For the fans who were at the Rizal Football Stadium last Saturday, seeing David Beckham and the LA Galaxy ten meters away was as good as it gets. But the members of the Philippine team got to shake their hands, play alongside the MLS champions and literally rub elbows with them. It was an experience that could only be compared to hot chocolate topped with marshmallows on a cold winter night – it leaves a fuzzy feeling in your tummy.
The big news
“When I first heard the news, I didn’t believe it. I saw it on Twitter and I thought it was a joke,” says Manny.
“But during the SEA Games, coach said the LA Galaxy was really coming to the Philippines and that it was gonna be a huge match,” he continues.
At that, the 19-year-old knew he had to be in the lineup against the LA Galaxy. He was actually a last minute call from Germany since he had club commitments. He arrived on Wednesday for their Saturday match.
The players didn’t even know who their teammates would be until they got here in the Philippines. Manny and Jason De Jong were on the same flight and didn’t even know it until they saw each other on the plane.
Not too starstruck
Asked if Beckham is his idol, Manny shakes his head.
“He’s English,” laughs the Fil-German player.
Having lived in Munich for almost his entire life, Manny prefers German footballers. Even then, he says that it was a surreal experience getting to meet Beckham whom he only saw on TV and newspapers.
“Before the game, I was really, really nervous. It was the first time ever that I was that nervous,” he says, still grinning at the thought of how ridiculous it was to get butterflies because of Beckham.
As the whistle blew to signal the start of the game, all the players got into their game faces and their playing forms. As captain Chieffy Caligdong said, “Mamaya na picture taking, laro muna tayo.”
But Beckham had other ideas. When he took off his jersey and gave it to Manny Pacquiao, the whole Rizal Stadium watched in a not-so-conspicuous manner. In fact, everybody missed a goal from Mike Magee because they were preoccupied with a shirtless Beckham.
“Even the guys were watching,” laughs Manny. “But I was only looking at his tattoos, I promise!”
“I wanted to tackle him”
Even from a footballer’s point of view, Beckham is really one of the best living players.
Manny says Beckham’s right foot is one of the best he’s ever seen.
“His touch is so amazing. He had just like three missed passes the whole game,” he says.
Apparently, an opening goal from the British football legend and so many corner kicks wasn’t enough for Manny.
“I wanted to tackle him just to see him do a free kick,” he laughs. “But I got shy.”
Rob Gier was dreaming of Beckham
It was a relatively different experience for the half-English Azkals though, having lived where Beckham built his football career.
“The other Fil-Brits and I didn’t have to see him score a goal. It’s David Beckham!” says Chris Greatwich.
Even Phil Younghusband couldn’t hide his excitement when Beckham gave him an autographed jersey after the match.
Among the Azkals though, Manny and Chris agree that Rob Gier was the most starstruck.
“He was dreaming about Beckham the whole night,” teases Manny.
National Azkal Day
On December 5, 2010, the Philippines beat Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup. This marked the beginning of the so-called fairytale year for the Azkals.
Although the players themselves think a 6-1 loss to the LA Galaxy is a bit too high, they can’t deny that it was still a good experience for all the players.
“I never thought we’d play LA Galaxy and Beckham last year,” says Chris.
“And because this time last year we beat Vietnam, today is my self-proclaimed National Azkal Day!” laughs Chris who scored one of the Philippines' two goals against Vietnam. - OMG,
By MAV C. GONZALES
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