Philippines-Vietnam 2010 Suzuki Cup: Giant Killer

Giant killer

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team posted an amazing and historic win over the defending ASEAN Champions. In two games thus far, the Azkals, as the team is fondly nicknamed, have taken points and challenged the old order of football in the region. Rick Olivares was in the midst of the beauty and madness.
This also appears in Business Mirror December 7, 2010.

HANOI, VIETNAM -- Phil Younghusband had been rudely tackled at least four times. One of them was so vicious that the offending player that Philippines Men’s National Football team head coach Simon McMenemy was livid that no card was issued. But do you think that a referee or linesman was going to do such a thing? No way would he be able to leave this stadium alive.

Younghusband was kept up all night retching his guts out from something he ate. Even worse, Ian Araneta, his roommate, stayed up as well to attend to his ailing teammate. And so, a bad ingestion kept the team’s strike force up all night. To complicate matters, midfielder Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong was out with a knee injury while defender Rob Gier bravely played the entire 94 minutes of the match against Singapore while running a fever. Weakened state or not, Gier and Younghusband were not going to miss the match for anything.

The former Chelsea reserve player was fighting for possession following a header from his brother James when Vietnamese defender Vu Nhu Thanh dumped him on the damp My Dinh National Stadium pitch. The home team immediately mounted a counter offensive but the Philippines’ Chris Greatwich intercepted a pass right down the middle.

The central midfielder passed to right wing Roel Gener who quickly sent it forward to Younghusband. With two Vietnamese defenders bearing down on him, the striker blasted a shot that Vietnam keeper Duong Hong Son stopped but could not control. Araneta corralled the rebound and sent it out to Greatwich who had raced forward to join the attack. As Greatwich drew a defender from the top of the box, he sent it back to Younghusband.

Once more up against Nhu Tranh, Younghusband ditched the defender when he moved to the left. Momentarily free, the striker smashed in a screamer in the 78^th minute that blew underneath the lunging Vietnam keeper. Two-nil Philippines and a deafening hush descended upon the stunned crowd of 39,000 who as soon as they gathered their wits soon made a beeline for the exits.

The improbable has been accomplished. The Philippines, the long-time whipping boys described as tournament minnows by the Asean press have shaken the old order of football. The win, saw the country take full points – three of them for the win – against the defending Suzuki Cup champions who three days earlier so utterly demolished Myanmar 7-1 that no one gave the Philippines’ a snowball’s chance in hell in Hanoi. That is except for the team.

Gathered from the frosty fjords of Iceland (Ray Jonsson) to the football mad Germany (Mark Drinkuth) to the lowlands of Holland (Jason de Jong) to the Sceptered Isle of England (Phil and James Younghusband, Chris Greatwich, Neil Etheridge, and Rob Gier) to the United States (Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario) and to the southern Philippines (Emelio Caligdong and the rest of the squad), the team has battled an assortment of problems right up to the tournament proper to pull together and believe. Under English coach Simon McMenemy, they have put together a six match unbeaten streak and in the words of Greatwich, “are moving into uncharted territory.”

Greatwich, the affable Fil-Briton from Westminster, England, was a late addition to the squad because there were concerns about his fitness. Fortunately for one of the longest tenured national team players, he was and his imprint is all over the four points the Philippines has accrued in two matches. He scored that injury time goal against Singapore and against Vietnam, he took a well-placed cross from defender Anton del Rosario for a header that beat Duong Hong Son that seemed so inconceivable at that point as the home team had dominated possession and shots on goal.

With the Philippines unable to mount any semblance of an attack with Vietnam’s midfield choking any attempt, it was up to goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to hold the swarming attacks at bay while his flustered teammates tried to gather their wits about them.

When Greatwich’s goal in the 37^th minute, his second in as many matches and fifth in international competition, the Philippines received a massive dose of confidence as they repeatedly turned back Vietnam’s desperate attacks.

The win sent repercussions throughout the Southeast Asian region where football is akin to a religion. The following day at the press conference for the match between Singapore and Vietnam where one team could possibly be sent packing depending on the result, much of the discussion centered on the Philippines’ fantastic run.

“This is so much a product of passion and pride,” gushed McMenemy after the historic win. “We just wanted to keep it tight, defend well, and try to beat them on the counterattack. We wanted to limit their numbers on their attacks and after Chris’ goal, we had them somewhat thinking twice. We were fortunate but that’s what football’s all about.

There was some controversy after the match when Vietnam head coach Henrique Calisto refused to shake the hand of McMenemy. “He called me ‘an unfair play coach,’” related the Englishman. During the match, McMenemy worked the officials over perceived non-calls that such as the hard tackle on Younghusband and a Vietnamese defender literally holding back Araneta just outside the box.

Added defender Rob Gier: “We don’t want to think too far ahead. As coach said, we want to be competitive in every match. So far we’ve accomplished that. But we have to come out and perform against Myanmar (Wednesday evening at 830 Manila time at the Thien Truong Stadium while Singapore and Vietnam battle at My Dinh National Stadium) or everything we’ve accomplished will be for nothing.”

Post-victory dugout celebration over Vietnam 2010 Suzuki Cup

It was chaotic all right. But it just seemed right. Simon, you crazy bastard. You pulled it off!

Hanoi Diary Day 5 Sheraton Hanoi & My Dinh National Stadium

Ian Araneta, Yanti Barsales, Ed Sacapaño, Coach Brax aka Edzel Bracamonte, me and Roel Gener outside the Sheraton Hanoi before leaving for My Dinh National Stadium to play Vietnam.

With Ian, Chieffy Caligdong, me and Coach Edwin Cabalida. That's Coach Edwin below looking at the AFF Suzuki Cup match reminders posted on the wall of the Philippines' dugout.

Got myself a Vietnam kit. I collect football jerseys. Now have a whole bunch. But I love my Azkals jersey. Number 32 is Mark Drinkuth's rejected number. Hahaha.

Tailgate party Vietnam-style. There was a concert outside. Got myself a Vietnam sticker on my cheek in exchange for a pic with this girl.

With some rabid Vietnam fans. And below, it's vuvuzela time!!!

After the match by the door of the locker room.

FIFA rescues deposed PFF President Martinez

FIFA rescues deposed PFF President Martinez

by rick olivares

Apparently, even in the boardroom, it’s not over until the final whistle.

One week after 25 football associations voted to remove and replace Jose Mari Martinez as president of the Philippine Football Federation, the Federation de International Football Association sent an email letter to interim president Mariano V. Araneta and the rest of the federation that “the proposal of removing you (Martinez) has not been properly put into the agenda of the Congress and we therefore can not acknowledge at this stage the change of presidency.”

The letter sent by FIFA Deputy Secretary General Markus Kattner also mentioned that an extraordinary congress must be called within 90 days time to take up his removal from the position.

In effect, Martinez and the PFF board of governors were reinstated and to continue their pre-November 27 designations.

Araneta expressed displeasure with the decision of FIFA by saying that “they only heard one side. “We have prepared all documents to be sent to FIFA. Meanwhile, we have to insist to Mari that Congress removed him and I was given authority by Congress to replace him. Now only Congress can remove me.”

As of press time, Business Mirror was waiting for a statement from Martinez who did not return our text messages.

Our source in FIFA said that the international governing body of football will likewise conduct its own audit of the PFF and should the findings be similar to the audit of Campos, Campos & Co. there is a possibility that the Financial Assistance Plan given to the Philippines will be suspended.

The PFF receives annually the amount of US $250,000.

The audit by Campos, Campos & Co. showed that some PhP 4 million of PFF funds that were entrusted by Martinez to the illegally appointed Henry Tsai were unliquidated. There were also numerous entries in the accounting where Martinez was purported to use the funds to pay for personal usage such as groceries, medical and credit cards bills, as well as shares in the Valle Verde Country Club.

Tsai and Martinez eventually had a falling out with the latter filing a complaint in court last November 7 against the former for "estafa and the violation of the bouncing check law".

The last week has seen an outcry regarding the alleged “FIFA bribes” where officials took money from the now defunct International Sports and Leisure marketing company that promoted World Cup events. FIFA conducted its own probe and absolved all three accused of the accusations levied against them.

Spotlight on RP team midfielder Mark Drinkuth

Spotlight on RP team midfielder Mark Drinkuth

Mark was born in Duesseldorf, Germany in 1991. Even at an early age, he was aware of his Filipino heritage but that was about it. He did go to the Philippines on four occasions with the last being six years ago as his mother took him (he’s an only child) to visit her hometown of Cagayan de Oro.

In the past year, he has been playing for the Fortuna Duesseldorf Under-19 team as striker and occasionally as left midfielder with over 10 goals to his credit.

He was discovered by Paul Weiler who encouraged him to get in touch with Philippine football officials to try out for the national team.

He flew in from Germany last December 1 and was nervous because it was the first time he had flown by himself without any family or friend to accompany him. “That was an 11, 12-hour flight and I was nervous,” related Drinkuth. “But I was excited because it’s a whole new experience for me.”

About a week before he left for Vietnam for the national team’s participation in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, Drinkuth injured him hamstring. Though feeling somewhat better, he hopes to be given a chance to show what he can do. During the Philippines' match against Singapore, he found the atmosphere very exciting and close to what he experiences in Europe. But it was different being part of a national team and he said he looks forward to the next one which promises to more electric as it is against the Vietnamese national team. "Now we're really the underdogs," he said.

Mark is a Bayern Munich fan and counts Arjen Robbern and Franck Ribery as two of his favorite footballers. 

Breaking news on the PFF

FIFA just sent word that deposed PFF President Mari Martinez will still hold on to the position for now. He must call an extraordinary congress within three months to tackle all these things. So he's going back to his old office at the PFF House of Football. FIFA thinks there was something wrong with the procedure. They are eager to tackle these things but they are closed lipped when it comes to their corruption cases.

Press con on the eve of the Philippines-Vietnam match 2010 Suzuki Cup

Interviews with Simon McMenemy (Philippines) and Henrique Calisto (Vietnam) about their match up in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

Philippines vs Vietnam @ the 2010 Suzuki Cup: A match-up of explosive proportions

A match-up of explosive proportions

Philippines vs. Vietnam

story and pics by rick olivares

Thus far, the 2010 Suzuki Cup can best be described as surprising.

In Group A action in Jakarta, hosts Indonesia surprisingly thrashed Malaysia 5-1. Laos, on of the last countries to qualify for the Final Rounds, drew with Thailand 2-2 to spoil former English Premier League great Bryan Robson’s Suzuki Cup debut.

Over at group B play in Hanoi, Vietnam, tournament favorite Singapore could only muster a point after the Philippines’ Chris Greatwich scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time for a 1-1 draw and the respect of teams in Group B that are competing in Hanoi.

Defending champion Vietnam opened its defense of the crown they first won in 2008 with a 7-1 thrashing over Myanmar.

Philippines head coach Simon McMenemy said that the results “clearly show that there is significant improvement in the game by the other countries in the region. That can only mean good for the game.”

“The Philippines,” warned Vietnam’s Portuguese head coach Henrique Calisto prior to the start of the tournament, “is quiet. There is that saying about silent waters running deep. They could be the surprise of the tournament.”

After their stunning opening match against the Lions, three-time winners of the Asean region’s prestigious tournament, the Philippines’ secret is out. And Vietnam and Myanmar will surely not be caught off guard by the passionate game displayed by the Filipinos.

The Vietnamese showed an impressive counter-attack against Myanmar where as many as six players would go on the offensive every time out. The result was Nguyen Anh Duc and Nguyen Trong Hoang scoring a pair of goals while Nguyen Minh Phuong, Le Tan Tai, and Nguyen Vu Phuong each chipped in a goal. 

“We know they are quick and like to attack in numbers,” said McMenemy of Vietnam. “We have to be able to have better ball retention and offer something back upfront so they have to think twice about attacking in numbers. But we have to play with a lot of organization and discipline.”

The Philippines will count on strikers Ian Araneta and Phil Younghusband who will get plenty of support from James Younghusband, Jason de Jong, Chris Greatwich, and Chieffy Caligdong.

The defense will be anchored by team captain Aly Borromeo who will have Anton del Rosario, Ray Jonsson, and Rob Gier in the back four with him. “We gained a lot of confidence from the way we played Singapore but we have to take it to another level if we want to do well against Vietnam,” offered Borromeo. “The home crowd who cheered for us against Singapore will now be against us. We have to block out that noise and play the game of our lives. We just want to take things one match at a time and not look far ahead. It’s a big game for sure.”

The Philippines will have to be at their very best if they want to secure some points with the tournament favorites who will have some 40,000 screaming fans filling up My Dinh National Stadium during match time at 730pm (Vietnam time and 830pm Philippine time) this Sunday December 5.

With Chris Greatwich and Simon McMenemy at the press conference for the Philippines-Vietnam match and with Vietnam's Portuguese head coach Henrique Calisto in the pic below.

Juan of the coolest storylines in WWE has bitten the dust

I don't know about you guys but I thought that the "Juan Cena" angle was hilarious. Anyone who says that it is racist doesn't know jack about pro wrestling. Was Razon Ramon really Hispanic? How about Chavo Guerrero as Kerwin White? Bring it back. It was fun. I don't know why it was scrapped for the next house shows.

For flag and country: the Armed Forces players on the RP Men's National Football Team

From left to right: Nestor Margarse Jr., Yanti Bersales, and Ian Araneta. At the back looking on in Ed Sacapaño. Photo taken before we boarded the bus for My Dinh for the match versus Singapore.

For flag and country: the Armed Forces players on the RP Men’s National Football Team

story and pic by rick olivares
This also appears in the December 6, 2010 edition of the Business Mirror.

“Kapag natalo i-assign sila sa mga delikadong lugar,’ joked national team assistant coach Roy Piñero of the military contingent to the men’s national football team that is competing in the 2010 Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has long been a supplier of players to many a national squad. Aside from serving the country, it has allowed those who love the beautiful game to extend their collegiate careers since there isn’t a real professional league to speak of.

The national’s roster includes seven Air Force personnel in Ian Araneta, Yanti Barsales, Joebel Bermejo, Emelio Caligdong, Mark Anthony Ferrer, Peter Jaugan, and Rey Mark Palmes; and three Army soldiers in Roel Gener, Nestor Margarse, and Eduard Sacapaño.

Being on both the national team and in the military at the same time has its benefits and its challenges. “Nakukuha din namin yung mga benefits ng government employee tulad ng medical, bonus, pension at marami pang iba,” said Caligdong. However, when the players aren’t on loan to the national squad, they are on duty depending on which branch of the armed services they belong to.

“Minsan galing ka ng laro tapos pagbalik mo duty ka na agad,” revealed Margarse.

“Problema yun kapag pagod ka o inaantok ka,” added Bermejo. “Kung ano yung regular na trabaho ng sundalo ganyan din kami. Mas mahirap yan para sa mga Army kesyo sa Air Force.”

“Pero no questions asked yan,” said Caligdong. “Nung nag-take ka ng oath nauna ang serbisyo bago sa pamilya o sa football.”

In times of disasters or red alerts, all the footballers must be back with their units. During Typhoon Ondoy, the players were sent out to different areas to help with the relief and rescue efforts. “Sa football sabi nila para sa bayan yan,” explained Sacapaño. “Pero sa pagtulong sa kapwa tao, yan ang totoong serbisyo. Hindi madali. Lalo na sa una. Pero ngayon sanay na at kung baga second nature na sa amin to.”

Playing for the Azkals, the nickname of the national squad, has given them the opportunity to travel to other countries that they might not normally visit unless for deployment. They also receive extra allowances while on national duty something that Roel Gener admits is quite helpful for one’s family. “Malaking tulong para sa amin.”

For some like Ian Araneta, it was simply following his father’s footsteps as a national player who was also with the military. “Nung bata ako sinasama ako ng tatay ko sa mga laro. Nung nahilig ako sa football at nakita ko rin na nasa national team siya habang nagse-serbisyo sa armed forces, sabi ko gusto ko rin gawin yun.”

Suiting up however for the Azkals isn’t that easy. The request for their inclusion has to be done at the very least 20 working days before the team begins training or leaving for abroad. “No paperwork. No transfer.” Succinctly explained Caligdong. “Hindi pwede yung verbal request. Sa military kailangan may paperwork, may katibayan kung di AWOL ka niyan. Kaya hindi kami nakasama sa Thailand para sa training (where half the team was encamped before the 2010 Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam).”

In a team loaded with Fil-foreigners, it can be easy for the homegrown ones to get lost in the shuffle. But right back Anton del Rosario believes that players like Araneta and Caligdong are just as well known or even more popular. “Ian’s one heck of a player. Chieffy is an icon. His enthusiasm for the game is well known and outside Aly (Borromeo who has a billboard for his promoting GNC products), it’s only Chieffy who has a big billboard at the Mizuno store in Megamall.”

Said Borromeo of the military players on the team, “Those guys are tough. No one is tougher I’d say and it’s good to know they are on the team.”

