Glad it was “just a friendly.”
The way the Filipinas, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, ended their tune-up match against Uzbekistan the other night was so disappointing, to say the least. The Filipinas appeared to have the win in the bag after ending the first half with two goals courtesy of Chandler McDaniel with fans hardly warming up their seats. Merryl Soriano made it a two-goal lead in the 56th minute sending the home crowd in a frenzy.
But then the Uzbeks clawed back to the game. Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva’s strikes in the 67th and 81st minutes enabled the visitors to dig themselves out from the 0-2 hole.
It is hard to lose a 2-0 lead in football. But football is football. Nothing is set in stone and fortunes could change with a single, but spectacular play. Or a series of several questionable calls by the coaching staff. Coach Mark Torcaso, as expected, was under fire after the game. Rightly so. More often than not, players win the games, coaches lose them. Not only in football, but in other games as well.
This is not to defend Torcaso, but if he wanted to experiment different combinations or flirt with the lineup that he has at his disposal, then the best time to do that is during a friendly. He should, however, be ready if the intended results are not reached.
Some people might be unforgiving – and we can’t blame them. Some are even calling for Torcaso’s dismissal from the team. They may have a point. It is also very easy to point the finger at him for letting the jaws of draw snatch the win from the Filipinas last Wednesday night.
Whatever will happen, I’m just hoping that the Filipinas will be a stronger and a more cohesive team when it matters the most.
Someone told me that Torcaso is the only thing that’s keeping the team together after what the Filipinas have gone through since Alen Stajcic, former team managers Jeff Cheng and Freddy Gonzalez left the team. This is probably true, too.
Torcaso though, despite all the challenges and the concerns, need to make things happen in Thailand SEA Games in December to at least appease the football gods.
Today should be a personal milestone for me, but please indulge me.
There are several things that I would like to clarify.
First, The Designated Kit Man is not responsible for the upkeep of the national teams especially when it comes to their disposition and morale.
Second, I do not make or call the shots when it comes to decisions pertaining to whatever direction Philippine football wants to take.
Third, I have no say when it comes to the identification, selection and recruitment of players for the national teams.
Fourth, I write on matters that people, parents, players and other individuals value, care and are passionate about when it comes to playing for the three stars and the sun.
Fifth, I don’t care if you are a colleague or even one of the few friends I keep in my close circle, but when you are not doing what is expected and needed from you, you will surely hear from me. Kahit sino pa ang siga at nakaupo diyan.
Sixth, I’m not the reason why many people have resigned from a certain sporting association. I was not the one, who fired them and definitely not the one either, who hired people to replace them.
Seventh, respect begets respect.
With these aside, I find it funny that some people are putting the blame on me with the way I apparently and allegedly impact the morale of several people, who run my favorite Mount Olympus and “players” with the things I write in this column. You should not be afraid of my one liners, be afraid if I write things with resibo. Baka lalo kayo malaglag sa mga upuan niyo. Better yet do your job better and for the best of all concerned, be motivated not just because of the power, the privilege and the perks.
More importantly, be accountable. Wag pasa sisi sa iba palagi. Tingin-tingin din sa sarili.
And please grow up, ‘wag palaging Dad to the rescue.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
