What Happened During The Azkals-Sri Lanka Match?

It's been two days since the Azkals salvaged a draw against Sri Lanka, a team they were supposed to beat (by 2 goals, if we were to believe former Azkal coaches).

As the hysteria dies down, let's take a look at the what really happened during the match.

Sheen Did Steroids!

We've heard of players doing them to improve their game performance. Sheen did them for vanity.

True, he was filming Major League at that time, as Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn...but he didn't need to play like a big league pitcher, he only had to look like a big league pitcher.

Read the complete Sports Illustrated interview here.

Mayweather Says Pacquiao Is Next!

I'll believe it when the bell rings and I see Mayweather in the ring with Manny. But not one second before then.

Mayweather disrespected another opponent, this one WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, by saying he regarded this fight as a tune up match. Mayweather went as far as saying he was going to take Ortiz's title then move on to his actual target, Manny Pacquiao.

Does this mean Mayweather is willing to let go of his ridiculous blood testing demands? I don't think so. But prove me wrong, Mayweather. I dare you to. 

Azkals To Go For Win In Manila!

The Azkals need only to hold the Sri Lankans to a goalless draw to advance to the next round. But team officials say that they will not settle for a draw in front of what they expect to be record crowds of Azkal fanatics.

Azkals Coach Hans Michael Weiss said he was not thrilled by the 11-draw in Sri Lanka but is now focused on the Sunday game here. He is drawing up a new game plan which might include replacing the injured Phil Younghusband as striker. Options include Colombo game scorer Nate Burkey and veteran Ian Araneta.

More on this story here.

NBA Lockout A Done Deal?

What happens when spoiled millionaires go head-to-head with spoiled billionaires? A lockout ensues.

And that is exactly where the NBA is headed for.

The NBA players union and the NBA owners simply could not decide who gets to take home the bigger pile of money and has decided to penalize the average fan by settling into a lockout.

Both sides claim to be the right side so we know they're both wrong and now, we have to get our basketball fix somewhere else.

All I can say is, boo-freaking-hoo to both of you.


More on this story here.

Bismack Biyombo: Steal Of Draft 2011?

I have a good feeling about this kid. Like maybe he's the next Rodman...without the crazy.

Here's his performance at the Nike Hoops Summit, when he logged the first ever triple-double in Nike Hoopos Summit history.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 1-1 Final Score

Azkals salvage a 1-1 decision, with substitute Nate Burkey scoring a goal in the second half off a Chieffy Caligdong cross.

The 1-1 score means the Azkals are 1 point ahead, as away goals count as 2 points. If the Azkals hold the Brave Reds to a0-0 draw on Sunday, they will move on to the second round.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: Almost a Reds Goal

Kudos to Neil Etheridge for saving a well hit ball. Score should be 2-1 in favor of Sri Lanka but Etheridge comes to the rescue with a diving punch out.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 85th Minute

Last 5 minutes. No decent chances for either team. Ball remains at the middle of the field.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 75th Minute

Azkals now dominating the game but still unable to add to the score. Nate Burkey comes out in favor of Ian Araneta who almost scores 1 minute in.

Azkals Score!

Fantastic goal by the Azkals! Nate Burkey heads in a header by James Younghusband from a fabulous Chieffy Caligdong cross.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: Halftime!

Azkals 0, Sri Lanka 1.

Great opportunities for the Azkals but no conversions yet.

Sri Lanka was definitely more aggressive, more physical. They must have been listening to all the talk about how the Azkals should cream them and decided they wanted to do some creaming of their own.

There were definitely some warning signs early on, with the Reds able to penetrate down the left flank and even had a shot at an open goal. The defensive mediocrity is definitely hurting us now.

My guess is Coach Weiss is chewing out the boys for responding to the physical play of the Reds, getting three yellow cards early on. Phil Younghusband was a shadow of his usual self and was pulled out at around the 35th minute.

For the Azkals to get back, they need to forget the physical play and go athletic. Outrun the Reds defense get the goal back.

Azkals Go Down 0-1!