Hanoi Diary Day 3 Sheraton Hotel

This is my first time to go with the national football team to a tournament abroad. What's it like? Well, it's like being with Smart Gilas except that many of the hoopsters (like Chris Tiu) were my friends before I hitched up. Here, the only one I really knew was Chieffy Caligdong (who doesn't know Chieffy?) and Ian Araneta. Of course there's Coach Edwin Cabalida from my Ateneo days. What I do is I hang out with all of them. One meal, I'm with the coaches, another with the military guys, in another it's with the Fil-Brits. I write the stories then send them to media friends back home so they can use and re-write for their own outfits. I have pieces on the Fil-foreigners, Simon McMenemy, and the coaching staff coming up. 

Today, I got fined a hundred bucks for going to the team breakfast wearing flip flops! Hahaha. My bad. Didn't read up on the team rules. Now that I'm the official media man for the national squad then I gotta follow rules. Hey, coach! Where's my kit! My track suit! I demand playing time versus Vietnam! Hahaha.

Was supposed to join the team in the swimming pool but on my way down I bumped into a few players who said it was freezing out there. Back up! Back up! Went and got a massage instead. Want to go out and see Hanoi. Will join the coaches when they go out again.


Chatting with Phil Younghusband on the team bus and he said that he's never seen so many people on motorbikes in all his life. He thought Taiwan had a lot but this is like the capital of motorbikes. It seems a little chaotic though. When some of our coaches went out to buy some stuff yesterday, they said their car hit a few of the motorbikes. Yikes!

Chris Greatwich reflects on his goal and the state of Philippine football

Chris Greatwich reflects on his goal and the state of Philippine football

words & pic by rick olivares

With the precious seconds slipping away and with Singapore with a 1-nil lead, Christopher Greatwich momentarily glanced at the game clock before surveying the situation up front as the Philippine Men’s National Football Team went on one last offensive. “You start thinking that, ‘oh, no, it’s over’ but one thing I learned while playing for the national team is that it’s only over when the final whistle blows.”

He sprinted up field and when longtime national teammate James Younghusband collared the ball on the left wing and was left unmarked, Greatwich knew that a decent cross was coming inside the box. “That’s one of James’ strengths,” complimented the Fil-Briton.

When the ball came towards him, everything else was a blur and muscle memory, the product of long and repetitious practice, took over.

Bam! Goal!

In one of the biggest games ever by the men’s national team, they drew mighty Singapore and have a chance to go into uncharted territory. And it was Greatwich’s fourth international goal in his six years of wearing the national colors.

Greatwich first suited up in 2004 when the Suzuki Cup was known as the Tiger Cup. Since then, he’s had 25^th international caps (including the match against Singapore) that is second only to teammate Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong’s total of 30.

The midfielder has called the United States home in the last few years where’s a soccer coach in New Jersey. He almost did not make the national squad for this tournament and was only a late addition when former Philippine Football Federation president Jose Mari Martinez asked national team manager Dan Palami to include him in the lineup.

Palami was unsure. “If he’s in shape, we’ll include him.”

Ironically, Greatwich was on vacation in England when he got the call to rejoin his national teammates. “I always keep in shape more so since I coach. And I always keep an ear to what the Philippine national team is doing,” related the central midfielder. “I only got the word Monday morning and I flew out Monday evening. Luckily, this is the time of the year where I’m not that busy. Had the tournament been in summer or spring now this trip would have been impossible to make.”

Since he began playing for the country of his mother’s birth, Greatwich has had five different head coaches (with two pulling a second tour) – Aris Caslib, Nonoy Fegidero, Juan Cutillas, Desmond Bulpin, and now Simon McMenemy. “That’s five coaches in the seven years I’ve been playing for the Philippines. After Cutillas, it was Caslib again so that’s roughly like a coach for every year. Now that can be a problem because there’s no continuity. It does help that some of my teammates have been around for as long as I have like Chieffy, Aly (Borromeo), Ian (Araneta), and Anton to name a few. The others I have played with already like Neil (Etheridge) and Jason (de Jong). The only one I have not played with is Ray Jonsson. But you can say that the program is getting better every year. What are we ranked now -- #151? That’s far better than we were when we started back in 2004.”

