Busting myths in the Azkals bandwagon
Editor’s note: Paolylo is a lifelong football fan and a frustrated player. In this guest post, he busts the common myths and misconceptions surrounding the Philippine national football program as the Azkals bandwagon has grown larger with the team’s recent success.
While channel surfing one December night and seeing the score “PHI 1 VIE 0” after 60 minutes on Star Sports, I honestly thought that was a broadcasting error. Having seen the replay days prior of the Azkals’ 1-1 draw against Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup – itself a monumental upset – I thought there was no way our team would pull off another result against Vietnam, a team that would normally dominate us.
Few fans knew that to even qualify for the tournament, the Azkals had to grind out draws against Laos and Cambodia. The team only advanced on a better goal differential than Cambodia after beating up on the woeful Timor-Leste squad. If they hadn’t done that, the Azkals would still be mired in obscurity despite the catchy moniker, which they’ve had for several years now.
At the 78th minute mark of the Vietnam match, Phil Younghusband struck a goal that launched the latest Philippine media sensation.
Ah, yes, the sensationalism of Philippine media. I couldn’t care less about our President’s love life (or his sister’s lack thereof), and I’m a bit appalled at how our media, after four nationwide broadcasts of the Azkals matches, have made a farce out of the beautiful game.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that Philippine football is finally getting the attention it deserves, but there are just some things that come out on television and print that make me believe that our writers and journalists are bandwagoners more than anything else. Sure, I don’t expect Korina Sanchez or Mel Tiangco to know much about world sports, but I do expect the people who cover the Azkals to get things right. It’s funny that some sports writers even had the audacity to compare football to basketball, as if they’ve suddenly become football experts in a matter of months.
From a fan’s perspective, I’d like to bust several myths involving Philippine sports’ newest media darlings.
1. “Football is perfect for us Filipinos because we’re vertically-challenged.”
This statement is quite ironic, because anyone who watched the AFF Suzuki Cup closely would know that the height and the size of our players played a huge part in the Azkals’ success in that tournament. Neil Etheridge is an athletic, world-class goalie at 6’3”, team captain Aly Borromeo is listed at 6’2”, and most of the foreign-born members of the team stand from 5’9” to 5’11”. Height is still might in this sport.
Sure, there are exceptions. The best player in the world right now, Lionel Messi, stands 5’7”. In the past, Messi’s countryman, the 5’5” Diego Maradona, dominated world football.
But just because short players have shown that they can be dominant doesn’t mean that a team with shorter players won’t be at a disadvantage. The “infamous double-decker bus” defense of the Azkals, which drew the ire of Vietnam’s Portuguese coach Henrique Calisto, would look like a coaster if we didn’t have taller players.
2. “We will see our team in the World Cup.”
There are 46 footballing nations in Asia, and only 4-5 of the best and most consistent teams in the qualifying round will make it to the main tournament of the World Cup. Forget our #152 world ranking, we’re at the bottom half in Asia.
We haven’t even participated in qualifying for the past 2 World Cups because of different excuses – mainly the huge financial burden. We’re seeing that now, with the Azkals having some financial difficulty in even getting the whole squad and staff for the 2nd leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier against Mongolia. With recent revelations of corruption in the Philippine Football Federation, the difficulty comes as no surprise.
But even if there is enough money to send the Azkals to every match played outside the country – with all the support they’re getting, it really shouldn’t be a problem now – beating the likes of Japan, Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia has proven to be impossible, as the best Southeast Asian teams have found out in recent competitions. If we can’t beat Indonesia in a two-leg series, what are our chances against Syria, a so-so Asian team that crushed the Indons 11-1 over two legs?
3. “We can develop athletes into strong football players immediately.”
I’m a frustrated football player. I watched my father play for the Philippine Air Force when I was a kid but the first time I ever played was during college PE. Whenever we’d talk about his playing days, he’d often say that “soccer” (pardon the term, hardcore futbolistas) is something that can’t be developed at a late age. If you have a 12-year old son who wants to be an Azkal but has never kicked a football in his young life, he can probably play recreationally and might even make it to a varsity team.
But sad to say, he’ll never be as good as the Younghusbands, Etheridge, or even Chieffy Caligdong. There are certain skills that players must acquire at a very young age to be able to have a game that comes naturally when playing. The Fil-Fors got it from football academies, Caligdong got it from just living in the football-crazy town of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, kids of rich parents will get it in summer football camps, but everyone else who has never kicked a football before 10 years old won’t have it.
I’m talking about a good “first touch” of the ball, the ability to juggle the ball without bouncing on the ground, using every part of the body (except the arms) to control and protect the ball, passing the ball accurately... just to name a few. It’s easier to teach people – even older kids – how to properly do a layup or a jump shot in basketball, but there are more things in football that are acquired rather than coached so it’s not as if we can expect an entire generation of footballers without considering how young kids have to be if they want to be world class.
At least the Department of Education is willing to lend a hand. In the meantime, I’ll personally skip the pitch and settle for the latest FIFA or PES videogame.
4. “The Azkals are a model of cohesiveness and quality.”
Not to take anything away from the Azkals’ achievements, but I wouldn’t go as far as giving a middle finger salute to basketball while handing an effing medal to the Azkals. If I were a neutral observer instead of a patriotic Filipino sports fan, I’d liken the Azkals performance in the past few months to your typical ragtag Asean Basketball League team. That is, you’ve got players with decent skills playing alongside players who aren’t accustomed to competition.
A Star Sports analyst even said of one of the Azkals: “He works so hard, but he’s just not that good enough.”
We can attribute this to reality for our homegrown footballers: a lack of a professional league, players having regular jobs like you and I, and football being a religion in every country except ours.
On the flip side, we have more players attached (or previously attached) to European clubs than all our Southeast Asian neighbors put together. Combine those different footballing pedigrees and you end up with our Azkals.
I’m not particularly amazed at how Fil-Euros, Fil-Ams, and Bisdaks get along since diversity within European clubs is normal. But when they walk on to the pitch, it’s disappointing for local football fans used to seeing the kind of action in the UEFA Champions League.
In fact, the team’s run in the Suzuki Cup could be turned into a Hallmark film because of how far the Azkals went in the competition despite being dominated most of the time. In football, the better team is always the one with more ball possessions, more threatening shots to the goal, and fewer errors.
Giant-killings and upsets are more frequent in football because the better team doesn’t always end up winning the match. Fortunately, our team did everything they possibly could to get the results no matter how fugly it looked on TV. Whatever the Azkals lacked in actual cohesiveness and quality, they made up for with effort and a lot of luck (and a lot of players behind the ball to defend).
Meanwhile, the 2-0 first leg win against Mongolia was mediocre at best. Our new coach knows it, the players know it, and those who watched and figured that Mongolia can’t even get the ball know it.
5. “It is basketball’s fault that football never progressed.”
That’s like saying it is Christine Reyes’ fault that Kim Chiu isn’t as hot. Did basketball have anything to do with it? While we do have some footballing history that dates back to Paulino Alcántara playing for Joan Gamper’s legendary FC Barcelona squad, we don’t have a footballing culture deep enough to appreciate it in every level of Philippine society.
Unless you’re a 130-year-old Mestizo, Filipinos were already born into a culture that is crazy about basketball. Rafe Bartholomew wouldn’t write “Pacific Posts: Street Dogs Steppin’ in Cleats and the Philippines’ Unlikely Love Affair with Soccer” in his dreams because football doesn’t connect with Filipinos the way basketball does.
Basketball has had the tambays in the tricycle stands, the beerhouse-goers, and college students with nothing better to do. Before the Azkals, football only had a following of sports geeks, people who have played football, and people looking for an excuse to get drunk in the city for an entire month every 4 years to ride the bandwagon. Today, you can add school girls crushing on the Azkals’ Fil-Fors and the I’m-Sick-Of-Us-Losing-In-Asian-Basketball Sports Writers Cooperative of the Philippines to the mix.
But it’s not basketball’s fault that the only kind of people in the country crazy about football were the ones educated in schools with a football field. Each fan or bandwagoner may have their own explanation as to why football wasn’t popular or isn’t as popular as it should be.
But instead of placing the blame on anything, let’s just continue to support Philippine sports as a whole. Success in any international competition unites us as a nation and makes us proud to be who we are. While I don’t believe we’ve achieved anything in football worth comparing to basketball yet, I’m proud that we’ve progressed from minnows and whipping boys to contenders among developing football nations in Asia.
While channel surfing one December night and seeing the score “PHI 1 VIE 0” after 60 minutes on Star Sports, I honestly thought that was a broadcasting error. Having seen the replay days prior of the Azkals’ 1-1 draw against Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup – itself a monumental upset – I thought there was no way our team would pull off another result against Vietnam, a team that would normally dominate us.
Few fans knew that to even qualify for the tournament, the Azkals had to grind out draws against Laos and Cambodia. The team only advanced on a better goal differential than Cambodia after beating up on the woeful Timor-Leste squad. If they hadn’t done that, the Azkals would still be mired in obscurity despite the catchy moniker, which they’ve had for several years now.
At the 78th minute mark of the Vietnam match, Phil Younghusband struck a goal that launched the latest Philippine media sensation.
