Schröcking Thursday Night

Posted: 29 July 2011

For Thursday morning, click here.

Pre-Game

And this was my Thursday when the sun was setting down. It wasn’t actually twilight time, but I can’t remember seeing the sun. How uncanny.

As usual, I went to Rizal Stadium alone. There was no Global FC players this time. I even got off the wrong station. I was supposed to get off in Vito Cruz, but I found myself wondering in Pedro Gil. My eyes seemed to be playing tricks on me.

When I got to the stadium, there were only few people inside. I didn’t even see a single Kaholero. When I texted one of them, I was told that they’re in McDo so I decided to follow them only to be stopped by security. They were looking for an ID, which I couldn’t present because I was yet to get it.

To make things short, I got my ID by borrowing someone else’s (when they already entered the stadium) so I could get past the security. I went to McDo and saw some Kaholeros. I also saw Mrs. Maureen Garcia, wife of Sir Rafa Garcia, Angel’s handler and cousin. Some of the clan were also there, still waiting for the others to come.

Warming up

When I saw the boys warming up, the first player I looked for was definitely Ray Jonsson. The Boss told me about his condition the day before the game so I was really concerned. When I saw him, I was so happy although I already knew that he was ok because my friend Cedelf said, “Ok na siya,” when I asked him about our left back master.

Jonsson was warming up slowly, and I understood why. I was really watching out for him besides his former roomie and opposite, the right back tackle master.

I saw Rob Gier doing heading ‘drills’ with Capitan Aly, and I remembered his first goal. It was through a header. Beautiful.

First Half

As usual, the Kaholeros were all out in cheering for the national team. And I’m getting quite concern with my voice. It seems like it has changed a bit since July 3rd. But if the pride and glory of my country is on the line, my voice can suffer a bit. I’m just thankful I never had sore throat with all these cheers and chants.

We had our group chants but from time to time I would call out to players, cheering them on, especially to Iceman and Wolfgang. I’ve always been concern that these two might think they’re not getting as much support as the others do.

When I saw Rob Gier attempted a goal by a header, I got so excited only to be spoiled by Kuwait’s goalkeeper. I even wanted to laugh at myself for what I could’ve done if it hit the back of the net. It would’ve been awesome if he scored the first goal for Philippines.

Imagine a formidable right back defender scoring a goal. Imagine!

We had a lot of missed chances, which still made me feel bad about someone particular in the pitch. I was like, “Wake up, *insert player’s name here*! Wake up!” I even told my friend Ria, “Where is *insert player’s name here*? Who is that guy wearing his jersey?” I was hoping he’d be replaced anytime soon. Too bad that didn’t happen.

I would personally like to thank the goal posts that helped Neil Etheridge defend our turf. The Kuwaitis also had a lot of missed chances during the first of the game, courtesy of those goal posts.

On the 47th minute, the ball was being passed by our boys until it found its way to Chieffy Caligdong. From Manong Chieffy, it was directed to over-90-minute-sensational-but-never-disappointing Stephan Schröck.

I can’t remember the attacking midfielder’s distance from goal when he kicked the ball at the 48th minute for Philippines’ first goal against Kuwait. It was also his first international goal.

The moment the ball hit the back of the net, every Filipino went into frenzy celebration. We were jumping happily. We gave each other a hug. We were simply crazily happy.

It was just one goal, but it sparked the hope that never died in our people’s heart.

And thinking about it, I feel bad for failing to congratulate Schröcky for the goal. I saw him in Rizal after the game. I also saw him in Diamond Hotel. I also missed my chances. I hope I can still have the chance to personally congratulate Stephan for his first international goal. We’re definitely looking for more to come.

Half-Time

I helped in manning the gigantic flag from one end to another of the bleachers section. Boy, it was such a workout! I sweated as if I had a vigorous exercise yet it was only for 15 minutes.

But before getting a hold of the flag, some of the Kaholeros and me ran our way to the other end. I was running while thinking of Schröck because the ways we had to run through were not smooth. There were hindrances; it was like playing Football.

I could say that I ran like a Football player on the pitch.

Second Half

The troubles started here, but we still believed. It may not be for a terrific win, but for a great game. Even to the last minute, our hearts were for the national team.

Some or most of us were teary, definitely sad. But we Filipinos are always capable of looking at the bright side and even joke about some not-so-good situations.

I knew that Kuwait is tough opponent so I’m not expecting my boys to easily get pass through them. What I didn’t expect was their unnecessary moves that did not show fairness. We even had issues with the calls.

But no matter how hard and long we whine about it, the whistle was already blown. Kuwait won the second leg, 2-1, and the second round on 5-1 aggregate.

So Brazil is not for us. We’ll go to Russia then. 2018 will give us enough time to save up.

with my Kaholero friends during the home game againts Kuwait