I still remember the first time I watched the Philippine Azkals play back in 2010 during the AFF Suzuki Cup. That tournament completely changed how Filipinos viewed football in our country. Before that magical run, football ranked a distant third behind basketball and boxing in terms of popularity. But something shifted when our national team started beating established football nations like Vietnam and Singapore. The Azkals weren't just playing football—they were awakening a sleeping giant of a nation to the world's most popular sport.

What struck me most during those early days was the team's incredible camaraderie. I recently came across a quote from Choco Mucho's head coach that perfectly captures what I witnessed: "Sa'min kasi, yung never-say-die spirit namin, talagang every time na may mahirap na situation, tinatakbuhan namin yung isa't isa." This "never-say-die" attitude became the team's trademark, transforming them from underdogs to legitimate contenders in Southeast Asian football. I've followed their journey closely since that 2010 breakthrough, and what fascinates me is how they've maintained this spirit through various challenges—from funding issues to changing coaching staff and player availability problems.

The Azkals' rise followed a fascinating trajectory that I've charted through my own observations. Their breakthrough in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup saw them reach the semifinals—an achievement that seemed impossible just years earlier. By 2012, the team had climbed to their highest FIFA ranking of 143rd globally. The Philippine Football Federation reported that registered players increased from just 20,000 in 2010 to over 130,000 by 2018. I've personally seen this growth in local communities—more kids wearing Azkals jerseys, more football fields being built, and more parents considering football as a serious sport for their children. The United Football League's establishment in 2009 provided a crucial domestic platform, though I've always felt it never quite reached its full potential due to inconsistent funding and organization.

What many casual observers miss is the strategic importance of recruiting Filipino-foreign players. This approach, while sometimes controversial, dramatically accelerated the team's development. Players like Neil Etheridge, who became the first Filipino to play in the English Premier League, and Stephan Schrock brought professional experience that elevated the entire squad. I've had the privilege of interviewing several Azkals over the years, and what consistently impresses me is their genuine connection to the Philippines, regardless of where they grew up. Their commitment goes beyond just representing the country—they've become ambassadors who've helped develop youth programs and inspire the next generation.

The current landscape presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges that I'm cautiously optimistic about. The Azkals' FIFA ranking has fluctuated, currently sitting around 135th according to my latest check, but the foundation is stronger than ever. The Philippines' first-ever AFC Asian Cup appearance in 2019, though resulting in three losses, provided invaluable experience at the highest level. I'm particularly excited about the growing domestic league system and the increasing number of homegrown players getting opportunities abroad. The recent establishment of the Philippines Football League, despite its struggles with stability and visibility, represents another step toward sustainability.

Looking ahead, I believe three key areas will determine the Azkals' future success. First, youth development needs more investment—we're still not producing enough technically gifted players compared to our Southeast Asian neighbors. Second, the domestic league requires better organization and marketing to become financially viable. Third, we need to maintain that distinctive team spirit that characterized the early Azkals squads. The quote about teammates running toward each other during difficult situations isn't just poetic—it's been the team's practical philosophy through every challenge.

From my perspective as someone who's followed Philippine football for over two decades, the Azkals' journey represents more than just sporting achievement. They've become cultural icons who've reshaped how Filipinos see themselves in the global sporting landscape. While we may not become World Cup contenders overnight, the progress has been remarkable. The team's ability to maintain their fighting spirit through adversity gives me confidence that the best chapters of the Azkals story are yet to be written. Their journey continues to inspire me, and I genuinely believe they'll surprise us all again soon—because that's what underdogs with never-say-die spirits do.