Ah, yes, the sensationalism of Philippine media. I couldn’t care less about our President’s love life (or his sister’s lack thereof), and I’m a bit appalled at how our media, after four nationwide broadcasts of the Azkals matches, have made a farce out of the beautiful game.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that Philippine football is finally getting the attention it deserves, but there are just some things that come out on television and print that make me believe that our writers and journalists are bandwagoners more than anything else. Sure, I don’t expect Korina Sanchez or Mel Tiangco to know much about world sports, but I do expect the people who cover the Azkals to get things right. It’s funny that some sports writers even had the audacity to compare football to basketball, as if they’ve suddenly become football experts in a matter of months.
From a fan’s perspective, I’d like to bust several myths involving Philippine sports’ newest media darlings.
1. “Football is perfect for us Filipinos because we’re vertically-challenged.”
This statement is quite ironic, because anyone who watched the AFF Suzuki Cup closely would know that the height and the size of our players played a huge part in the Azkals’ success in that tournament. Neil Etheridge is an athletic, world-class goalie at 6’3”, team captain Aly Borromeo is listed at 6’2”, and most of the foreign-born members of the team stand from 5’9” to 5’11”. Height is still might in this sport.
Sure, there are exceptions. The best player in the world right now, Lionel Messi, stands 5’7”. In the past, Messi’s countryman, the 5’5” Diego Maradona, dominated world football.
But just because short players have shown that they can be dominant doesn’t mean that a team with shorter players won’t be at a disadvantage. The “infamous double-decker bus” defense of the Azkals, which drew the ire of Vietnam’s Portuguese coach Henrique Calisto, would look like a coaster if we didn’t have taller players.
2. “We will see our team in the World Cup.”
There are 46 footballing nations in Asia, and only 4-5 of the best and most consistent teams in the qualifying round will make it to the main tournament of the World Cup. Forget our #152 world ranking, we’re at the bottom half in Asia.
We haven’t even participated in qualifying for the past 2 World Cups because of different excuses – mainly the huge financial burden. We’re seeing that now, with the Azkals having some financial difficulty in even getting the whole squad and staff for the 2nd leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifier against Mongolia. With recent revelations of corruption in the Philippine Football Federation, the difficulty comes as no surprise.
But even if there is enough money to send the Azkals to every match played outside the country – with all the support they’re getting, it really shouldn’t be a problem now – beating the likes of Japan, Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia has proven to be impossible, as the best Southeast Asian teams have found out in recent competitions. If we can’t beat Indonesia in a two-leg series, what are our chances against Syria, a so-so Asian team that crushed the Indons 11-1 over two legs?
3. “We can develop athletes into strong football players immediately.”
I’m a frustrated football player. I watched my father play for the Philippine Air Force when I was a kid but the first time I ever played was during college PE. Whenever we’d talk about his playing days, he’d often say that “soccer” (pardon the term, hardcore futbolistas) is something that can’t be developed at a late age. If you have a 12-year old son who wants to be an Azkal but has never kicked a football in his young life, he can probably play recreationally and might even make it to a varsity team.
But sad to say, he’ll never be as good as the Younghusbands, Etheridge, or even Chieffy Caligdong. There are certain skills that players must acquire at a very young age to be able to have a game that comes naturally when playing. The Fil-Fors got it from football academies, Caligdong got it from just living in the football-crazy town of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, kids of rich parents will get it in summer football camps, but everyone else who has never kicked a football before 10 years old won’t have it.
I’m talking about a good “first touch” of the ball, the ability to juggle the ball without bouncing on the ground, using every part of the body (except the arms) to control and protect the ball, passing the ball accurately... just to name a few. It’s easier to teach people – even older kids – how to properly do a layup or a jump shot in basketball, but there are more things in football that are acquired rather than coached so it’s not as if we can expect an entire generation of footballers without considering how young kids have to be if they want to be world class.
At least the Department of Education is willing to lend a hand. In the meantime, I’ll personally skip the pitch and settle for the latest FIFA or PES videogame.
4. “The Azkals are a model of cohesiveness and quality.”
Not to take anything away from the Azkals’ achievements, but I wouldn’t go as far as giving a middle finger salute to basketball while handing an effing medal to the Azkals. If I were a neutral observer instead of a patriotic Filipino sports fan, I’d liken the Azkals performance in the past few months to your typical ragtag Asean Basketball League team. That is, you’ve got players with decent skills playing alongside players who aren’t accustomed to competition.
A Star Sports analyst even said of one of the Azkals: “He works so hard, but he’s just not that good enough.”
We can attribute this to reality for our homegrown footballers: a lack of a professional league, players having regular jobs like you and I, and football being a religion in every country except ours.
On the flip side, we have more players attached (or previously attached) to European clubs than all our Southeast Asian neighbors put together. Combine those different footballing pedigrees and you end up with our Azkals.
I’m not particularly amazed at how Fil-Euros, Fil-Ams, and Bisdaks get along since diversity within European clubs is normal. But when they walk on to the pitch, it’s disappointing for local football fans used to seeing the kind of action in the UEFA Champions League.
In fact, the team’s run in the Suzuki Cup could be turned into a Hallmark film because of how far the Azkals went in the competition despite being dominated most of the time. In football, the better team is always the one with more ball possessions, more threatening shots to the goal, and fewer errors.
Giant-killings and upsets are more frequent in football because the better team doesn’t always end up winning the match. Fortunately, our team did everything they possibly could to get the results no matter how fugly it looked on TV. Whatever the Azkals lacked in actual cohesiveness and quality, they made up for with effort and a lot of luck (and a lot of players behind the ball to defend).
Meanwhile, the 2-0 first leg win against Mongolia was mediocre at best. Our new coach knows it, the players know it, and those who watched and figured that Mongolia can’t even get the ball know it.
5. “It is basketball’s fault that football never progressed.”
That’s like saying it is Christine Reyes’ fault that Kim Chiu isn’t as hot. Did basketball have anything to do with it? While we do have some footballing history that dates back to Paulino Alcántara playing for Joan Gamper’s legendary FC Barcelona squad, we don’t have a footballing culture deep enough to appreciate it in every level of Philippine society.
Unless you’re a 130-year-old Mestizo, Filipinos were already born into a culture that is crazy about basketball. Rafe Bartholomew wouldn’t write “Pacific Posts: Street Dogs Steppin’ in Cleats and the Philippines’ Unlikely Love Affair with Soccer” in his dreams because football doesn’t connect with Filipinos the way basketball does.
Basketball has had the tambays in the tricycle stands, the beerhouse-goers, and college students with nothing better to do. Before the Azkals, football only had a following of sports geeks, people who have played football, and people looking for an excuse to get drunk in the city for an entire month every 4 years to ride the bandwagon. Today, you can add school girls crushing on the Azkals’ Fil-Fors and the I’m-Sick-Of-Us-Losing-In-Asian-Basketball Sports Writers Cooperative of the Philippines to the mix.
But it’s not basketball’s fault that the only kind of people in the country crazy about football were the ones educated in schools with a football field. Each fan or bandwagoner may have their own explanation as to why football wasn’t popular or isn’t as popular as it should be.
But instead of placing the blame on anything, let’s just continue to support Philippine sports as a whole. Success in any international competition unites us as a nation and makes us proud to be who we are. While I don’t believe we’ve achieved anything in football worth comparing to basketball yet, I’m proud that we’ve progressed from minnows and whipping boys to contenders among developing football nations in Asia.
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Comments
Basketball will always be Philippine's top sports no matter what. Why? Because Filipinos loves action and fast phased sports and soccer is boring to watch.
kanya-kanya lang siguro yan. kahit ako man, di ko maappreciate ang football, nababagalan ako sa pacing. pero marami akong kaibigan na baliw na baliw sa football.
wow, two successive blogs nailed it. it's good to hear from an (objective) football fan as well.
basta ako, I'm not against Azkals and Philippine Football. I'm even happy that PFF and Azkals can move forward after removing Martinez. Pero the media is hyping it and praising them to the highest heavens (i'm talking to you Nathanielsz). Pati senseless news tungkol sa Azkals (Azkals in fashion shows yada yada). Getting sick of it. Then there's the bandwagoners who are bashing basketball just because football is winning and basketball is not. Ugh.
I tell you, wait til our honeymoon stage with Azkals is over. There'll be fingerpointing and accusations all over. Just like what's happening with Gilas.
basta ako, I'm not against Azkals and Philippine Football. I'm even happy that PFF and Azkals can move forward after removing Martinez. Pero the media is hyping it and praising them to the highest heavens (i'm talking to you Nathanielsz). Pati senseless news tungkol sa Azkals (Azkals in fashion shows yada yada). Getting sick of it. Then there's the bandwagoners who are bashing basketball just because football is winning and basketball is not. Ugh.
I tell you, wait til our honeymoon stage with Azkals is over. There'll be fingerpointing and accusations all over. Just like what's happening with Gilas.
Nice article! I agree about football being best learned at an early age. My sister was part of our soccer varsity team in high school; it was her first time to ever play the sport and the only reason she got in was because it was the first time our school had a soccer team! She did have a difficult time adjusting at that time.
