This appears on abs-cbnnews.com
A trophy of dreams
by rick olivares
The Suzuki Cup trophy measures a little over two feet
tall and is bedecked with eight colored ribbons representing the eight
finalists out of the 11 competing nations for Southeast Asian football supremacy.
On the right side of the base of the trophy are the names of the past nine
champions of which come from only four nations – Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam,
and Malaysia.
And it is hoped by the 2014 Suzuki Cup’s conclusion
on December 20, the Philippines will not only hoist the coveted trophy but will
also be added to the honor roll.
The Suzuki Cup trophy will be on display for the
whole day this coming November 17 at the atrium of Market! Market! at Bonifacio
Global City, Taguig, to bolster interest among Filipinos with the tournament
barely two weeks away before kick-off. The Philippine Men’s National Team will
also be on hand for a press conference and a meet and greet with fans late in
the afternoon of that day.
“It is not only important to Filipino fans and supporters
but also equally important to AFF and WSG the holder’s rights to the
competition,” explained Philippine Football Federation General-Secretary Atty.
Edwin Gastanes. “This trophy tour is the first time they are doing this. And we
are one of six countries who are a part of the tour. This is to show off the
tournament sponsors and what the tournament does for football for the region.”
How massive is this for the region?
Since the Asean football championship was first
played in 1996, it has become the region’s most important sporting event. The
2010 edition, bolstered by the finals between Malaysia and Indonesia as well as
the strong showing of the Philippines, drew a record 192 million viewers and
800,000 paying fans to venues.
With the addition of Australia to the Asean Football
Federation competition by 2016, expect the number of viewers and stadium paying
patrons to rise spectacularly.
“We hope (the trophy tour) can generate more interest
among Filipinos since we have a very good chance to win it,” said Gastanes. “We
already have strong support among the football community. We want others to
rally to the national team’s cause.”
Gastanes also cleared up the matter regarding Suzuki
Cup matches having bearing on FIFA rankings.
“All matches in Suzuki Cup that fall on the FIFA
international window are considered international friendlies and are considered
for rankings,” clarified the PFF official. “Matches played outside the FIFA
international window but authorized by FIFA and AFC and involve eight teams are
considered for FIFA rankings.”
The Philippines is currently ranked #129 in the world
and are favorites to win the tournament on the strength of its last two
competition showings as well as the recent AFC Challenge Cup where the PMNT
fell to Palestine in the Finals.
“The last two editions of the competition (2010 and
2012), we have made the semifinals,” said Gastanes. “This time it is crucial
that fulfill our aspirations.”
For his part, PMNT head coach Thomas Dooley embraced
the favorite’s tag. “When there’s pressure, it only means that you are on your
way to something higher or better. I think every country that competes in the
tournament wants to win it. No one says, I just hope to finish third or fourth.
What is the point of competing?”
The PFF’s General Secretary also bared that aside
from the trophy display, members of the Philippine Men’s National Team as well
as its coaching staff and management will be on hand to meet that fans.
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