Saturday, December 6, 2008

Homeless World Cup: Philippines Wins Match vs. Sweden


Philippines vs. Sweden
By Finn Bradshaw

LED by a nine-goal haul from Jay-R de Jesus, the Philippines defeated Sweden 13-3 to claim their first victory in the Second Round.

In the sweltering heat on the Melbourne pitch, the Filipinos were too fast and skillful for the Swedes to handle.

Sweden made the most of their size advantage over the Asian team early, keeping the score knotted at 2-2 mid-way through the first half thanks to a brace from Jim Nygaard.

But then de Jesus stepped it up a gear, scoring eight of the next nine goals in the match.

The Philippines' game plan is built around the strong midfield work of Jeffrey Solis and Kevin Logioy, allowing de Jesus to wreak havoc in the front half.

The best of de Jesus' huge haul was a scorcher from the half way line with the outside of his foot, which left Sweden's fill-in keeper with no chance.

Not to be outdone, Logioy scored with a screamer of a volley into the top left-hand corner late in the game to put icing on the win.

The win lifts the Philippines to fourth in Group H, and puts their goal difference into the positive. Sweden now anchors the group, having failed to win a game in the Second Round.

Philippines vs. Greece

The Philippine starting squad were Jay-R De Jesus, Jeffrey Solis, Kevin Logioy and Ricky Eliquio in Goal. Ricky had his strongest game, staying low and stopping shot after shot in the first half. Kevin put the Philippine team on the board with a blistering shot just outside the box and Jay-R added a smooth touch into the back of the net minutes later. Greece still managed to come out ahead at the break 4-2.

Russel Ayawon and Rondolf Longgakit also saw playing time for the team who ended the game with a respectable 7-2 defeat. The strength and size of the Greek squad was the deciding difference. Consistently, the Philippine team was knocked off the ball, but there were some bright spots. Ricky’s play in goal was stellar. The team began to use the three on two advantage, they have on every offensive end possession.

This is a very tactical game. It takes tremendous athleticism, quickness and ball control. Because of the technique of the game it becomes a tool in the education and discipline of the players who participate.

Playing Greece epitomized the unity these games bring to the players. It was the first time our team, the refs and an opposing team joined hands in a running cheer. It was wonderful to see them battling on the pitch and then together at the end, with joy. This was a great experience for our team and it will is a big step toward the healing and understanding, that defeat is only a defeat for a moment. Thank you Greece!

The Philippine squad just squared off against Greece, but will also play Malawi, Rwanda, Sweden and Romania in this second round.

No comments:

Post a Comment