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blogvintagefutbol:

In the words of Nate Burkey

Where do I begin?

So much has happened in the past month and a half it’s hard to just sit down and put it all into words.  I am currently in Colombo, Sri Lanka with the team as we prepare for our first World Cup qualifier match since 2001.  Due to lack of financial resources, the team has not been able to play in any qualifying matches until now.  The WORLD CUP! Just the sound of that gives me chills.  I would have never thought that I would ever be playing in a qualifying match for the World Cup!  Don’t get me wrong, as a boy of course I dreamed of it, but as time went on I thought it would remain just that - a dream.  Now in just two days I will put on a jersey that I am so proud to wear, and I will be representing the Philippines in a qualifying match for the biggest sporting tournament in the world.  Who would have thought? Life is an amazing journey…

Before Sri Lanka we spent two weeks in Germany for a training camp preparing for the historic match.  I had never been to Germany before and I really enjoyed the country, food, people, and of course, the football.  It was nice to be in a professional environment again where the only concentration is football.  We played four friendly matches.  The first two were against a lower division team and a u19 team.  The level of play was good but we were the stronger side and won both games.  The last two games were definitely among the highest level of football I have played.  One game was against a third division team, Ingolstadt. Edson Buddle, a member of the USMNT, plays on this team.  The second was against a second division team, Darmstadt.  Both teams played very good football.  They played a quick one and two touch game and moved off the ball extremely well.  We lost both games. However, the experience is one I will never forget.  It was also great to see all the Filipino supporter who came out to all four friendly matches.  There was a good amount of supporters at each game, and they showed so much support and pride.  It was also a pleasant surprise to see my mom at our second friendly.  I knew she would be in Germany and we planned to see each over the weekend but she said her schedule wouldn’t allow her to come to our match.  But she surprised me and was able to see me play.  It was truly a gift from God.

The Philippine national team is more of an international team.  We have players from Germany, England, Spain, Iceland, US, and other countries.  I don’t think there is another national team like this where so many players carry two passports.  Although we all have our different cultures, we all have Philippine blood running through our veins.  Everyone on the team carries so much pride, and everyone is striving for the same goal.  All the guys are always smiling and having a good time.  It’s nice to be around and it makes the team more fun and welcoming.

There are times being away from home when I will get a little lonely or home sick, missing my family, friends, and loved one.  I also miss the food and being able to get in my car and go wherever I want.  But the good thing is that those things are not going anywhere and will be there when I get back.  During these times I also remember how fortunate and blessed I am to be in the position I am.  This is an experience of a life time and wouldn’t give it up for anything.

This Wednesday, June 29, I am able to take part of Philippine football history as we play Sri Lanka in our first World Cup qualifying match since 2001.  I will soak in every single moment of this opportunity. I will remember how I got here and believe in why I am here now.  If you are able to watch I think  www.bet365.com will stream the game. Stay Vintage. Let’s go Azkals.