On a cold winter night in Surakarta, a nation yearning for identity over the past few years has emerged once again as the Philippines’ hopes for regional supremacy continues after a slim 1-0 win over the region’s perennial bridesmaids, Indonesia. It is a result that saw the Philippine Men’s National Team make their return to the knockout stages in six years. Bjorn Kristensen’s 63rd minute spot kick was the lone difference in the match as the Philippines finished the group stage as Group B runners up with six points out of a possible 12, behind leaders Vietnam. It may not have been a miracle in the akin to the win against Vietnam 14 years ago, but beating a football-mad nation in Indonesia — particularly on home soil — surely comes close to those who hold the national team dearly.
Over the years, Indonesia had the Philippines’ number every time they faced in the pitch, including a 13-1 thrashing in 2002, but times have changed. The Philippines are no longer minnows in the region, but rather considered as perennial contenders as shown last night. Gone are the household names like Phil and James Younghusband, Stephan Schrock, Rob Gier to name a few leading the Philippines, but new crop of talents shows that the future is in good hands with Kristensen, Alex Monis, Adrian Ugelvik, and Sandro Reyes, among others are all trying to etch their names in Philippine football lore.
The past three results may have been unfair for the Philippines, but it has been the underdog mentality that continues to make this team resilient against all odds. For a team that’s formerly known as The Azkals, the PMNFT still holds that allure of showing up on the big occasion when it matters the most. Why are we like this? It’s ingrained in our DNA, we’re Bjorn this way, we’re Bjorn to be wild. In six days’ time, the Rizal Memorial Stadium hosts its first ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinal match in 10 years, as the PMNFT look to get a result against reigning seven-time champions Thailand. History will be on Thailand side, but there will be always room for more miracles to come for the Philippines.
Stand your ground, Philippines. We’re back.