Even with some new teammates, that never-say-die attitude paid dividends as Greatwich’s goal created all sorts of subplots in their group in the ongoing Suzuki Cup. “We all feel great with the result but we don’t want to look too far ahead because we all have to play Vietnam on Sunday. We saw what they did to Myanmar (a 7-1 thrashing) and with their home crowd behind them, we have to be prepared.”

Without being cocky, Greatwich reflected on what the national team is trying to achieve: “If we continue to do well, then the game against Singapore could be a watershed moment for Philippine football. And if that raises awareness of the sport in the Philippines then we’ve done something for the sport too, right?”

Philippines nicks Singapore for 1-1 draw

Standing left to right: Aly Borromeo, James Younghusband, Neil Etheridge, Ian Araneta, Anton del Rosario, and Rob Gier. Crouching left to right: Jason de Jong, Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong, Chris Greatwich, and Ray Jonsson.

Philippines nicks Singapore for 1-1 draw

story and pics by rick olivares

HANOI, VIETNAM -- Chris Greatwich banged home a spectacular injury time goal from a fine cross from James Younghusband to give the Philippines a 1-1 draw with Singapore in the opening match of Group B in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 at the My Dinh National Stadium last Thursday, December 2.

Greatwich’s fourth international goal came in the fourth and final minute of injury time and was incredibly the third time the Philippines scored in the 94^th minute of a match. Last October 24, “the Azkals”, as the team is fondly called, pulled that trick was against Laos during the Suzuki Cup Qualifiers when James Younghusband struck for a 2-2 draw that sent the Philippines into the Final Rounds. Then last October 10, striker Ian Araneta also scored in the 94^th minute of the Long Teng Cup in Taipei to give the Philippines a 1-1 draw with Chinese Taipei.

Singapore, the three-time winners of the Asean region’s most prestigious football competition, had taken a 1-nil lead in the 65^th minute off a header by Aleksandar Duric – his 12^th for Singapore – off a cross by Noh Alam Shah.

After being battled to a standstill in the first half, “the Lions” as Singapore is nicknamed, added another man to their attack where they found the defense somewhat porous in the middle. Duric drew a couple of defenders allowing him to pass to an unmarked teammate for those crosses and strikes.

“One of our objectives was to keep them off balance,” said the national’s head coach Simon McMenemy who also guided the team through their qualifiers in Laos last November. “We wanted to take away their capabilities and battle them all the way.”

In only the country’s second appearance in the biennial competition, the Philippines went on the attack from the onset and even claimed the first corner kick of the match. There were several scoring chances including one cross by striker Phil Younghusband that found a gap in Singapore’s defense except that there was no Filipino to finish it off.

The title contenders had their scoring chances including a missed shot by Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong in the 60^th minute as he blew past defender Mohamed Noh Bin Rahman but Philippine goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and the team’s defense, anchored by team captain Aly Borromeo repulsed the sorties until Duric’s goal.

The home crowd, cheering on the Philippines not just because of its underdog status but also because an upset or even a draw would give Vietnam an advantage in the points to be accrued from the match.

In the press conference the previous day, Singapore’s Serbian coach Radojko Avramovic talked about scoring goals against the Philippines because the goal differential could prove crucial in the final standings.

“They weren’t talking about beating us,” noted Borromeo. “They were already calculating in their mind how many goals they would score against us.”

“The disrespect is fine,” added defender Anton del Rosario. “We’re used to that. But that is what we want – them being overconfident.”

The Philippines’ counterattacks were proving to be too troublesome that Singapore had their entire team going back down on defense. “We got them worried,” observed McMenemy.

They also got the Singaporeans unsettled as Mustafic Fahrudin, one of the team’s two naturalized Serbians, was seen talking trash with Greatwich and the other Filipinos forcing McMenemy to join the verbal fray.

With time approaching the 80^th minute, the Philippines changed its attack formation from the standard 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 with James Younghusband joining his brother Phil and del Rosario who went up to join the attack while Joebel Bermejo took over his spot at right back and Roel Gener in place of Caligdong at left midfield). “It didn’t matter at that point if they scored,” reasoned McMenemy. “We needed to increase our chances.”

After the match, Singapore’s Avramovic grudgingly paid respect to the Philippines. “They fought for 90 minutes while we played unprofessionally in the last three minutes (of injury time).”

Singapore defender David Mark Bennet was more effuse in his praise, “We don’t play too many teams that show that kind of passion. That’s a well-deserved point for them.”

