Where the Azkals PWN3D the Brave Reds in Manila happen

The team celebrates after Chieffy Caligdong scored the first goal for the Azkals.
(Image via talakayanatkalusugan.com)

Football has been making some noise in the Philippines. Yes, the beautiful game definitely touched the hearts of every Filipino and now everybody wants to get into it. Basketball will always be numero uno in the country but football or soccer to some, the popularity of the sport is just contagious. With the Philippine Azkals getting that much needed away goal in Sri Lanka last June 29, a win in Manila would book them a ticket to the second round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.

Tickets were sold out with just days prior to the game against Sri lanka on July 3rd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium showed just how much the sport has taken over the country. It's such a phenomenon that even basketball-heads became football/soccer converts. Some say that the Azkals are overly hyped but on a positive note, it's actually a good thing. Why? Football is pretty much the ideal sport for Filipinos. Height isn't exactly a requirement as long as you got the skills for it and football boots are lot cheaper than basketball sneakers.

The Kaholeros showing their Filipino pride.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Match day, the Rizal Stadium was instantly packed with people. Fans donned their Azkals jerseys while others simply wore blue shirts to support the team. Azkals merch were everywhere as well -- it was Azkals fever after all. Even scalpers tried their best to sell their tickets just to make some money off of fans that would do anything to watch the game. And yes, the Kaholeros were no exception. They're kinda like the team's 'secret weapon' and they showed it that weekend.

Rain came pouring in at the start of the game. The Kaholeros didn't mind the heavy downpour and still did their thing. At the 19th minute the crowd erupted when Chieffy Caligdong scored the first goal for the Philippines. It was big one indeed but the Azkals weren't done yet. Before the first half ended, it was goal number 2 courtesy of Phil Younghusband right in the middle of the crowd doing the wave at the Rizal Stadium. That particular goal almost didn't count but it was legit nonetheless. It was 2-nil at halftime.

And the crowd goes wild!
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Second half began and the Azkals wasted no time on their attack. The Sri Lanka Brave Reds were still a force to be reckoned with the Azkals were simply all over the place. Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado scored the 3rd goal for the Philippines. It just made things harder for the Brave Reds in the process. Again, the boys in blue weren't done yet.

The Sri Lankans did everything they could to stop the Azkals' offense but wasn't enough. The Filipino's favorite player Phil Younghusband was virtually on fire. After scoring a goal for the team in the first half, he made it 4-nil off a penalty kick. That left the Brave Reds demoralized and sealed their fate.

'Nuff said.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Striker Ian Araneta checked in with barely 20 left in the game and replaced Phil Younghusband. Upon entering the pitch, he was eager to score and make it 5-0 for the Philippines but it was not to be. The Sri Lankan defense made sure the Azkals didn't score 5 goals. Araneta was somewhat frustrated with his scoring attempts. Yet he gave his all and the fans appreciated his efforts.

Azkals Coach Michael Weiss talks to the media after the game.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The referee officially ended the match as the Philippines beat Sri Lanka 4-nil at full time. The whole team celebrated around the stadium gave the fans in attendance some love. A huge victory indeed for the Philippine Azkals. The win earned them the right to face Kuwait round 2 of the World Cup Qualifiers.

The fans definitely went home happy and became part of history.

As they, it's all in the books now.

7.3.2011.