"If you're exposed to something, the more you will learn to love it," Phil, the other half of brothers of Filipino and British lineage, said during the PSA Forum on Tuesday.

Phil even likened it to watching a TV show on a regular basis.

"If I always watch Desperate Housevives, I will begin to love watching it. If I watch American Idol, I will love watching it."

Still, Phil stressed that overtaking basketball as the country's premier sports, is not in their agenda.

"It's not about making football the No. 1 sport (replacing basketball)," said Phil, who admits they don't have what it takes "to change football on our own."

James said the momentum they gained from the Suzuki Cup has given Philippine football a shot in the arm although the hysteria over it would fade away "once we start losing."

"So we should keep on winning."

Both Younghusbands are products of the Chelsea Football Club in England, something that gave them the know-how to lead the Philippine Azkals to the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup and conduct clinics and seminars under The Younghusband Football Academy that gets off tghe wraps starting next week.

Phil, a striker, has a level 2 UEFA coaching badge, while James, a midfielder, has a level 1 badge, making them more than qualified to conduct clinics nationwide.

The two are actually revving up for the Challenge Cup against Mongolia that will be played at the Panaad Football Stadium in Bacolod next month and Phil said taking their 183-rated foes lightly is not a good idea although he could not hide his funny side.

"The only thing we know about Mongolia is how good their food is," said Phil, who has been playing for the Philippines, currently rated 150th, since 2005.

Meanwhile, the Younghusbands welcomed the appointment of the national team's new coach, German Michael Weiss, who took over from Simon McMenemy.

"I am very disappointed that Simon won't be back but it's a new year and a new start for us. We are looking forward to his new ideas," said Phil.

Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin