“IF the question is, ‘did the home game in Panaad, Bacolod (in February of 2011 against Mongolia in the Asian Football Confederation [AFC] Challenge Cup Qualifiers) reinforce the belief that had we an actual home match during the semifinals of the 2010 Suzuki Cup, could have won against Indonesia,” clarified Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami during my webcast interview last Friday.
“The answer is—certainly. Most certainly.”
The man who helped change the fortunes of Philippines football has been able to reflect on the game’s changes over the years and given everything that has happened since, he is in a unique position to offer that informed opinion.
And I agree with him.
I interviewed Palami on this being the calendar year being the 10th Anniversary of the historic 2010 Suzuki Cup. And at some point, we had to discuss that “lost home game.” What happened was Asean Football Federation (AFF) officials judged the Philippines as unprepared to host a semifinals home game; hence, awarding Indonesia with a second home game.
Back then, any howls of protest even a formal cable from Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials about still playing in the Philippines were met with deaf ears.
The third and final match of the Philippines in Group B competition in the 2010 Suzuki Cup ended in a scoreless draw with Myanmar. The match had hardly finished and yet, we already knew that we were not going to have a home field match. Hearing that somewhat dampened the atmosphere of qualifying for the semifinals for the first time in the biennial tournament.
In truth, there were so many things going on in our minds in Vietnam. The scoreless draw saw us qualify for the semis. I was near the presidential section when the final whistle blew and I will always remember looking down at our bench and seeing then-Philippines Head Coach Simon McMenemy yell, “Yeah” while throwing up his hands as the players and coaches jumped all over the place.
The match ended before 9:30 p.m. and after that there was about a 15-minute postgame press conference. By the time coach and me walked into the locker room, talk had centered on the “no home field” story. That was the second thing on everyone’s mind.
Former PFF General Secretary Chito Manuel forwarded a cable to AFF officials and Ravy Khek simply replied, “We cannot accede to your appeal.”
Said Palami of that incident, “Knowing what I know now, it [the home game] could have been played in a neutral venue. It is water under the bridge. We had a big chance. If we had drawn the first leg, the pressure would have been on Indonesia to get a result. And we would have had the experience of playing them.”
Palami also believes that the raucous Philippine crowd would have really spurred the Azkals on. Since then the Kaholeros and the Ultras—vociferous supporters all—were formed. And all of a sudden, there were cheers, chants, and well, jeers.
The longtime national team manager also confirmed that the “lost home game” also forced not only the Philippine Football federation, but also the national team and even clubs look to the longterm.
All of a sudden, football was popular and the potential was there for a breakout sport.
“We then prepared for a longer term plan,” explained Dan. “I always felt that if we prepare well, we will do well. We went on a Southeast Asian tour and played as many games as possible as a team. Nag-World Cup Qualifiers and Challenge Cup medyo we were caught up in a lot of tournaments. That was what was necessary to elevate us a more respected and stronger team. Sunud-sunod na tournaments and activities.”
But hindi pa ganun ka-calibrated approach ko. It was just inexperience. Going to a higher ranking in Fifa was about playing as many games as you can and getting those wins. We were doing that but not as the way we want. It matters who you play with and when you play—that is when there is a spike in the rankings. But it was a good experience and that experience will always be remembered by a lot us.”
And as former media officer of the national team who witnessed many a great result or event, don’t I know it.
The events of the 2010 Suzuki Cup—along with that lost home game—sure changed the way people look at the Beautiful Game in this country.