While I'm a football noob, I tried to watch as many football games as I can to get oriented in the sport. And as much as I love the Azkals, I know it's still a long shot for us to even qualify for the World Cup. I think what we need is a little more patience; darating din tayo dyan. =)
While I'm a football noob, I tried to watch as many football games as I can to get oriented in the sport. And as much as I love the Azkals, I know it's still a long shot for us to even qualify for the World Cup. I think what we need is a little more patience; darating din tayo dyan. =)
"Football is perfect for us Filipinos because we're vertically-challenged",,, also heard this comment when RP was playing Sweden in Davis Cup. And the 6 foot swede made lob after lob against felix barrientos.... height still plays advantage in Football. Way back in the 90's(before the azkal craze) soccer crazy provinces like iloilo, negros occi and negros or. has 5'7", 5'9" highschool soccer players. If those kids were in Manila or Cebu, they'd be playing center sa basketball! And luck has nothing to do why these provinces dominated the Adidas cup, Coke go for Goal and PFF league torneys!
Its good to read other comments about football, azkals and basketball. I'm very happy for the attention that azkals and football are getting. However, there's no need to compare it with basketball. It would be great to see football AND basketball prosper.
About the media hype, I expected that. If you follow Phil. showbiz LOL, you will get used to it. I just don't like it when Azkals become too showbiz like the latest Phil-Angel angle. It was in the news 10000x times! But seriously, the bandwagoners and the media-hype are a part of their achievement -- even if some people point out that the team still needs a lot of work to become a football powerhouse.
Eventually, I think the craziness will simmer down and Phil. football will get into a stable level (I hope).
I also hope that with the support football has been getting now, the powers that be in Philippine sports will take this opportunity to really do something fruitful with the sport (focus on developing long-term goals for football). Otherwise, the game would just become a fad.
About the media hype, I expected that. If you follow Phil. showbiz LOL, you will get used to it. I just don't like it when Azkals become too showbiz like the latest Phil-Angel angle. It was in the news 10000x times! But seriously, the bandwagoners and the media-hype are a part of their achievement -- even if some people point out that the team still needs a lot of work to become a football powerhouse.
Eventually, I think the craziness will simmer down and Phil. football will get into a stable level (I hope).
I also hope that with the support football has been getting now, the powers that be in Philippine sports will take this opportunity to really do something fruitful with the sport (focus on developing long-term goals for football). Otherwise, the game would just become a fad.
Yes, the media coverage of the Azkals is annoying but none of these things are football issues. They do the same with boxers and reality show winners.
At the end of the day if ABS CBN gets exclusive rights to air say, a field hockey competition, you can rest assured that the star hockey player will be sending love tweets to whoever the Kapamilya starlet of the month is.
At the end of the day if ABS CBN gets exclusive rights to air say, a field hockey competition, you can rest assured that the star hockey player will be sending love tweets to whoever the Kapamilya starlet of the month is.
* Lionel Messi and Maradona aren't the only "short" players who excel in Football, you can also count guys like WAYNE ROONEY (UK) and LANDON DONOVAN (US), guys who are only around 5'9" tops.
* There definitely are a LOT more 6'3" players in the Philippines, than 6'9". That you can bet your balls in.
* And as I told Rafe over at his blog here, how many Fil-Foreigners right now are playing in the NBA? NONE. How many Fil-Foreigners are now playing in the best Football leagues in the world in a sport which Filipinos have ignored? I can name at least three: Neil Etheridge (Fulham, EPL), David Alaba (Bayern Munich, Bundelsiga) and Jonathan De Guzman (La Liga).
* There definitely are a LOT more 6'3" players in the Philippines, than 6'9". That you can bet your balls in.
* And as I told Rafe over at his blog here, how many Fil-Foreigners right now are playing in the NBA? NONE. How many Fil-Foreigners are now playing in the best Football leagues in the world in a sport which Filipinos have ignored? I can name at least three: Neil Etheridge (Fulham, EPL), David Alaba (Bayern Munich, Bundelsiga) and Jonathan De Guzman (La Liga).
if you include de guzman(plays for netherlands) and Alaba(plays for austria), we do have pinoy blooded NBA players!
DMC cousins, nate robinsons and Greg Oden!!!!!
DMC cousins, nate robinsons and Greg Oden!!!!!
Nice read; right at the mark. And the most beautiful line: "That’s like saying it is Christine Reyes’ fault that Kim Chiu isn’t as hot." Hahahaha!
On the issue of Fil-foreigners at the top levels of basketball or football, I think that although it would be exciting to have members of the global Pinoy diaspora represented there, but that the breakthrough I know basketball fans (and I bet serious football fans, too) are waiting for is a Filipino raised in the Philippines to somehow break through an make an NBA (or top football league) roster.
Already hard at work on that Street Dogs Stampin' proposal.
Here's the ironic thing. If the Philippines became suddenly, genuinely football-mad, and I wanted to tell the "unlikely" story of how that happened, no American publisher would find it interesting enough to give me a contract. Basketball, just because of Americans' broad ignorance of the Philippines (and most of the world outside of our immediate hometowns), seems like a more "unlikely" story, even though history and social factors give us a lot of explanation for why basketball is in fact pretty darn likely. But the people at the publishing house need that initial jolt, when they say, "Wait, aren't they short?" and I give my fake chuckle and say, "Well, that's not even what makes the story amazing..."
Already hard at work on that Street Dogs Stampin' proposal.
Here's the ironic thing. If the Philippines became suddenly, genuinely football-mad, and I wanted to tell the "unlikely" story of how that happened, no American publisher would find it interesting enough to give me a contract. Basketball, just because of Americans' broad ignorance of the Philippines (and most of the world outside of our immediate hometowns), seems like a more "unlikely" story, even though history and social factors give us a lot of explanation for why basketball is in fact pretty darn likely. But the people at the publishing house need that initial jolt, when they say, "Wait, aren't they short?" and I give my fake chuckle and say, "Well, that's not even what makes the story amazing..."
I still believe that in a way, basketball has something to do with with the lack of growth of football in the past. Before, the National teams could not train to the best level because they lack financial support, because all the funds coming from private companies are being thrown to basketball players who are making a good living from playing hoops. Football has created good and consistent players like Mark Villon who sadly has to leave the team to work because he can not make a living out of 4000 pesos allowance it gets from PSC as compared to millions that basketball players get. Previous National Football Coaching teams were able to produce good players but is unable to sustain the team, because players come and go because of lack of financial aid. I have nothing against basketball, but I am very happy that this time with the good showing of Azkals beacause Dan Palami's initiation to gamble for the team, financial support coming from sports loving private sectors is now distributed fairly.
Maybe we can put it this way, Football never really became popular here in pinas because it didn't have that "masa" appeal that endeared most pinoys to basketball.
Here, it is so much easier to put up makeshift basketball courts of any size anywhere there is enough space to play in. We can't really say the same with football w/c requires a relatively bigger area that is hardly available especially to citizens living in the congested jungle that is Manila where I grew up and used to live in.
Overall, I don't think football fans (whether true-blooded ones or youngwives-wannabes) should go bashing the sport of basketball. The same should also be said to rabid hoops fans when it comes to football. Don't let "Crab Mentality" get the better of us. Let's be one in unity whether it be football or basketball or any other sport. We have good programs in place for both sports so instead bickering, let's just support the two of them. Or maybe we can just support Philippine sports in general. Ganun naman talaga dapat di ba?
Here, it is so much easier to put up makeshift basketball courts of any size anywhere there is enough space to play in. We can't really say the same with football w/c requires a relatively bigger area that is hardly available especially to citizens living in the congested jungle that is Manila where I grew up and used to live in.
Overall, I don't think football fans (whether true-blooded ones or youngwives-wannabes) should go bashing the sport of basketball. The same should also be said to rabid hoops fans when it comes to football. Don't let "Crab Mentality" get the better of us. Let's be one in unity whether it be football or basketball or any other sport. We have good programs in place for both sports so instead bickering, let's just support the two of them. Or maybe we can just support Philippine sports in general. Ganun naman talaga dapat di ba?
if Azkals rise to popularity is bandwagon, eh anu pa kaya ang Anejo rhum,Gordons gin, ang Barangay Ginebra noong late 80's and early 90's hindi ba bandwagon din yun?
The Younghusband bros is the new version of Vince Hizon,Jayvee,gayoso and Bal David? parang ganun din yun...during the prime of Vince Hizon all young females from high school and colleges are screaming and shrieking at him. Pero ng ma trade ang mga players ng ginebra noon gaya nila locsin,aquino,and gayoso ay nagsimulang humina ang popularity ng Ginebra. . kasi po mga gwapo din sila like AZKALS
If PBA becomes a regional basketball that pattern same as NBA...I can say that PBA teams are not bandwagoners...Except from uaap and ncaa na mas similar pa sa home teams ng NBA because they are competing for the glory of their schools.
Kung ikaw student ng Feu siyempre you are not for U.E,Ateneo,letran, or San Beda...Loyal ka sa school mo dapat..
Eh ang PBA purely commercial league and walang adopted provincial teams...siyempre yung mga tao kung sino llamado at mukhang dinedehado e dun sila like Ginebra.
Where are the fans of Ginebra during the walk-out drama against shell? nambato pa sila ng two peso coins. noon...bakit wala na sila ngayon? most of them are bandwagoners too! kung sinong pulitiko ang may pera every elections held dun sila...parang mga perayalista na nagpapangap na pro-erap noong edsa 3 na sumugod sa malacanang dahil mag-gain sila.
