines will now prepare for a semifinal series against powerhouse Indonesia, which is sure to be the team’s toughest assignment yet. The semifinal is a home-and-away format where each team will host one match in their home country. However, the Asean Football Federation recently announced that the Philippines had no suitable venue to host a Suzuki Cup match, and as such, the Azkals’ “home” match will have to be played in a neutral country of the Philippines’ choosing.

While this development was born out of the fact that nobody expected the Philippines to advance to the semifinals, it is also a sad reflection on the state of football in the country. It will also deny Filipinos a chance to watch the team live and provide much-needed home field advantage.