Yes sir. We wuz robbed in Bangkok, Thailand, last week during the semis game of this year’s Mitsubishi Cup.
Honestly, inspite for the hype given to the New Azkals, after their rare victory over the favorite Thais, I still had an inkling we won lose the next do or die game in Thailands main football stadium due to our historic past with them.
You see, unlike us, football is their national sport, more than any other, while ours, of course, is basketball. I knew they would still lord it over us in the end. BUT, BIG BUT. After the replay I had to play over and over again, clearly, the first goal they got, was already out of the pitch and goal should not have been counted.
But again, you can imagine how the unruly crowd would have reacted if the Japanese referee would have annulled that first goal. Pandemonium.
Sadly, the very reason why we have video challenges now these days. To make sure we don’t see anymore “hands of God” by the legendary Diego Maradona. Unfortunately, it still happens.
And by the way, I just heard from another football friend of mine that the coach of the Thai eleven is also a Japanese? Domo arigato.
Having been eight years as former Director of Media, Television, and Marketing for FIFA doesn’t make me the best referee on the international pitch but that crucial first goal was a downer for the new Azkals. I knew then, it would be uphill all the way for our boys.
Yet, we still salute our new eleven inspite of their gallant stand. Just wondering though why our famous striker and Aseans top scorer Bienve Maranon, who plays professional football now in Thailand and doing us proud, has not been included in the teams forward line.
Oh yes, I used to be PFF’s VP during the early days of PFF’s past presidents, the late Fernando Alvarez, Col. Lope Pascual, and the games icon Frank Elizalde. Together with Fifas VP Nonong Araneta, I have been blessed to witness almost all World Cups, including the last one in Qatar. This is why I can’t stomach cheating on the international pitch.
By the way, kudos to my classmate, former Cong Edmund Reyes, who’s son made the fantastic shot against the Thais in Rizal Memorial during the first game against the Pad Thais boys which we won.
He was telling me about his football crazy son in Congress and thought it was just another father proud of his son. I’m so happy for him. Praise the Lord.
Why UP won
Just learned why our alma mater lost the final last game for this years UAAP basketball to the eventual champs UP.
Simply because they missed 16, yes 16 foul shots out of 26 attempts. Wow, 16 is unbelievable. This is how the pressure got to them.
Sorry for the games MVP, Kevin Quiambao, who we hope will not yet fly out yet to Korea for the big league. But with so much money waiting for him and his family, I don’t blame him.
You’ve already done a lot for La Salle, and we shall forever be indebted to you Mr. MVP. Godspeed.
If Japan’s small and elusive 5’8 Kamamura would qualify Japan to the Olympics basketball and become a hit in the current NBA, pursue your dream Kevin. You and Kai Sotto have the best chances to make it.
Dream Big. Animo………..