The popularity of basketball and football are not bandwagon...It is not important for the filipino people if they really understand the rules of basketball and football...Ang mahalaga they want to see our players fighting for national pride.
Our OFWs in Middle East are religiously supporting Gilas not because Chis Tiu is good looking...Proud lang sila that we have national basketball team fighting for the Glory of our country...Kung bakit sikat ang Azkals because their hardwork and determination to succeed pays off.
Filipinos flocked in Panaad pitch are not band wagoners . they went their to boost the morale of our football national team.
National team of AZKALS and GILAS are truly home team unlike PBA commercial league that has a bunch of band wagoners..
It is also insult to the intelligence Filipino people supporting our national teams to be labeled as an opportunistic band wagoners.
The Younghusband bros is the new version of Vince Hizon,Jayvee,gayoso and Bal David? parang ganun din yun...during the prime of Vince Hizon all young females from high school and colleges are screaming and shrieking at him. Pero ng ma trade ang mga players ng ginebra noon gaya nila locsin,aquino,and gayoso ay nagsimulang humina ang popularity ng Ginebra. . kasi po mga gwapo din sila like AZKALS
If PBA becomes a regional basketball that pattern same as NBA...I can say that PBA teams are not bandwagoners...Except from uaap and ncaa na mas similar pa sa home teams ng NBA because they are competing for the glory of their schools.
Kung ikaw student ng Feu siyempre you are not for U.E,Ateneo,letran, or San Beda...Loyal ka sa school mo dapat..
Eh ang PBA purely commercial league and walang adopted provincial teams...siyempre yung mga tao kung sino llamado at mukhang dinedehado e dun sila like Ginebra.
Where are the fans of Ginebra during the walk-out drama against shell? nambato pa sila ng two peso coins. noon...bakit wala na sila ngayon? most of them are bandwagoners too! kung sinong pulitiko ang may pera every elections held dun sila...parang mga perayalista na nagpapangap na pro-erap noong edsa 3 na sumugod sa malacanang dahil mag-gain sila.
The popularity of basketball and football are not bandwagon...It is not important for the filipino people if they really understand the rules of basketball and football...Ang mahalaga they want to see our players fighting for national pride.
Our OFWs in Middle East are religiously supporting Gilas not because Chis Tiu is good looking...Proud lang sila that we have national basketball team fighting for the Glory of our country...Kung bakit sikat ang Azkals because their hardwork and determination to succeed pays off.
Filipinos flocked in Panaad pitch are not band wagoners . they went their to boost the morale of our football national team.
National team of AZKALS and GILAS are truly home team unlike PBA commercial league that has a bunch of band wagoners..
It is also insult to the intelligence Filipino people supporting our national teams to be labeled as an opportunistic band wagoners.
The suddenly "strong" following of soccer in the Philippines was a result of both the world cup and the recent wins of the Azkals. The world cup was there ages ago, but only now are more Filipinos made aware because of social networking and faster internet bandwidth. (and the song waka waka)
Anyway, my comment has nothing to do with the article. Just wanna share another relevant article about the Azkals: http://www.theasiamag.com/patterns/the-benefits-of-migration-in-filipino-sports
Anyway, my comment has nothing to do with the article. Just wanna share another relevant article about the Azkals: http://www.theasiamag.com/patterns/the-benefits-of-migration-in-filipino-sports
"Neil Etheridge is an athletic, world-class goalie at 6’3”, team captain Aly Borromeo is listed at 6’2”, and most of the foreign-born members of the team stand from 5’9” to 5’11”. Height is still might in this sport."
And if we magically gave all these tall Azkals NBA -level basketball skills they would still be the shortest players on any world class basketball roster. - Height may still be might but a tall football player is still closer to the norm than a tall basketball player.
And if we magically gave all these tall Azkals NBA -level basketball skills they would still be the shortest players on any world class basketball roster. - Height may still be might but a tall football player is still closer to the norm than a tall basketball player.
you're right that tall football players like are our Fil-Foreigners are closer to the norm than tall basketball players, but that's beside the point because your average 5'5 Juan isn't even close to a tall football player.
5'5 and 5'11 = 6 inches gap
Mac Baracael and Arabs he guards = 6 inches gap
playing football instead of basketball just because we're shorter is a mere suggestion. centerbacks and goalies need to be tall. depending on the strategy, it would be better if midfielders and attackers were as tall or even taller than the defenders marking them. that's the sad reality of sports. given 2 athletes with the same skills, athleticism, and IQ... the taller one still gets the cap.
5'5 and 5'11 = 6 inches gap
Mac Baracael and Arabs he guards = 6 inches gap
playing football instead of basketball just because we're shorter is a mere suggestion. centerbacks and goalies need to be tall. depending on the strategy, it would be better if midfielders and attackers were as tall or even taller than the defenders marking them. that's the sad reality of sports. given 2 athletes with the same skills, athleticism, and IQ... the taller one still gets the cap.
But there are 5'10-6'3 guys in the philippines. If we were a football culture they could be gigantic center backs/forwards who would have a shot
(admittedly stiil a long one) at getting into the big leagues. Instead they're centers/power forwards in their barangay ligas.
"given 2 athletes with the same skills, athleticism, and IQ... the taller one still gets the cap."
This is a basketball truism. I'd go as far as saying you'd cap a taller guy who's a "project" over a short guy with a complete game in basketball.
Football is a different matter. Yes, some positions need height and some strategies need tall players but for every physical problem there is a football solution.
If you had C.Ronaldo and Messi on the same team You don't pick Ronnie because he's taller . You'd find a strategy that uses the two of them and cap 'em both.
Honestly, while a lot of your points make sense you've busted more strawmen than myths. How about you actually link sources? Tell us who actually said that we'll be qualifying for the world cup, or churning out world class footballers immediately? Because if it's just a couple of moroms on twitter or Ronnie Nathanielz I think people already know not to take them seriously. :)
That said, keep writing. Aside from the height thing, I don't really disagree with your points. But you can be realistic about the Azkals chances without making all the new bandwagon fans feel like idiots for getting excited.
(admittedly stiil a long one) at getting into the big leagues. Instead they're centers/power forwards in their barangay ligas.
"given 2 athletes with the same skills, athleticism, and IQ... the taller one still gets the cap."
This is a basketball truism. I'd go as far as saying you'd cap a taller guy who's a "project" over a short guy with a complete game in basketball.
Football is a different matter. Yes, some positions need height and some strategies need tall players but for every physical problem there is a football solution.
If you had C.Ronaldo and Messi on the same team You don't pick Ronnie because he's taller . You'd find a strategy that uses the two of them and cap 'em both.
Honestly, while a lot of your points make sense you've busted more strawmen than myths. How about you actually link sources? Tell us who actually said that we'll be qualifying for the world cup, or churning out world class footballers immediately? Because if it's just a couple of moroms on twitter or Ronnie Nathanielz I think people already know not to take them seriously. :)
That said, keep writing. Aside from the height thing, I don't really disagree with your points. But you can be realistic about the Azkals chances without making all the new bandwagon fans feel like idiots for getting excited.
see, you said it yourself. "If" we were a football culture. i could argue that in places like Iloilo and Bacolod, there is, but is there a future in football for boys born in our islands who will grow up to be 6'3? some day, but not today.
footballing solutions for physical problems? absolutely... if you're talking about Barca or Man U. but this is about the Azkals and the developing football countries in Asia. unless another group of imposing Fil-Fors get their passports, i don't know if there are players right now who will be as effective as Borromeo and the Younghusbands if ever they were taken out or couldn't play.
now i couldn't find a link when Mel Tiangco said that we will see the Azkals in the World Cup or when Noli de Castro said "eto na talaga ang laro na para sa mga Pilipino" (the 3rd point was edited by Jaemark, what i wanted to argue was that "stop playing basketball, focus on football" notion, which i may have missed)... but while no sports fan takes their opinions seriously, Filipinos who don't follow sports accept their assumptions as fact... and that includes Ronnie Nathanielz.
football fans anywhere in the world are very passionate, so there really wasn't any other way i can keep it real without offending the bandwagon. if ever there is, join us at the interbasket forums and let me know.
footballing solutions for physical problems? absolutely... if you're talking about Barca or Man U. but this is about the Azkals and the developing football countries in Asia. unless another group of imposing Fil-Fors get their passports, i don't know if there are players right now who will be as effective as Borromeo and the Younghusbands if ever they were taken out or couldn't play.
now i couldn't find a link when Mel Tiangco said that we will see the Azkals in the World Cup or when Noli de Castro said "eto na talaga ang laro na para sa mga Pilipino" (the 3rd point was edited by Jaemark, what i wanted to argue was that "stop playing basketball, focus on football" notion, which i may have missed)... but while no sports fan takes their opinions seriously, Filipinos who don't follow sports accept their assumptions as fact... and that includes Ronnie Nathanielz.
football fans anywhere in the world are very passionate, so there really wasn't any other way i can keep it real without offending the bandwagon. if ever there is, join us at the interbasket forums and let me know.
I forgot to react to this part.
"you're right that tall football players like are our Fil-Foreigners are closer to the norm than tall basketball players, but that's beside the point because your average 5'5 Juan isn't even close to a tall football player."
What exactly is your point? That the average Filipino is still too short for football?
Why would you field an average Filipino though? Do we pick Filipinos of average height for our basketball teams?