Hanoi Diary Day 2 My Dinh

With Philippine National Men's Football Team Head Coach Simon McMenemy at the My Dinh National Stadium pitch where the team checks out the field upon arrival. I've been documenting the entire trip from pictures to video and podcasts.

After the spectacular game between the Philippines and Singapore (1-1), I was interviewed by Vietnam News TV about being in Vietnam, the concluded match, the frenzied atmosphere in My Dinh, and the upcoming Philippines-Singapore match on Saturday. I think I was also seen in the beginning of the game's telecast on Star Sports. You could see in the back the score between Vietnam and Myanmar. The defending champs and host country won 7-1.

It's going to be a busy Friday for me as I'll be doing interviews and sending stuff back home to the Philippines.

RP Men’s National Football Team: The quiet before the Suzuki Cup storm

RP Men’s National Football Team: The quiet before the Suzuki Cup storm

by rick olivares

HANOI, VIETNAM -- Whenever the Philippines participates in an international sporting competition, save for Manny Pacquiao or our legion of billiards players, our national teams are always underdogs. Massive underdogs who aren’t even given a second thought.

In the press conference at the start of the 2010 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup at the Sheraton in Hanoi, Vietnam, the ballroom was crammed with an amazing 200 journalists from the entire region.

As the national coaches of eight ASEAN countries sat atop the dais, there were only several questions posed by the media. And they were directed at the coaches of host Vietnam, the obvious favorites to repeat, and perennial regional powerhouse, Singapore.

It seemed that the media only cared about who would be who and who would win the coveted title. It made for bigger news since they were both bracketed in the same group alongside Myanmar and the Philippines.

Questions asked. Media session over.

Philippines head coach Simon McMenemy looked perplexed. No one even bothered to ask him anything.

The Philippine National Men’s Football Team is ranked at #151^st, the highest the country has placed since FIFA has been taking stock of standings.

Lost in the clicking of cameras and the lights from television crews is the voice of the coach from Thailand. “The Philippines is quiet. They can be a surprise.”

The problems of the Azkals, as the Philippine team is fondly nicknamed, go beyond the neighboring powerhouses. It is mostly from within. The politics that has besieged the governing Philippine Football Federation (PFF) through the years has affected the team management to its coaches to its players. The latter will tell you that they do not care for it but in a roundabout way, they show their knowledge and dismay by disrespecting officials for honeyed words that were only unkept promises.

But more than leaders, the coaching staff has to worry about never having an intact lineup to regularly train and teach. More than a third are Fil-foreigners and that means some of them usually arrive a few days before the competition. One like, Fil-German Mark Drinkuth who plays for BV04 Dusseldorf, arrived on the day of the competition itself. So chemistry is a fragile matter. Others are in the Armed Forces and the team management must make a formal written request when they would need the players to be available.

“Really no one expects us to win here,” said McMenemy while sitting down in the hotel lobby and watching his players avail of the free wifi connection. “if we do some good here that is a bonus. But don’t think we’re going to settle for a draw or keeping the score low. We will go out and try to win our matches.”

Up against Singapore with its multi-ethnic squad is always considered a daunting task. “They got veterans and a lot of experience,” noted McMenemy. “We’ve got youth and speed. We’re about to find out which will prevail.”

Both squads run a basic 4-4-2 formation. It’s a formation meant to cover the team’s lack of cohesion while keeping key positions manned by its veteran players. The game plan is hinged on how well the Philippines can defend against the attack-minded Singaporeans. “We plan to limit their capabilities,” said Assistant coach Edwin Cabalida. “Singapore’s Serbian coach Radojko Avramovic likes his team to attack in numbers so if we miss on our offense, it is important that we sprint back. That’s how Laos hurt us in the qualifiers.”

“It’s important that we get off to a good start because it can put us in a position to get a point somewhere,” added McMenemy.

At forward in the team’s formation are Ian Araneta and Phil Younghusband. At midfield are Jason de Jong, James Younghusband, Chris Greatwich, and Emelio Caligdong. The back four protecting the goal are Anton del Rosario, Rob Gier, Ray Jonsson, and team captain Aly Borromeo.