The unthinkable has happened. Sri Lanka scores first on a beautiful direct kick.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 20th Minute

Two great chances for the Philippines, one, a curving ball by Phil Younghusband that was caught by the Reds goalie and a cross that Phil Younghusband sent wide.

There was a near fight too, as Phil Younghusband was brought down by a clumsy challenge and then the Red feigned an injury. James Younghusband lost his temper and got a yellow card, as well as Manny Ott.

Sri Lanka had a golden opportunity to score on an open goal but they sent it over the bar.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds: 5th Minute

We may have underestimated Sri Lanka. They are definitely the more aggressive team and the Azkals are struggling to keep up.

First real chance comes courtesy of Sri Lanka, a header from a cross that went straight to Etheridge.

Azkals Vs Brave Reds About To Start!

We're 5 minutes away from the kick off. I expect nothing less than dominance from the Azkals. Keep tuned to the Sportster as I bring you updates every 10-15minutes (or whenever something notable happens)

Let's go Azkals!

Lebron The Anti-King - Quinito Henson

Quinito Henson is one of my idols. This is his article on Lebron James. All I can say is...When I grow up, I want to be just like Quinito!

Read his column here.

Five Keys For The Azkals To Win.

Today, the Azkals take their first step in rewriting Philippine football history. A win today in Sri Lanka would almost certainly put the Azkals into the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, a stage we have never set foot on.

But for that to happen, we need to see these five things:
A DOMINANT ANGEL GUIRADO.  The Fil-Spanish midfielder has turned into the offensive linchpin for the Azkals. Azkal observers have noted the shift in offensive responsibilities, as Guirado slowly became the playmaker of the Azkals. His size, speed and skill have caused defenders to key in to him, freeing up the other players like the Younghusbands, Caligdong and Araneta. He may not be scoring a lot but he is certainly assisting on a lot of goals.

Mayweather Sued Again!

What else is new?

Floyd Mayweather Jr is so busy beating up women, ordinary workers and fans that it's no wonder he doesn't have the time or inclination to fight Manny Pacquiao.

Anthony Cliff, a 21 year old from Las Vegas, filed a lawsuit against Mayweather, alleging that the boxer had his bodyguards beat up Cliff after he asked someone in Mayweather's party about the possibilities of a Pacquiao fight.

Mayweather reportedly told Cliff that he felt "disrespected" and gave the thumbs down sign to his bodyguards, signalling them to beat up Cliff.

More on this story here.

The Magician, Robocop Lead PInoys Im World 9Ball Championships!

Efren "Bata" Reyes and Dennis  "Robocop" Orcullo advanced to the knockout stage of the World 9Ball Championships in Doha, Qatar.

They are joined by defending champion Franciso "Django" Bustamante, Carlo Biado, Oliver Medenilla, Jeffrey de Luna, Allan Cuartero and Antonio Lining.

More on this story here.

Coaches Predict Azkals Victory!

It could be merely patriotism that lef former PHL coaches Juan Cutillas and Norman Fegidero Jr to predict an Azkal victory in Sri Lanka.

It could also be recent history, as the Azkals have done very well in the AFC Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup.

That being said, the predictions of these former PHL coaches may very well be added fuel to the promising PHL-Sri Lanka match tomorrow, with the Azkals hoping to make history by moving on the the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.

More on this story here.

Patrombon Shocks German In Wimbledon.

Win a match in Wimbledon? Check!

Jeson Patrombon ticked off another item in his career to-do list as he shocked a heavily favored German in Wimbledon's Junior Championships.

Miami Heat Plan To Get Younger And Quicker!

In the first year of the LBJ-DWade-CBosh "dynasty", the Miami Heat made it to the NBA Finals with a roster that was as old as Methuselah.

This year, Pat Riley is aiming to make the team younger and quicker. The new Heat masterplan started with the drafting of speedster Norris Cole and, by all indications, he won't be the last young-and-quick player the Heat will be going after.

Azkals In Showdown with Tough Lankans (And History)!

If there was a number that should be most daunting to the Azkals, it's this: 0.
That's the number of PHL football teams that have made it past the first round of the World Cup qualifiers since it was introduced in 1930.