A look back at the Azkals-LA Galaxy Dream Cup match

Bend it like Beckham: David Beckham treated Pinoy fans for some world class football.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

I remember hearing rumors about the LA Galaxy possibly playing a friendly match against the Philippine Azkals a couple of months ago. Fast forward to December, David Beckham and co. landed in Manila 2 days prior to the match day. As I was watching, images of the team on TV talking about how excited they were of playing here in the country is truly a good feeling. Of course I wasn't satisfied with just seeing them on the boob tube.

Got my chance on the 2nd day of their visit at the team's football camp for kids and practice session in Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Even though I was taking photos of the event at the stands, it's amazing to Becks in the flesh for the first time. Not only that, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane were definitely an added bonus to the experience but that didn't stop there.

December 3, match day, went there early as I was so excited to watch them play and I got the best seat in the house, so to speak. Though the Azkals lost to the LA Galaxy with an embarrassing 6-1 beating, it was a surreal experience nonetheless. The rare chance at watching Becks and the rest of the LA Galaxy right in front of me was just unbelievable. The presence alone of David Beckham is perhaps a football fanboy's dream. Who'da thunk it it, right?

Even though the ticket prices for that match were kind of hefty, it was almost a packed house indeed.

That just proves that the sport of football is slowly but surely growing in the Philippines.

Could teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea FC and Barcelona be next in line for the Azkals to face in a friendly match?

That could very well happen in the future.

We can all just keep our fingers crossed on that one.