The RP team plays Singapore today at 5pm (6pm Manila time) at the 40,000-seat My Dinh National Stadium.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team to the 2010 Suzuki Cup: Ian Araneta, Jerry Barbaso, Yanti Barsales, David Mark Basa, Joebel Bermejo, Alexander Borromeo, Emelio Caligdong, Christopher Camcam, Jason de Jong, Anton del Rosario, Neil Etheridge, Mark Ferrer, Roel Gener, Robert Gier, Christopher Greatwich, Peter Jaugan, Ray Jonsson, Nestor Margarse, Reymark Palmes, Kristopher Relucio, Eduard Sacapaño, James Younghusband, and Philip Younghusband.

Coaching staff and management: Simon Alexander McMenemy, Edwin Cabalida, Edzel Bracamonte, Rolando Piñero, Walfred Javier, Josef Malinay, and Dan Palami. The team’s media officer is Rick Olivares.

Hanoi Diary December 2 with the RP Men's National Football Team

 The view from my window at 545am. On the other side they have a better view of the lake.

Sunrise at past 6am. Am an early riser. I tried working in the lobby where there's free internet but there were too many guys smoking. I hope they gag on their cancer sticks. I went back up to my room and got the daily internet.

Breakfast was at 8am sharp. No one can be late without getting levied a fine. Ian Araneta, Reymark Palmes and Joebel Bermejo enjoying some toasted bread and butter.

The rest of the team having breakfast. Some of the coaching staff below: (L-R) Edwin Cabalida, Wally Javier, and Josef Malinay. After breakfast, the team had a 20-minute stretching session at the tennis courts. Lunch is at 12noon. 130pm team meeting then 2pm we're off to My Dinh National Stadium. Go Philippines!

I'm a millionaire. Or maybe I'm not.

Exchanged US $100 last night (at the airport so you know it's a lower exchange rate). And dude, I'm frigging rich! Hahaha. 

Hanoi Diary December 1

Manila-Vietnam. December 1, 2010. Today was a wasted day. I left the house at 8am coz I needed to pass by the Business Mirror office to pick up some cheapskate pocket money. Took us two hours to get to Chino Roces where the BM offices are located. Had I taken a cab, it would have been difficult so my brother drove for me. Took another 20 minutes to get to Centennial Airport via EDSA/Pasay.

The cool thing about going through immigration is not having to pay for any taxes because I was officially accredited by the Philippine Sports Commission since I am the official media officer of the Philippine National Men's Football Team! Cool ain't it? Yes, I am from now on. At least until I relinquish that spot or Dan Palami or Nonong Araneta think I'm a slacker.

But back to the wasted day. The flight was at 1240 and the flight is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes. There was a two-hour layover from Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon). I spent that time chatting with a Filipino who has been living here for the past five years working for a multinational. My next flight was at 510pm and that was another two-hour flight up north. By the time we touched down at Noi Bai in Hanoi it was around past 7pm. I was already woozy from all the waiting and traveling. I waited for an hour but the guys on the national team staff were kinda late so I took an airport cab that cost me 600,000 Dong! Holy cow. That's US$30 for you right there. But I did change a US$100 and that netted me more than a million Dong! I'm a frigging millionaire here! Haha. 

Anyways, it's a 45-minute drive to Sheraton so my body's in pain already from all that traveling around. But arriving here. I'm excited. Dinner at Hemispheres was pretty good. Carbo loading for everyone.

I missed the press con and the first day's matches. The Philippines plays Singapore tomorrow at 5pm. I guess they are showing that on Star Sports/ESPN.

I'll be prepping advancers and other stuff about the team tomorrow. Breakfast is at 8am and they limber up at 10. There's a fine for anyone who's late. But that's good isn't it? Need some discipline.

I hang out with team management and the coaching staff that has its nightly meeting. We talked about the ongoings with the PFF and the Suzuki Cup. We're all excited about it. Hopefully, we can spring some surprises.

Can't wait to dive into my bed and sleep (love my room which is real spacious and just homey). Am real tired and I didn't get anything accomplished today. Nyt!

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go

I'll be in Hanoi, Vietnam for the next time days to cover the Suzuki Cup Finals (formerly the Tiger Cup). There won't be much on other sports except football and life in Vietnam. I'll miss the PCCL Finals (sob sob) so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles the best of luck!

So I made a list of things to do when I get to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi:

1. to verify if the win indeed sucks

2. to cross the road in one piece while praying to God that I don't get run over

3. to look for pretty Vietnamese girls

4. to cover football

5. to check out the city

See you all tonight when I go online from the Sheraton in Hanoi.