Azkals make history; Beermen chasing it

By Al S. Mendoza

 

HOLY Tuesday produced history in Philippine football.

And can San Miguel Beer follow suit, proceeding to outlast Magnolia to win a record fourth straight PBA Philippine Cup?

But first, football.

Our Azkals, after years of trying, finally made it to the Asian Football Cup (AFC).

The AFC is the Olympics of Asian football, the apex of everything football is made of in Asia.

You are already big time by just barging into the AFC proper, which the Philippines just did.

Thus, when the Philippine Azkals start to play in the AFC next year, they will instantly rewrite the record books.

It didn’t come easy.

Down by one precious goal with time almost running out in the second half, the Philippine Azkals rallied to defeat powerhouse Tajikistan, 2-1, and made it to the AFC for the first time.

The late-game heroics came in dramatic fashion, courtesy of Kevin Ingreso and Phil Younghusband.

Ingreso conceded the penalty goal off Nazarov Akhtam’s conversion for Tajikistan’s 1-0 lead on the 64th minute.

Did Ingreso sulk?

Not at all.

Ten minutes after his error, Ingreso turned from goat to goal maker, firing the equalizer that drew lusty cheers from the nearly-packed Rizal Memorial Stadium on Vito Cruz, Manila.

And with ticks remaining in the 80-minute match, Younghusband re-emerged from obscurity, hitting a penalty shot in injury time to seal the Azkals’ stunning victory.

“I can’t even describe the emotion,” said Younghusband, whose marginal blast was another milestone as it was his 50th goal in international play.

“I don’t even care about goal No. 50 as I’m just so consumed by our entry to the Asian Cup.”

Yes, indeed.

Nothing compares with this Azkal triumph.  Astonishing, to say the least.

Now, even as we face next year such world heavyweights like Korea, Japan, Iran and Australia in next year’s Asian Cup, the fear factor has been licked—for now.

In short, enjoy the moment.  There is nothing like getting into the Asian Cup of football.

It’s like seeing Gilas Pilipinas return to the basketball Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

And, speaking of basketball, we will see San Miguel Beer and Magnolia clashing in Game 3 tonight as they resume their best-of-seven series for the PBA Philippine Cup.

They are tied at 1-1, with Magnolia eking out a 105-103 thriller before SMB took Game Two by a 92-77 rout.

SMB had led by big margins in both games—20 points in Game One and 21 points in Game Two.

Both times, Magnolia rallied—succeeding in stealing a Game One win but failing to make lightning strike twice in Game Two.

Those margins were proofs of SMB’s vast superiority.

But are they enough to make the Beermen champion for a record fourth time in the All-Filipino?

Tonight’s outcome could yet be a solid barometer of sorts.  Place your bets, fellas.

Beer or chicken?

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