Maybe we should also pick players of average skill?
"you're right that tall football players like are our Fil-Foreigners are closer to the norm than tall basketball players, but that's beside the point because your average 5'5 Juan isn't even close to a tall football player."
What exactly is your point? That the average Filipino is still too short for football?
Why would you field an average Filipino though? Do we pick Filipinos of average height for our basketball teams?
Maybe we should also pick players of average skill?
^the same way how i don't understand magically giving tall Azkals NBA-level skills to play basketball qualifies as an analogy. no need to get sarcastic here. if a local player is 5'5 but is anywhere near Lionel Messi, then he should try out for the Azkals by all means. in the meantime, we make do with 5'10 players and their European experience.
why would anyone field an average Filipino in football or basketball? you tell me. personally, i think it's because that's exactly what the bandwagon wants to hear: a lame reason to bash basketball because we're not winning in Asia anymore.
here comes football, suddenly popular after some success and the geniuses use it to come up with half-truths like "height is not needed for football so screw basketball" as if it was reasonable enough. i could understand why people hate the PBA, the SBP, Barrios, Eala, whoever... but to use football and the Azkals to heighten their griping against basketball? poor Philippine Sports.
why would anyone field an average Filipino in football or basketball? you tell me. personally, i think it's because that's exactly what the bandwagon wants to hear: a lame reason to bash basketball because we're not winning in Asia anymore.
here comes football, suddenly popular after some success and the geniuses use it to come up with half-truths like "height is not needed for football so screw basketball" as if it was reasonable enough. i could understand why people hate the PBA, the SBP, Barrios, Eala, whoever... but to use football and the Azkals to heighten their griping against basketball? poor Philippine Sports.
My analogy works because I'm all I'm trying to prove is the size difference between what we consider tall in football and tall in basketball.
The magic part is just there to let people know that for the purpose of the comparison they'll have enough basketball skills.
You're analogy is flawed because it goes like this:
Filipino Professional Basketball Player compared to Foreign Basketball Player
Average Filipino compared to a fairly tall professional Footballer.
Why not compare an average Filipino to a tall basketball player?
But my point, before we get bogged down in analyzing analogies, is that height isn't as important to football as it is to basketball. Do we have the skills to compensate for our lack of height now? Of course not, but people are excited about our long term prospects in football not just the current Azkals roster.
- My whole problem with your debunking article is that it assumes the worst out of football's new bandwagoning fanbase. That said, I looked at the interbasket forums so I kinda know the type of stupidity you think you're up against. Personally I think you're reacting to trolls not necessarily the bandwagoning fans. Anyone who's willing to watch football will realize soon enough that success isn't gonna be easy or fast. If they're swayed by the Nathanielz or ABS hype well, they'll either learn to be patient or jump on the next bandwagon.
The magic part is just there to let people know that for the purpose of the comparison they'll have enough basketball skills.
You're analogy is flawed because it goes like this:
Filipino Professional Basketball Player compared to Foreign Basketball Player
Average Filipino compared to a fairly tall professional Footballer.
Why not compare an average Filipino to a tall basketball player?
But my point, before we get bogged down in analyzing analogies, is that height isn't as important to football as it is to basketball. Do we have the skills to compensate for our lack of height now? Of course not, but people are excited about our long term prospects in football not just the current Azkals roster.
- My whole problem with your debunking article is that it assumes the worst out of football's new bandwagoning fanbase. That said, I looked at the interbasket forums so I kinda know the type of stupidity you think you're up against. Personally I think you're reacting to trolls not necessarily the bandwagoning fans. Anyone who's willing to watch football will realize soon enough that success isn't gonna be easy or fast. If they're swayed by the Nathanielz or ABS hype well, they'll either learn to be patient or jump on the next bandwagon.
^see, that was what i was looking for.
our local football does NOT have enough quality to compensate for being 5'5 or 5'7. people here can bring up Messi, Xavi, and Roberto Carlos but the reality is not everyone here is as skilled as Caligdong or even Freddy Gonzalez in the past. that's why the Azkals have 5'10-6'3 Fil-Foreigners so at least they have some tactics that makes use of their height. bus-parking, set-pieces, crossing from the wing... whatever works better with taller players.
what i don't get is this whole "wala na tayong pag-asa sa basketball kaya mag-football nalang tayo" notion that always comes up when comparing height in both sports programs we have. Filipinos have great ballers (even Smart Gilas), they're just not tall enough for the Asian game. but as far as our Azkals are concerned, while they may be average-sized with a mix of locals and Fil-Fors... they haven't even seen the quality of better competition in Asia. give some credit to our basketball team of 6'4 forwards and 5'10 shooting guards for being competitive enough... but if people patronize them and put football on a pedestal for being more "height-friendly" to Filipinos, they might as well be another troll for pinoyexchange.
our local football does NOT have enough quality to compensate for being 5'5 or 5'7. people here can bring up Messi, Xavi, and Roberto Carlos but the reality is not everyone here is as skilled as Caligdong or even Freddy Gonzalez in the past. that's why the Azkals have 5'10-6'3 Fil-Foreigners so at least they have some tactics that makes use of their height. bus-parking, set-pieces, crossing from the wing... whatever works better with taller players.
what i don't get is this whole "wala na tayong pag-asa sa basketball kaya mag-football nalang tayo" notion that always comes up when comparing height in both sports programs we have. Filipinos have great ballers (even Smart Gilas), they're just not tall enough for the Asian game. but as far as our Azkals are concerned, while they may be average-sized with a mix of locals and Fil-Fors... they haven't even seen the quality of better competition in Asia. give some credit to our basketball team of 6'4 forwards and 5'10 shooting guards for being competitive enough... but if people patronize them and put football on a pedestal for being more "height-friendly" to Filipinos, they might as well be another troll for pinoyexchange.
You are assuming that everyone is talking about the current team, the current situation. People who think that an Aly Borromeo captained Azkals will claim world cup glory are delusional but aside from a couple of PEX trolls I don't think that's what people are saying.
I still think you're overstating the need for height in football. Yes, this current Azkals roster needs it but it doesn't mean it'll always be that way. And yes "Height is not Might" in football.
Yes it doesn't mean that an all 5'4 team will dominate football it is a sport where height isn't a barrier to entry. If you work hard to develop your skills you can be the best player in the world.
Are some of the fans naively optimistic? Maybe, but when you're dreaming of the future there's nothing wrong with that.
I still think you're overstating the need for height in football. Yes, this current Azkals roster needs it but it doesn't mean it'll always be that way. And yes "Height is not Might" in football.
Yes it doesn't mean that an all 5'4 team will dominate football it is a sport where height isn't a barrier to entry. If you work hard to develop your skills you can be the best player in the world.
Are some of the fans naively optimistic? Maybe, but when you're dreaming of the future there's nothing wrong with that.
i rest my case. :-)
^^ what case? From the very beginning I agreed with all your points except for the height thing and the tone of the article. Football has only been in the limelight for 3 months do we really need to kill the hype just because a few basketball fans have thin skins?
Honestly, Basketball is still the most popular sport in the country it doesn't need to be defended from football. Last I checked every major daily's sports section still features basketball prominently. Football coverage is confined to the Azkals. Phil. football isn't just behind on the pitch, the media coverage of is still riding the Suzuki cup hype.
Articles calling for support for football(and bashing basketball) surface every year and doubles every WC year and you know what? Basketball's still on top. Yes, people need to educate the new fans on the realities of football but this article(and Rafe's) while preaching unity still feels like it's stil buying into the Basketball v Football mindset that you were both arguing against.
Honestly, Basketball is still the most popular sport in the country it doesn't need to be defended from football. Last I checked every major daily's sports section still features basketball prominently. Football coverage is confined to the Azkals. Phil. football isn't just behind on the pitch, the media coverage of is still riding the Suzuki cup hype.
Articles calling for support for football(and bashing basketball) surface every year and doubles every WC year and you know what? Basketball's still on top. Yes, people need to educate the new fans on the realities of football but this article(and Rafe's) while preaching unity still feels like it's stil buying into the Basketball v Football mindset that you were both arguing against.
You do know that guys like Kaka, C. Ronaldo, Thiery Henry, Peter Crouch, Patrick Vieira, Jurgen Klinsman,etc were or are already considered physical specimens with "great size" in the realm of football. Truth is, they're actually not that tall at all. Sa ADMU campus pa lang ang dami ko nang nakikita na non-athlete students who are similar in size,
I think what earthpigborn is saying is, kung laki at physical stature lang and pinag-uusapan, mas kaya nating sumabay sa football kesa basketball. Ilang dekada na tayong hintay nang hintay sa basketball pero we always come home with our tails between our legs. Tapos sa sisihan pa madalas nauuwi ang usapan. Kesyo wala tayong malaki, kulang sa training, kulang sa preparasiyon. Parang hindi matanggap na talo talaga tayo. Ayaw matauhan. Para bang dahil pinoy tayo at tayo ang may first pro league, or nag bronze medal tayo noong 19 kopong-kopong eh feeling natin na we're entitled to win and be the best (at least w/in the region). Mahirap mag-produce ng mga near 7-footer. Hell, we have an abundance of point gaurd and shooting gurad sized players, but they can't even compete in skill and physical strength against NBA wannabes and imports.
