The Stupidity of Claiming The Media Is At Fault For The Perceived SEA Games Failure.

Julain Camacho. Photo courtesy of spin.ph

In the recently concluded Singapore SEA Games, the 466 strong Philippine delegation came home with 29 gold medals, 36 silver medals and 66 bronze medals.

In the 2013 Myanmar Games, we sent 219 athletes (less than half our Singapore delegation) and they came home with 29 gold medals, 34 silver medals and 38 bronze medals.

Understandably, some quarters are up at arms, claiming that our delegation's performance in Singapore was a failure. Some are even demanding that Philippine sports officials to take responsibility. And how does the Philippine chef de mission to the Signapore SEA Games react?

He blames the media.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Philippines 2, Yemen 0.

Analysis: The hard work paid off.

In the first half, the Azkals played patiently while the Yemenis played at a frenetic pace. It seemed to work in Yemen's favor at first, until they started running out of gas at the 35th minute. The Azkals then began to threaten but couldn't break the scoring ice.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Azkals 0, Yemen 0 at Halftime

Analysis: In the first 35 minutes, the Azkals were able to play possession ball but couldn't break through the resolute Yemeni defense.

In fact, it was Yemen who had the clearer shots at goal, with two coming dangerously close. Each of those two happened the same way: with well timed passes, one threading the suddenly caught off-guard Azkals defense, the other, lofted over the heads of the Azkals back four.

I'm suddenly missing the intelligent defensive work by Rob Gier and Juani Guirado. They may not be as speedy as Sato, Lucena, Palla or Woodland but their experience lets them anticipate plays better, minimizing worrying situations like that.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Predictions as Azkals Face Yemen!

Analysis: Everyone is riding the high of our historic win against Bahrain. The Azkals showed great technique, patience and confidence for most of the match, despite getting tested repeatedly.

In fact, the lone goal scored against them was just as much a product of the Azkals anticipating the final whistle and easing up on the defensive side of things as it was the incisive passing of the Bahrainis in that final sequence.

SINGAPORE SEA GAMES: Sepak Takraw Men Outduels Hometown Bets For Place In Finals Match!

Analysis: It would have been easier to just give up. After all, the Philippine Men's Sepak Takraw Team just got beaten up by Team Singapore to the tune of 21-12, in a match taking place in Singapore.

Add to that the fact that the Singaporean team was leading 18-16 late in the second set, just 3 points away from booking a place in the gold medal match.

SINGAPORE SEA GAMES: Gilas Squeaks By Thailand, 80-75!

Look who's catching up. Thailand's Men's Basketball team made Sinag Pilipinas sweat buckets before finally losing steam in the last minute of action, and falling to Sinag by a mere 5 point, 75-80.

How nerve wracking  was it for Sinag?

Until Troy Rosario started a rally in the third quarter, we weren't even sure we'd be able to keep up with the Thais.

Until the oft-forgotten Almond Vosotros hit three after three after three after three in the third quarter, we weren't sure we could overhaul the Thai lead.

And until Kiefer Ravena hit that dagger three with about 10 seconds left, we weren't sure we could keep that lead. That's a lot of "untils".