Limpag: Let�s stop babying the Azkals

By Mike T. Limpag

Fair Play

Sunday, June 10, 2012
IT SEEMS some interesting things are still happening online because of that 2-2 draw against Indonesia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last week, and one of the talking points is the criticism the team got because it drew a match it was dominating.
I really don�t agree with most of the criticisms because it was a friendly and we just drew Indonesia but I don�t agree, too, with how the critics are being pictured as folks on high horses who heap added burden to the players with their unreasonable demands.

Now that�s pretty unfair because no matter what these critics say about the 2-2 draw, for those 90 minutes against Indonesia they were there screaming their hearts out for the Azkals.
While I was happy that the team that we once feared now fear us, and were contented to fight to a draw, I don�t think it was too much for some to expect that we beat them.
And besides, the Azkals are the national football team, not the national untouchable team, and we can�t keep on babying the players. The one-year honeymoon the team got after Vietnam was enough and if they make a mistake, they deserved to be told, bluntly.
The Azkals, too, have to learn there�s a difference between a cynic and a critic and that just because fans are criticizing a result doesn�t mean they�ll forever abandon the squad. They�ll be there, through thick and thin, supporting the squad, and hopefully, to criticize them when needed.
They are fans, not robots pre-programmed to talk about the positive when all they want is a chance to air their gripe.
This �let�s not be critical� approach has some negative repercussions on some players, particularly locals, who I�ve heard are starting to resent fans--why is it when locals make a mistake it�s open season for criticisms but when those based abroad do, there�s next to nothing?
While the writer of the article �Azkal fans need to stay positive� was unhappy with the criticisms, I am happy. Because for me, that�s a sign that we have reached a new level in the support for football�there�s a national discussion on the sport and like all great discussions, this one is not a one-way street.
Besides, did you know what happened the last time criticisms were hurled at the team during a series of friendlies? They got their first medal.
So guys�whether you agree with each or not�keep on talking. You all play a part.
The Azkals� next match will be against Guam, and while Coach Michael Weiss has said he will still field his strongest lineup against the lowly-ranked team, I�m hoping he�d give the starting jobs to guys like Ian Araneta, Ed Sacapano and other locals who have stuck with the team.
It would be a while when these guys would get the chance to play for the flag in front of their kababayans against a team that is not relatively strong and making them start is for me, a just reward.
But, that�s just me.

Sun Star Cebu