A Tale of Three Strikers

Here is a tale of three strikers.

Once, three teammates were walking down the road after a game, a bitter loss at that. One of them was an English-born Fil-foreigner, he of good looks that merit squeals and whatnot that is reserved for actors. The second, a full-blooded Pinoy, who grew up in football hotbed, Barotac Nuevo. The third, a hulking half-Spanish with floppy long hair.

Angel Guirado, Phil Younghusband and Chieffy Caligdong

All three were known strikers. Although, the positions actually vary for a football fan. The English chicboy is a pure striker at heart. Has good clinical skills. The Spaniard, on the other hand, was bull strong, people calling him “El Toro,” adept at forcing his way through not one or two defenders, but three! He can play up as a striker with his power, or drop down as a right wing or right midfielder, even as low as a central defensive midfielder given his build. The Visayan, the shortest of them all, was “The Chief” to local fans. He of the highest caps for the national team. He can go either left or right wing, distribute that ball but most of all, score goals.

They met Glory as they walked, he who giveth immortality to athletes. He who grants them unworldly powers in their athletic “profession.” He asked the three what they would want, for he is granting of them a single wish.

All of them answered the same: We want the three points on our last 2 games. We don’t like anyone controlling our destiny. We want it to be ours and ours alone.

Granted, said Glory, adding, it will come, on the time you least expect it.

They trooped back to their hotels, trying to comprehend what Glory said. They slept restlessly, turning to and fro, all excited, or what it seems, for their next bout against a Southeast Asian power in Vietnam. Match day came and it couldn’t have gone for the better. 84 minutes in and they still haven’t gotten their wish. 84 minutes and and the English-Pinoy striker could not get going. “El Toro” subbed in and tried to bulldoze his way to the back of the net. He almost got it.

Almost.

A Viet blocked his rampaged taking the brunt of the smashing kick that he gave the ball. The keeper heaved a sigh of relief as his countryman got the wind knocked out of him. But the last minute onslaught was not yet over. Yet being the operative word.

The “Chief” subbed in, hoping to recapture his magic. But he cannot do it alone. He needed help. And he got it from “El Toro.” The bullish forward chipped an overhead pass towards him and the native of Barotac Nuevo struck true. 1-0.

Glory. It has been granted as promised. But there was one more game left. And two more wishes to be granted.

Up now against Myanmar, the Englishman vowed revenge. He played like a barf bag the last time out, no chance of it happening twice, not when he is the best striker the team has had in all its history, of course not counting the exploits of a certain “El Romperedes.” His first attempt almost went in, being punched out by a surprised keeper, same with his second and third. But at the resumption of the match after the half, he was not to be denied.

46th minute, book it. Glory. One foot in. Destiny, his.

Not to be outdone, “El Toro” finally broke through the backline of the White Angels. One tried to hook him, unbalance him as his impressive ball control took hold of the rogue football. The defender eventually failed, outmuscled by the hulking Spaniard before crushing the goal keeper and letting out a defiant roar. 2-0 by the 93rd minute.

Match done. Both feet in. Destiny theirs.

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