Getting schmaltzy about The Azkals

The Philippine National Football Team, or The Azkals, are out of World Cup contention after losing to Kuwait on home soil.  They scored a goal against Kuwait’s 2.  The unanimous cry, though, at least from what I see online, is that the nation “still believes in them; they’ve shown 100% Pinoy heart”.

It’s not schmaltz at all.  Who would’ve thought they’d come this far?  Pinoys only started embracing the beautiful game last year when it’s been a global obsession for many, many World Cups now.  Pinoys are now hooked on football.  And we ought to be good at it.

We’re built for it. Agility does not come with a basketeer’s heft.  Anyone can play it – rich or poor.  Most African superstars and even Beckham picked up the sport while growing up in the poor side of town.  It requires grace.  We naturally get into the groove.  It’s group sport -- 11 exciting players make for a Pinoy brand of fiesta.  Do you get festive or have as much fun when Pacquiao gets bloodied up in Vegas?

The Azkals are a young team.  They barely had as much support, unlike a UAAP team which could not possibly compete against the Kobe Bryants.  There didn't have many football fields for practice. Yet, in spite of all the adversities, they’ve done us proud.  They kept us enthralled and awake even in the midnight hour.  They gave us reason to party.

Been trying to remember what film that had a main sporting character compete against all odds.  Rocky (1976) would have been an easy choice.  My friend James had an unlikely and hilarious suggestion: Ice Castles (1978).  An ice skater competes even after being almost totally blinded by an accident.  Now, that’s schmaltz.  

(Doesn't the music bring you back to boring wedding receptions at Aberdeen Court in Quezon Avenue?)