Imagine Ronald Tubid or Cyrus Baguio with their size, speed, and athleticism playing striker or either flank. Dito pa lang sa Asia, tingin ko may edge na siya. Keisuke Honda is smaller than them. Park Ji-sung, even smaller.
If nabigyan lang sana ng pansin ang futball the last 2 or 3 decades, I think we'll be a better futballing nation right now. Hell, I used to play varsity in Ateneo high school and grade school. If I could turn back the clock knowing na may solid program in place and/or a real opportunity to earn a decent living from the game (e.g. a pro football league), I would've given it a go. Kaso wala eh. Puro na lang basketball.
But we have to start somewhere and sometime. And that is here and now.
I think what earthpigborn is saying is, kung laki at physical stature lang and pinag-uusapan, mas kaya nating sumabay sa football kesa basketball. Ilang dekada na tayong hintay nang hintay sa basketball pero we always come home with our tails between our legs. Tapos sa sisihan pa madalas nauuwi ang usapan. Kesyo wala tayong malaki, kulang sa training, kulang sa preparasiyon. Parang hindi matanggap na talo talaga tayo. Ayaw matauhan. Para bang dahil pinoy tayo at tayo ang may first pro league, or nag bronze medal tayo noong 19 kopong-kopong eh feeling natin na we're entitled to win and be the best (at least w/in the region). Mahirap mag-produce ng mga near 7-footer. Hell, we have an abundance of point gaurd and shooting gurad sized players, but they can't even compete in skill and physical strength against NBA wannabes and imports.
Imagine Ronald Tubid or Cyrus Baguio with their size, speed, and athleticism playing striker or either flank. Dito pa lang sa Asia, tingin ko may edge na siya. Keisuke Honda is smaller than them. Park Ji-sung, even smaller.
If nabigyan lang sana ng pansin ang futball the last 2 or 3 decades, I think we'll be a better futballing nation right now. Hell, I used to play varsity in Ateneo high school and grade school. If I could turn back the clock knowing na may solid program in place and/or a real opportunity to earn a decent living from the game (e.g. a pro football league), I would've given it a go. Kaso wala eh. Puro na lang basketball.
But we have to start somewhere and sometime. And that is here and now.
christiano ronaldo -6'0
kaka- 6'1
drogba 6'2
fernandino torres 6'0
Gerrard 6'0
lampard 6'0
ronaldihno 6'0
height does mater in soccer....
kaka- 6'1
drogba 6'2
fernandino torres 6'0
Gerrard 6'0
lampard 6'0
ronaldihno 6'0
height does mater in soccer....
Why are many people here mad at the showbiz thingy associated now with the Azkals? When it's about James Yap or Chris Tiu, nobody complains. It so happened that the Azkals are now more popular than that underachieving Smart Gilas team. Most people can relate with an underdog which lacked the financial support and a virtual unknown until their almost miraculous achievements last year. It's only natural that the showbiz limelight will follow the Azkals. As we all know, Filipinos are crazy about showbiz.
Regarding the height argument, I'll ask you: Which is easier to form - a football team of standard height, or a basketball team of standard height? We can easily form a football team of 5'6" - 6'3" players. If you look around barangay basketball tournaments, there's no shortage of young men who are 5'6" - 6'3" tall. Any 6-footer is already "tall" in our culture. But in basketball, our tall men are considered small. We have 6'5" centers who should be shooting guards in other countries. It's rare to find 6'8" or taller guys in our country, which is the standard height of a small forward or power forward.
Tall players in football are mostly defenders and goalkeepers. Defenders have to defend against crosses and long balls using their aerial abilities. Goalkeepers need to be tall for obvious reasons. However, midfielders and forwards don't have to be tall. You'll be surprised to know that some of the best midfielders and forwards are relatively short.
Pele - 5'8" (Forward)
Lionel Messi - 5'7" (Forward)
Diego Maradona - 5'5" (Forward)
Bobby Charlton - 5'8" (Midfielder)
Xavi Hernandez - 5'7" (Midfielder)
Fabio Cannavaro - 5'9" (Defender)
Cesc Fabregas - 5'9" (Midfielder)
Roberto Carlos - 5'6" (Midfielder)
Romario - 5'6" (Forward)
Paul Scholes - 5'6" (Midfielder)
Shorter players are usually faster and quicker than taller ones. That's why you don't see many outfield football players taller than 6'3". However, we can find many Filipinos who are 5'9" - 6'3" and they are usually undersized centers and forwards in our barangay basketball leagues.
Regarding the height argument, I'll ask you: Which is easier to form - a football team of standard height, or a basketball team of standard height? We can easily form a football team of 5'6" - 6'3" players. If you look around barangay basketball tournaments, there's no shortage of young men who are 5'6" - 6'3" tall. Any 6-footer is already "tall" in our culture. But in basketball, our tall men are considered small. We have 6'5" centers who should be shooting guards in other countries. It's rare to find 6'8" or taller guys in our country, which is the standard height of a small forward or power forward.
Tall players in football are mostly defenders and goalkeepers. Defenders have to defend against crosses and long balls using their aerial abilities. Goalkeepers need to be tall for obvious reasons. However, midfielders and forwards don't have to be tall. You'll be surprised to know that some of the best midfielders and forwards are relatively short.
Pele - 5'8" (Forward)
Lionel Messi - 5'7" (Forward)
Diego Maradona - 5'5" (Forward)
Bobby Charlton - 5'8" (Midfielder)
Xavi Hernandez - 5'7" (Midfielder)
Fabio Cannavaro - 5'9" (Defender)
Cesc Fabregas - 5'9" (Midfielder)
Roberto Carlos - 5'6" (Midfielder)
Romario - 5'6" (Forward)
Paul Scholes - 5'6" (Midfielder)
Shorter players are usually faster and quicker than taller ones. That's why you don't see many outfield football players taller than 6'3". However, we can find many Filipinos who are 5'9" - 6'3" and they are usually undersized centers and forwards in our barangay basketball leagues.
Let me put it this way: If Filipinos are still too short for Football, then how much more for Basketball?
Bottomline, is that you do not need as tall players in Football, as you do in Basketball.
In Basketball, you need 6'9" (at least) Forwards and Centers to compete in the highest levels of the sport.
In Football, you'd be hardpressed to find anybody over 6'6" at the highest levels of the sport. I can think of only ONE, and he's not even at that height: Zlatan Ibrahimnovic, the Swedish Striker for AC Milan, who is "only" 6'5".
In Basketball, you need 6'9" (at least) Forwards and Centers to compete in the highest levels of the sport.
In Football, you'd be hardpressed to find anybody over 6'6" at the highest levels of the sport. I can think of only ONE, and he's not even at that height: Zlatan Ibrahimnovic, the Swedish Striker for AC Milan, who is "only" 6'5".
ako honestly natatakot sa kahihitnatnan ng azkals.. what if matapos na tong frenzy na to? san na sila pupulutin? what if tambakan sila ng mongolia tapos di magqualify? goodbye limelight na? sana may follow through na mangyare..
for hardcore football fans there, regarding sa short football players dominating the game.. look at messi's teammate xavi hernandez.. mga 5-7 lang yun or even shorter pero he is the heart and soul of spain's football team..
for hardcore football fans there, regarding sa short football players dominating the game.. look at messi's teammate xavi hernandez.. mga 5-7 lang yun or even shorter pero he is the heart and soul of spain's football team..
Puro ka sana at paano kung ganito! manghuhula ka ba? may coach naman sila at may regular training...How do you say they might lose their second leg against mongolia? mas maganda kung hintayin mo yung araw mismo ng game kung sinong manalo or mag draw yung sa second leg....dun ka magbigay ng conclusion after the game.....
limelight? if your talking about individual players of Azkals oo pwede silang ma luz valdes....pero yung national team and Philippine football it will stay for long like basketball,billiard,and boxing.
Yung mga 5-7 and above na pinoy lalo na yung mga 6 flat wag ng pagpilitan ang sarili sa basketball dahil masyadong undersize mas maganda kung sa Tennis,Diving,Athletics,and football na lang sila.
limelight? if your talking about individual players of Azkals oo pwede silang ma luz valdes....pero yung national team and Philippine football it will stay for long like basketball,billiard,and boxing.
Yung mga 5-7 and above na pinoy lalo na yung mga 6 flat wag ng pagpilitan ang sarili sa basketball dahil masyadong undersize mas maganda kung sa Tennis,Diving,Athletics,and football na lang sila.
I don't think the Azkals will lose to Mongolia ... Unless the refs suddenly starts giving red cards to our players during the game, reducing their numbers, and if the Azkals could not cope with the sub-zero temperatures there in Ulan Bator.
That's not an excuse, its just obvious that the Azkals are much better than the Mongols.
We should be worried, when we start meeting teams like South Korea, or Japan. Baka matambakan tayo ng mga nuon ...
That's not an excuse, its just obvious that the Azkals are much better than the Mongols.
We should be worried, when we start meeting teams like South Korea, or Japan. Baka matambakan tayo ng mga nuon ...
Bro ok lang matatambakan ng Japan at Korea ang AZKAL dahil ang football ay religion sa kanila....Many Japanese and Korean citizen don't know how to play good basketball...
Yun nga minsan ang nakakahiya the harsh reality na for a long-decade we worship basketball tapos halos tambakan lang tayo ng Korea last asian games and we lost to Japan.
