PH Azkals Devoured Sri Lanka Brave Reds

“The Philippines was the better team today.” This is what Coach Jang Jung of the Sri Lanka Brave Reds said after their team got a beating from the Philippine Azkals. 

 

Amidst the heavy downpour which started at the early first half of the game,  a crowd of Filipino fans, 12,000 people strong, cheered on for their new-found heroes in the field of sports. It was indeed a sweet victory not just for the Azkals but also for the entire country.

The first goal was scored in the 19^th minute if the first half after Chieffy Caligdong fashionably eluded two defenders in the box before striking that 1^st goal. That goal started the onslaught which was followed by four more goals.

 

The second score that the Fil-British striker Phil Younghusband got after finding himself suddenly unmarked in the box and hit the goal, was signaled a foul at first by the referee. Good thing the lead referee consulted the linesman and later on let the goal to stand. Lucky Phil might have gotten that luck from the presence of Angel Locsin who was in the dug out later after the game. (some guys just get it all, right?)

Angel amongst the crowd

The Philippine Azkals must make the best out of this win against Sri Lanka. They must not let this get into their heads and know that there are tougher games ahead specially that now they will be preparing for the second-round two-leg tie against Kuwait. The first leg will be played in Kuwait on July 23 and the second in Manila on July 28. Kuwait is no Sri Lanka team. They can’t be considered a push-over. Overconfidence must not get into the Azkals because it could bring them down.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss though knows what his team will be up to and what they have to prepare for.

"So we have to change our tactics, but nevertheless, if we stand compact we will have a chance. The first match will be played under incredible hot weather and we have to play smart and not waste our energy against an opponent who moves the ball very fast and technically superior.

"We have to analyze them carefully. I have all their tapes and I am looking forward to the challenge."

   

I Woke Up When Pacquiao Put Hatton to Sleep

The unexamined life is not worth living. - Socrates

For the past few weeks a lot of significant events occurred. These have somewhat changed the world and it's history. History which others might find interesting and life-changing and yet the same events others might find it hard to accept.

As you've noticed, silence described this little web space I have for the past weeks. It would a appear that the world has left me behind among the changes. It seemed like I was hibernating and just got up from my deep slumber. I guess I was.

Though I was snoring while drowned into the proverbial sleep, I was not oblivious of what reality was busy with. Asleep but aware.

The interesting and the not-so events didn't escape me. They were all real to me as it were to everyone. From the sad passing away of The Master Rapper Francis Magallona, the revelation of Bebe Gandanghari, and the deadly and catastrophic swine virus to the devastating demolition of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton by the pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, life never let me miss them.



Now that I'm awake, done some stretching, I'm now rejuvenated to examine every moments of my life. To see the picture not just with what meets the eye but also with the underlying meanings.

Oh yes, I'm glad to be back... (would it be Mayweather Jr. or Mosley?)

Pacquiao And Hatton Showdown Hazy

It’s all about the money. Or is it?

No, I’m not saying both parties are just concern about who get the better cut of the deal. It might appear to be so but I give them the benefit. Local, and even international, papers have got their eyes on this Dream Match(?). (Some boxing fans, and experts, are still doubtful whether Manny Paquiao’s win over the legendary Oscar “Golden Boy” dela Hoya was convincing or just “staged” to increase Manny’s “market value”.)

However, reports (courtesy of Philstar.com) disclosed that “Hatton’s group has been insisting on a 50-50 split on all revenues generated by the proposed fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2 while Pacquiao’s camp wants 60-40 in his favor.” Now apparently, it didn’t get a nod from the world number one pound-for-pound boxer’s camp.

I am no expert in this sport but however you look at it, if you’re on Manny’s side, you might find the proposed split to be ridiculous. I mean, common, it’s the Pacman he plans to face (and even claimed to stop the Pacman’s reign in this sport).

Because of this development Pacquiao’s camp was so adamant that it threatened to abandon the Hatton bout in favor of a fight either against Venezuelan knockout artist Edwin Valero or the retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. Well, whoever Manny fights will surely be in for a tough fight. It has been prove that our “Pambansang Kamao” just won’t fold that easy. Well, as long as it’s not Jinky, the wife, he’ll be facing with. (not to mention Ara Mina or Christine Reyes, just kidding).

Now, who’s up for the challenge?