Calisto can’t give up the ghost of Vietnam loss

This appears in the Thursday December 9, 2010 edition of the Business Mirror.

Calisto can’t give up the ghost of Vietnam loss

by rick olivares

NAM DINH, VIETNAM -- Even up to the eve of the final Group B matches of the 2010 Suzuki Cup, there is still much talk about the Philippines’ 2-0 victory over defending champion Vietnam that has put the country on the precipice of an unprecedented semifinals slot if the Asean region’s most prestigious football tournament. Members of the Philippine team camped in the northern and ancient city of Nam Dinh where they played Myanmar last night have had locals express both unhappiness and heartfelt congratulations over their historic win, the biggest in recent memory.

Assistant coach Edwin Cabalida recounted one encounter with a Vietnamese fan who shook his hand then pointed to his temple when he discussed the home team not playing smart enough to win.

Team trainers Walfred Javier and Josef Malinay recounted some profanity used by a few students. “Most of what we heard were good words. They congratulated us and said, ‘Philippines good. Beat Vietnam.’ Konti lang naman yung hindi maganda. That came from a few students.” said Malinay.

But perhaps the strongest words still being said are from Vietnam Coach Henrique Calisto who told local reporters that the Philippines’ head coach Simon “McMenemy is not worth respecting.” According to Vietnamese journalist who requested not to be named, he believes that Calisto was covering up for his team’s surprise loss. “Calisto said he did not shake hands because McMenemy jumped into the filed and swore at (defensive back) Tran Dinh Dong when the player fouled a Filipino player (Phil Younghusband).”

An exasperated McMenemy offered this in reply: “I would normally at this point state that what happens inside of 90mins, stays within the 90mins and usually would not comment on the actions of passionate coaches in the heat of competition but as I know this is the nature of the enquiry.

In reference to the incident Mr. Calisto mentions I did indeed make comments which did include profanity but they were certainly not aimed at Vietnam players or Mr. Calisto himself. My comments were made in response to what was in my view a dangerous and totally disgraceful tackle that was only deemed worthy of a yellow card. The tackle itself seem to be forgotten in the midst of my profanity. Mr. Calisto seems that worried about my language that maybe his attention is best served focusing on the discipline of his players. This was one of a number of decisions that did not go the way of the Philippines, some would argue that in football, this is sometimes the case especially in the face of 40000 screaming Vietnamese supporters and, in all honesty, I would probably agree.    

Despite Mr. Calisto's lack of credit to my players, his disregard for the morals of the game, his lack of respect to his successful opponents and his need to "air" his dirty laundry in public, I hold no grudge. I put it all down to his love for the game and his belief in his philosophies and for that I applaud him. It would have been nice to receive a congratulatory handshake after defeating a respected football brain, as difficult as it may have been.”

The Business Mirror learned that should Vietnam successfully defend their Suzuki Cup title their national team will receive a bonus of at least VND7 billion (US$350,000). According to Vietnam Football Federation chairman Nguyen Trong Hy, "If they win, they will also get awards from VFF's partners and sponsors," said VFF chairman Nguyen Trong Hy. These could be up to VND10 billlion ($500,000).”