Now do you get that there’s life outside basketball?
Photo from the Filipino Football blog.
Philippines humbles defending champ Vietnam in Suzuki Cup
By Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 12/05/2010 11:10 PM | Updated as of 12/06/2010 7:33 AM
MANILA, Philippines – Deadly finishing and no-nonsense defending saw the Philippine national football team humble reigning champion Vietnam, 2-0, in their ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup clash at the My Dinh National Stadium Sunday night.
The tournament’s biggest upset unfolded before the eyes of 40,000 Vietnamese fans when Chris Greatwich scored the opening goal for the Azkals in the 38th minute.
The hosts tried to mount a comeback but the Philippines’ back 4, midfield, and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge fended off waves of attacks from the Vietnamese.
Yellow cards and 2-footed tackles ensued as the Vietnamese, who defeated Myanmar 7-1 in their last outing, were left frustrated by the Filipinos’ disciplined defense.
The Azkals were content to stay on defense while launching counterattacks at every opportunity, a strategy previously laid out by their coach, Simon McMenemy.
Phil Younghusband sealed the Azkals’ win with a precision strike at close range with 10 minutes remaining.
The victory resulted in the Philippines topping Group B.
The Philippines earlier drew with Singapore, 1-1.
The Azkals will face Myanmar next on Wednesday while Vietnam and Singapore square off in a knockout encounter.
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December 6th, 2010 at 11:08
“Football is not this, football is not putting eight players in front of the area with no offensive system. They were fighting and I respect the players but if you think this is football then you are wrong.
If they think they can win the championship based on that then poor football. If the Philippines think they can win playing that way then my dear, poor, poor football in this region.” — Henrique Calisto, Vietnam’s Portuguese coach after the loss.
That was fast. He’s already in the second stage of grief.
December 6th, 2010 at 11:13
Cacs: The poor man, somebody hold his hand.
December 6th, 2010 at 13:08
I watched this last night, and having followed the Philippine Football for the last couple of years I wasn’t really expecting them to win.
And yes, the Vietnamese coach is a sore loser. I found this picture:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/09F73nkb5348w?q=philippines
December 6th, 2010 at 14:42
I saw this last night too! Was very impressed with the Philippine defense, ang galing! And to Vietnam’s coach, feh.
December 6th, 2010 at 15:03
YESSSS!!! *fist pump*
Wow, what’s itching Henrique Calisto’s bra trap?
December 6th, 2010 at 15:08
*bra strap…. I was typing to fast hehe :)
December 6th, 2010 at 15:40
I got a video clip in case you wanna see >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3j9WILj39Q
December 6th, 2010 at 17:28
yan ang filipino!
December 6th, 2010 at 22:41
I love the Philippines coach’s surname – McMenemy.
Give Calisto a break – imagine living in a country where the wine sucks? It doesn’t help there’s no good-looking men either.
December 6th, 2010 at 23:49
#9 yorkie85 Yeah, Simon McMenemy, was it? I thought it was a joke.
About Calisto— LOL!
December 7th, 2010 at 15:58
I find it difficult to be excited about the Philippines’ supposedly landmark win over Vietnam in football, when the principal players in that team are… English/Filipino? Who all decided to play for the Philippines when they realized there’s no place for them in the England national team?
December 8th, 2010 at 23:09
I love Neil Etheridge na! He’s the 6’3″ goalkeeper of Azkals!
December 9th, 2010 at 00:21
Chus: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Me too! Dammit the semifinal would’ve been played here but we have no proper venue.
December 9th, 2010 at 02:06
Me likes Rob Gier hehe *blushes*