Fans mean more to sports teams than you might think. This is why you should show up to cheer on the Azkals in another World Cup cycle filled with potential and hope.
2023 was the year for Filipino sports fans. The Filipinas made a historic debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas competed as the hosts at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Philippines reached their best Asian Games finish in many years thanks — and throughout all of the major sports events this year, Filipino fans have been a resounding voice of support for the country’s athletes. But, the fan duties are not yet over. It’s time to rally behind another one of our national teams.
Only a month remains until the start of another FIFA World Cup cycle, as the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, A.K.A. the Azkals, will be competing in the World Cup qualifiers beginning in November. And this year, the football community is hoping to relive the glory days of Philippine football, when fans would pack Rizal Memorial Stadium to support the Azkals.
This is why the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has recently revealed a new battle cry for the qualifying campaign: Stand Your Ground: 10K Strong!
#StandYourGround
As the Azkals take on the challenge of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they have been grouped with strong teams in the continent: Iraq and their Southeast Asian Rivals, Vietnam and Indonesia. Indeed, it will be a tough assignment. But, this is exactly why the PFF is calling for all Filipino sports fans to show their support to #StandYourGround.
The Azkals have been lucky to receive the opportunity to play on their home turf, as their games will take place in the 12,873-seater Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila, and Rizal Memorial is no stranger to the historic successes of the Azkals. In the past, this venue has been the ground of incredible comebacks and huge upsets in front of huge crowds.
“The fans have always played a vital role behind the success of the Men’s National Team,” PFF President Mariano Araneta said in a statement. “As the Azkals embark on another historic World Cup qualifiers campaign, our objective is to make them feel the support of the fans. Let us rally behind our team and show that we can pack Rizal Memorial Stadium. Let us stand our ground for our team and for our country.”
This is why the PFF is launching its campaign, Stand Your Ground: 10K Strong! — they are hoping to get at least 10,000 fans packed into the Rizal Memorial to cheer on the Azkals in their World Cup campaign. And you should be a part of this.
The role of fans in success
As PFF President Araneta expressed himself, the fans always play a huge role in any team’s success. Just recall the Filipinas in their first Women’s World Cup. Filipino fans traveled to the match destinations in New Zealand to cheer on the team. In fact, every time the Filipinas held possession during any of their matches, the Filipino fans could be heard, loud and clear, even through the live broadcasts on TV and live streaming. Ask any of the players — this kind of support was a huge source of inspiration to everyone on the pitch.
For the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the men’s side, Filipino fans have the opportunity to cheer their players on at home, and this is an opportunity not to be wasted. So if you’re looking for a reason to support the Azkals in their games starting next month, what better reason than to help push the men to another potentially historic run?
“It is important for the Federation to work hand in hand with the Fans in order to make this campaign a success,” PFF general secretary Mikhail Torre said. “We hope this can reignite the fire that once gave people hope that we can perform at the highest level.”
We all know that the passion of Filipinos, especially for sports, is unparalleled. Let’s use this to our teams’ advantage. See you at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium!
Stay tuned to the Philippine Football Federation for more details on the 16 November 2023 match vs. Vietnam.
Banner image from Philippine Football Federation on Facebook.
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