Team Azkals' Philip James Younghusband during the return leg of their World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Photo by Rem Zamora for abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - It was the sight of a crying goalkeeper that further melted the hearts of Filipinos still reeling from the 4 goals-to-none match between the Sri Lanka Brave Reds and the Philippine Azkals.

Moments after members of the Philippine football team marched around the oval of the Rizal Memorial Stadium egging on loud cheers from fans, the public saw Filipino-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge change shirts bearing "Rest in Peace, Granddad."

The shirt also showed a picture of him and his British grandfather, who died weeks ago. Across his back, was printed "You will always be remembered."

Azkals coach Michael Weiss explained that Etheridge, who cried profusely before flashing cameras, could not anymore keep his emotions intact.

In his Twitter account, Etheridge later said: "Great Win! 4-0 Thank you for my family, mum and dad coming all the way to watch me and R.I.P Grandad, that game was for you!"

That picture was only one too many of the events on the Azkals' historic match on Sunday.

They made history by becoming the first Philippine team to make it
to the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They will next meet Kuwait on July 23 and 28.

Fans and supporters of the Team Azkals celebrate after a triumphant game against Sri Lanka (4-0) in the return leg of the World Cup qualifying match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Photo by Rem Zamora for abs-cbnNEWS.com

Rain or shine
The throng of mostly white and blue started entering the gates of the Rizal Stadium in Manila at around 11:00 a.m., even if the game would start later at 3:30 p.m. Azkals media officer Rick Olivares said all 12,870 tickets were sold.

It was a sight similar to the game back in February 9 between the team and the Mongolians at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod. The Azkals also won that match.

All wanted to buy anything that would brandish the name, including a football scarf similar to those used by footballers abroad, even if it was humid enough to even hang one loosely on the shoulders.

A fan even complained, "a t-shirt was sold earlier for P300. After the win, the shirt now costs P500." The fan still bought the shirt.

Everyone thought the craze would die down, together with the adulation of women for strong and charming athletes. The pundits were proven wrong.

A thunder alighted from afar, nobody budged. Even with the strong rains, which started from the kick-off until about 20 minutes into the game, nobody moved.

From this craze emerged the so-called Kaholeros (barkers), who brought unto themselves to lead in the chanting and cheering. They are formally called the Philippine Football Federation Fan Management Committee.

Team Azkals' Emelio Caligdong fight it out with Sri Lanka's Mudiyanselage Warakagodarnaab during the return leg of their World Cup qualifying match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Photo by Rem Zamora for abs-cbnNEWS.com

No more antics
Kaholero chief Richard "Ebong" Joson described the match "like winning a tennis grandslam, like winning the golf US open."

Joson was the guy wearing a blue wig and Philippine flag-inspired face paint running around the Panaad track during the Azkals match there.

The "Blue-haired fanatic" was born on that day. Security later caught up with him.

On Sunday, it was a behaved "fanatic" who led the fans into shouting the now familiar play of the word "Pi-li-pi-nas", complete with percussion sounds from makeshift drums made of water jugs.

Joson said "there is no more room for crazy stuff. I have to set an example and to cheer properly." True enough, the Kaholeros' chants were met with more like "Who let the dogs out?". The crowd also let out a couple of rounds of the "wave."

Comparing the eagerness of the fans during the Panaad match, he said "today now has a bit of direction. We're starting to have unity."

He said the Kaholeros hope to gain interest of both fans and sponsors. Information about the group is on Facebook and other fan sites.

Filipinos celebrate and show their support to Team Azkals during the return leg of their World Cup qualifying match against Sri Lanka at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Photo by Rem Zamora for abs-cbnNEWS.com

Warm gratitude
In a post match interview, coach Weiss thanked the Filipino crowd. He called the support of the Filipinos a "special kind of love that is sometimes moving."

Azkals captain and skipper Aly Borromeo said he felt strongly for the support, including the build-up leading to the match.

Weiss said the team will make up for all the support in their next games, including those in the Southeast Asian games and the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Of being the coach that led the team to a historic finish on Sunday, he said: "I feel very good. I'm happy and proud for the country."