Totoo lang maganda ang program ng Gilas.. kaso ang problema lang ayaw tanggapin ng PBA board na if we don't involve our best players in the country laging ganyan ang scenario sa international arena.
Dami nga pagpipilian sa basketball pero olats din pagdating sa fiba asia at may mga fil-am naman tayo pero wala sa puso i-represent ang country...
The sad part yung homegrown pinoy and native pinoy na lumaki sa states wala sa puso pag-don ng Philippine jersay and to fight for our flag....
Dapat mahiya sila kay Asi Taulava ilang beses siyang ipina -deport ni Chinese Congressman Rufus Rodriguez na allied ni dating President Erap pero still mahal ni Asi ang Pilipinas...
Si Congressman Sangley Rufus Rodriguez din ang isa sa unang humarang sa naturalization ni Marcus Douhit baka naman pati mga aeta gusto nya ipa deport sa Africa.
Yun nga minsan ang nakakahiya the harsh reality na for a long-decade we worship basketball tapos halos tambakan lang tayo ng Korea last asian games and we lost to Japan.
Totoo lang maganda ang program ng Gilas.. kaso ang problema lang ayaw tanggapin ng PBA board na if we don't involve our best players in the country laging ganyan ang scenario sa international arena.
Dami nga pagpipilian sa basketball pero olats din pagdating sa fiba asia at may mga fil-am naman tayo pero wala sa puso i-represent ang country...
The sad part yung homegrown pinoy and native pinoy na lumaki sa states wala sa puso pag-don ng Philippine jersay and to fight for our flag....
Dapat mahiya sila kay Asi Taulava ilang beses siyang ipina -deport ni Chinese Congressman Rufus Rodriguez na allied ni dating President Erap pero still mahal ni Asi ang Pilipinas...
Si Congressman Sangley Rufus Rodriguez din ang isa sa unang humarang sa naturalization ni Marcus Douhit baka naman pati mga aeta gusto nya ipa deport sa Africa.
As far as the PFF goes: Thumbs up
As far as the Media goes: THE FINGER!
As far as the Media goes: THE FINGER!
I would just like to share Mr. Dan Palami's speech when he was presented the Presidential award, maybe this will change the view of most of you.
good afternoon.
to be recognized by prime movers, experts and lovers of sports, is an incredible honor. thank you,
cebu sportswriters association, thank you to everyone here tonight.
it feels especially good to receive this honor in great company. congratulations donnie nietes. the past year was the closest i’ve been to the world of sports. everything i have seen–– the discipline and difficulties you struggle with, the brilliance and dedication that athletes and their coaches apply–all the dynamics at play, have doubled my admiration and respect for people like you.
congratulations again.
i’m aware that this presidential award is much more than an honor to me personally. so rather than focusing on me, i’ll use this opportunity to thank the persons and groups with whom i must share this recognition.
first, not just because you are my hosts, but because you truly deserve it, i bring this honor back to cebu.
the team and i are very thankful to you, the sportswriters of cebu, the many football enthusiasts, and all the clubs in your football association, for embracing the azkals early on.
when we were largely unnoticed in most parts of the country, you were among the first to write azkals stories that were reposted many times over on the web. you made others sit up and take notice. you
sparked interest in fans who appreciated your handle on the game. we didn’t really have to explain the game’s technicalities to you; you got your stories right–most of the time. we were — we are–
grateful to have media who obviously follow football and understand our passion for it.
our country’s ills, perennial lack of funds, and weak fiscal policies, stunt the development of most sports, but cebu has managed to build one of the more vibrant sports communities. you’ve made
great contributions with your brilliant athletes such as those honored here this afternoon, your dedicated coaches, and your superb trainers. i’m sure paolo pascual, one of our newest azkals, is just
one of many cebu-based talents who are waiting to be discovered.
i cannot promise you the world, but in my capacity as manager of the azkals, i hope that what we do on the international level will help step up your game and inspire greater changes here. when circumstances permit, we want to bring the azkals back to cebu and hold more training camps and football clinics. you were there for our difficult beginnings, and so should you be there too for the glory
days.
credit also goes to our sponsors and partners. i am gratified–relieved, if you will–that global and regional football federations, government officials, and corporate partners have come on board and granted full support to the azkals and the football program. finally, we are not alone. even the deped is considering football for schools.
i am doubly grateful to the few companies who helped the azkals even when we were still invisible.
thank you for believing in us.
all of this help means that we can build on our gains in the past year and realize the full potential of philippine football. i will do my part to ensure that the outpouring of support and investments go to building up the sport, not the egos or self-interests of individuals. as you know, we have learned many hard lessons, and we are determined not to suffer for the same mistakes.
you in the media can help us do that. help us look out for failed promises and commitments; call our attention when you see potential abuses in the system; herald too, all the unrecognized players, and
staff and coaches who quietly go about their work and create real changes on the ground.
speaking of changes, i must also acknowledge the great contributions of our 100,000- strong fans all over the country. azkals pages have sprouted on various web platforms. when i last checked, one fan page had nearly 123,000 likes! that’s astounding, considering that the page had only about a thousand fans in june.
these changes mirror the experience of our players. before they became an overnight sensation, few knew about chieffy, ali, ian and the rest of the team; neil and the other fil-fors flew in and out of the
country with little fanfare, and, i doubt if phil then would have had the guts to score a date thru twitter.
but thanks to sports lovers who relentlessly filled the web and other media with football news, and thanks to veteran fans who educated other fans on the sport, the interest built up into the formidable
force that our fans have become today. they were amazing in panaad. the chants, the wave, the white shirts and scarves – all the things they discussed and pledged to do on the fan pages – made for
an unforgettable experience for the azkals. the home crowd was electrifying!
even today, the fans sustain interest in football and engage us in passionate discussion about their own visions and dreams for the program. we have our own strong convictions, but when supporters have the team’s best interests at heart, we’re always ready to listen and give their views serious consideration.
finally, and most importantly, i share this award with the azkals – with the players, the coaches and the staff of the philippine football team.
whew, azkals, we’ve come a long way. throughout the long drought, when the team barely managed to scrape enough to rent a practice field…when practice gear, uniforms, equipment, tickets, board and lodging, let alone training camps(!) were cause for serious funding nightmares…when there was hardly any compensation for your troubles…when you suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of better-prepared and much better-paid competitors, you toiled and persevered through it all.
i’ve heard it said that every great achievement is impossible, until someone sets a goal to make it a reality. when i accepted management of the team, well-meaning friends advised me to stop
“throwing money away,” but i defiantly insisted on aiming for what was then inconceivable.
thank you, azkals, for trusting me. thank you for believing in the new game plan. when the journey was lonely and frustrating, when weariness sometimes crept in, you gave me reason to keep believing.
and i am so grateful that we kept on. you see, the azkals and i love football, and we needed to make filipinos understand why. the miracle in hanoi…the magical run…the fairytale…. we wanted our story to wake filipinos up to the possibilities.
for just as philippine football can be beautiful, so can the rest of our country’s sports grow. we can do wonders when we give athletes the right support. faith, hard work, and yes, tremendous sacrifice can
all come together, and a clear intention will emerge. one set of tactics overcomes another… team mates pass the ball as if they could read each other’s minds…brilliant skills make the ball go where it’s supposed to go…and suddenly, deafening cheers as a player lands a magnificent goal!
i’ve had a glimpse into the future of philippine football, and i’m humbled to have played a part in shaping it. i hope my story will remind filipinos that with determination, resolve, and a willingness to
give it your all, we can all make the extraordinary happen.
for all of these – for the privilege of giving hope, for the glorious sight of football camps sprouting all over the country, for this incredible football renaissance – i ultimately have the beautiful game to
thank.
this award you have bestowed on me today means that i will continue giving back to football everything it has given me, so that i might even be more worthy of this honor.
again, thank you all very much.
Lack of support in all forms is the reason why football has not improved in this country. I ask the basketball community not to pull football down now that they are taking ground and getting support from private entities which they were deprived for decades and which Basketball has enjoyed ever since. We can't expect them to be a powerhouse instantly, but this is a good way for them to start developing into one. Do not wish them to fail just because you want basketball to get the limelight. Players and coaches, both previous and present have sacrificed a lot, more than all of you ever knew so as to achieve these things (despite all the difficulties resulting from lack of funding and base support) which most of you underscore. Please allow them to get what they deserve. Let them build momentum from what they have started. You had your chance and have enjoyed it for a long time, let them
good afternoon.
to be recognized by prime movers, experts and lovers of sports, is an incredible honor. thank you,
cebu sportswriters association, thank you to everyone here tonight.
it feels especially good to receive this honor in great company. congratulations donnie nietes. the past year was the closest i’ve been to the world of sports. everything i have seen–– the discipline and difficulties you struggle with, the brilliance and dedication that athletes and their coaches apply–all the dynamics at play, have doubled my admiration and respect for people like you.
congratulations again.
i’m aware that this presidential award is much more than an honor to me personally. so rather than focusing on me, i’ll use this opportunity to thank the persons and groups with whom i must share this recognition.
first, not just because you are my hosts, but because you truly deserve it, i bring this honor back to cebu.
the team and i are very thankful to you, the sportswriters of cebu, the many football enthusiasts, and all the clubs in your football association, for embracing the azkals early on.
when we were largely unnoticed in most parts of the country, you were among the first to write azkals stories that were reposted many times over on the web. you made others sit up and take notice. you
sparked interest in fans who appreciated your handle on the game. we didn’t really have to explain the game’s technicalities to you; you got your stories right–most of the time. we were — we are–
grateful to have media who obviously follow football and understand our passion for it.
our country’s ills, perennial lack of funds, and weak fiscal policies, stunt the development of most sports, but cebu has managed to build one of the more vibrant sports communities. you’ve made
great contributions with your brilliant athletes such as those honored here this afternoon, your dedicated coaches, and your superb trainers. i’m sure paolo pascual, one of our newest azkals, is just
one of many cebu-based talents who are waiting to be discovered.
i cannot promise you the world, but in my capacity as manager of the azkals, i hope that what we do on the international level will help step up your game and inspire greater changes here. when circumstances permit, we want to bring the azkals back to cebu and hold more training camps and football clinics. you were there for our difficult beginnings, and so should you be there too for the glory
days.
credit also goes to our sponsors and partners. i am gratified–relieved, if you will–that global and regional football federations, government officials, and corporate partners have come on board and granted full support to the azkals and the football program. finally, we are not alone. even the deped is considering football for schools.
i am doubly grateful to the few companies who helped the azkals even when we were still invisible.
thank you for believing in us.
all of this help means that we can build on our gains in the past year and realize the full potential of philippine football. i will do my part to ensure that the outpouring of support and investments go to building up the sport, not the egos or self-interests of individuals. as you know, we have learned many hard lessons, and we are determined not to suffer for the same mistakes.
you in the media can help us do that. help us look out for failed promises and commitments; call our attention when you see potential abuses in the system; herald too, all the unrecognized players, and
staff and coaches who quietly go about their work and create real changes on the ground.
speaking of changes, i must also acknowledge the great contributions of our 100,000- strong fans all over the country. azkals pages have sprouted on various web platforms. when i last checked, one fan page had nearly 123,000 likes! that’s astounding, considering that the page had only about a thousand fans in june.
these changes mirror the experience of our players. before they became an overnight sensation, few knew about chieffy, ali, ian and the rest of the team; neil and the other fil-fors flew in and out of the
country with little fanfare, and, i doubt if phil then would have had the guts to score a date thru twitter.
but thanks to sports lovers who relentlessly filled the web and other media with football news, and thanks to veteran fans who educated other fans on the sport, the interest built up into the formidable
force that our fans have become today. they were amazing in panaad. the chants, the wave, the white shirts and scarves – all the things they discussed and pledged to do on the fan pages – made for
an unforgettable experience for the azkals. the home crowd was electrifying!
even today, the fans sustain interest in football and engage us in passionate discussion about their own visions and dreams for the program. we have our own strong convictions, but when supporters have the team’s best interests at heart, we’re always ready to listen and give their views serious consideration.
finally, and most importantly, i share this award with the azkals – with the players, the coaches and the staff of the philippine football team.
whew, azkals, we’ve come a long way. throughout the long drought, when the team barely managed to scrape enough to rent a practice field…when practice gear, uniforms, equipment, tickets, board and lodging, let alone training camps(!) were cause for serious funding nightmares…when there was hardly any compensation for your troubles…when you suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of better-prepared and much better-paid competitors, you toiled and persevered through it all.
i’ve heard it said that every great achievement is impossible, until someone sets a goal to make it a reality. when i accepted management of the team, well-meaning friends advised me to stop
“throwing money away,” but i defiantly insisted on aiming for what was then inconceivable.
thank you, azkals, for trusting me. thank you for believing in the new game plan. when the journey was lonely and frustrating, when weariness sometimes crept in, you gave me reason to keep believing.
and i am so grateful that we kept on. you see, the azkals and i love football, and we needed to make filipinos understand why. the miracle in hanoi…the magical run…the fairytale…. we wanted our story to wake filipinos up to the possibilities.
for just as philippine football can be beautiful, so can the rest of our country’s sports grow. we can do wonders when we give athletes the right support. faith, hard work, and yes, tremendous sacrifice can
all come together, and a clear intention will emerge. one set of tactics overcomes another… team mates pass the ball as if they could read each other’s minds…brilliant skills make the ball go where it’s supposed to go…and suddenly, deafening cheers as a player lands a magnificent goal!
i’ve had a glimpse into the future of philippine football, and i’m humbled to have played a part in shaping it. i hope my story will remind filipinos that with determination, resolve, and a willingness to
give it your all, we can all make the extraordinary happen.
for all of these – for the privilege of giving hope, for the glorious sight of football camps sprouting all over the country, for this incredible football renaissance – i ultimately have the beautiful game to
thank.
this award you have bestowed on me today means that i will continue giving back to football everything it has given me, so that i might even be more worthy of this honor.
again, thank you all very much.
Lack of support in all forms is the reason why football has not improved in this country. I ask the basketball community not to pull football down now that they are taking ground and getting support from private entities which they were deprived for decades and which Basketball has enjoyed ever since. We can't expect them to be a powerhouse instantly, but this is a good way for them to start developing into one. Do not wish them to fail just because you want basketball to get the limelight. Players and coaches, both previous and present have sacrificed a lot, more than all of you ever knew so as to achieve these things (despite all the difficulties resulting from lack of funding and base support) which most of you underscore. Please allow them to get what they deserve. Let them build momentum from what they have started. You had your chance and have enjoyed it for a long time, let them
wow what a beautiful speech for a beautiful game!....Azkals play for the love of the game...while the sad state of our local basketball they play for monetary purposes...wala namang masama dun lahat naman tayo we make (both) ends meet....
Kahit PBA or any basketball league sa bansa dapat tandaan nila they play for the Filipino people not for the sake of commercial interest...
all sports professional leagues in the world before it was founded nagsimula muna yan as a national team...Utang na loob ng any sports e stablish pro league ang pagsuporta ng mga tao sa national team.....kung walang national team walang sports professional leagues sa mundo.
What we need is a national sports academy to tap and create potential world-class athletes..
Pwedeng i pattern sa sports program ng China or any european countries na very successful sa kanilang respective disciplines.
It is about time we have a basketball,baseball and football academy to our country...The objectives is to hire world class consultants to train our local coaches,trainer,conditioning instructors,sport nutritionist,officials,referees and of course our potential athletes...
In football the bench tactician needs uefa and fifa license...pero sa basketball dating player sa pro league kahit walang experience sa amateur leagues na promote agad as head coach and Gab lincense.
Ang kailangan natin hindi lang professional sports league kundi i-professionalize lahat ng involve sa sports..hindi yung tipong mga truck driver and jeepney driver na tinuruan lang ng lolo nila ay driver na...dapat graduate ng professional schools.
Kahit PBA or any basketball league sa bansa dapat tandaan nila they play for the Filipino people not for the sake of commercial interest...
all sports professional leagues in the world before it was founded nagsimula muna yan as a national team...Utang na loob ng any sports e stablish pro league ang pagsuporta ng mga tao sa national team.....kung walang national team walang sports professional leagues sa mundo.
What we need is a national sports academy to tap and create potential world-class athletes..
Pwedeng i pattern sa sports program ng China or any european countries na very successful sa kanilang respective disciplines.
It is about time we have a basketball,baseball and football academy to our country...The objectives is to hire world class consultants to train our local coaches,trainer,conditioning instructors,sport nutritionist,officials,referees and of course our potential athletes...
In football the bench tactician needs uefa and fifa license...pero sa basketball dating player sa pro league kahit walang experience sa amateur leagues na promote agad as head coach and Gab lincense.
Ang kailangan natin hindi lang professional sports league kundi i-professionalize lahat ng involve sa sports..hindi yung tipong mga truck driver and jeepney driver na tinuruan lang ng lolo nila ay driver na...dapat graduate ng professional schools.
excuse me! lionel messi is not 5'7. lionel messi is only 5'4. he suffered from Growth Hormone deficiency when he was a child. so there....
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- Smart Gilas places fourth in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup
- Monday, June 6 2011
- From the Stands: A legacy of Alaska trades, and Smart Gilas rules
- Saturday, June 4 2011
- FIBA-Asia Champions Cup day 6: Casio, Douthit tow Smart Gilas to the semis
- Saturday, June 4 2011
- Dirk!
- Friday, June 3 2011
- FIBA-Asia Champions Cup day 5: Dondon Hontiveros shines against Jordan
- Wednesday, June 1 2011
- FIBA-Asia Champions Cup day 4: Mark Barroca saves the day for Smart Gilas
- Tuesday, May 31 2011
Recent Comments
October 5 at 20:25
I'm with dotcom on this, so, b
roski, these next few lines a'
int for you, a'ight?
Haha,
all these bullshit comme [...]
September 27 at 14:33
all comment are interesting. Y
ou know guys since early 2010,
i am watching every game Smar
t Gilas (Pililpinas) los [...]
September 25 at 23:44
"I really don't understand the
reason why these businessmen
who own teams in the PBA think
that they are more impo [...]
September 22 at 03:43
isn't this the guy that Ninoy
pwned on live TV? LOL!
about Jolas and Jaemark
September 22 at 03:06
Jaemark, first of all I'm a bi
g fan of your work here. your
work has helped me through som
e very boring business h [...]
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