From underdog to top dog: Philippines vs. Myanmar

From underdog to top dog: Philippines vs. Myanmar

preview and pic by rick olivares
This also appears in the December 8, 2010 edition of the Business Mirror.

NAM DINH CITY, VIETNAM – The Philippine and Myanmar teams traveled more than two hours or 90 kilometers southeast from Hanoi to Nam Dinh City, a rustic provincial city near the Red River Delta. Aside from being the southeast capital of Hanoi, Nam Dinh is the birthplace of Tran Hurng Dao whose two battlefield triumphs over Mongolian conqueror Kublai Khan are two of the greatest military victories in modern history.

The city is also home to Megastar Nam Dinh FC that calls Thien Truong Stadium its home field. On Wednesday night, December 8, the Philippines and Myanmar will do battle in that stadium at 730pm with the results having a direct bearing on which country will move on in the 2010 Suzuki Cup Finals.

To date, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team by virtue of its 1-1 draw with Singapore and 2-0 win over defending champion Vietnam are on top of Group B with four points and one match to play.

Singapore has also tallied four points after a draw with the Philippines and a 2-1 victory over Myanmar. Because of the superior goal difference, the Philippines is perilously on top of the leader board.

The host country is at third with three points coming from its opening day thrashing of Myanmar 7-1. The latter is out of the tournament but can still play a spoiler’s role.

Over at My Dinh National Stadium, the all-important match between Vietnam and Singapore will be played simultaneously with the battle at Nam Dinh. Asean Football Federation officials have arranged for the simultaneous games to prevent any match fixing.

A win or a draw with Myanmar will take the Philippines through to the next level. A win by either Singapore and Vietnam will knock the loser out of the competition. A draw will send Vietnam crashing out as well. “We don’t want to complicate matters,” said Philippines head coach Simon McMenemy. “We want to get some points out of this. We will try hard to get that win and top the group.”

Group A play is held in Jakarta, Indonesia which is currently on top of the field with six points courtesy of 5-1 thrashing of Malaysia and 6-0 massacre of Laos. Thailand is at second with only two points coming from a 2-2 draw with Laos and a scoreless draw with Malaysia. Laos and Malaysia bring up the rear with one point apiece.

Myanmar features deadly striker Soe Myat Min who once topped the 2004 Asean Championship with six goals. Thus far, he has been marked well leaving Kyaw Moe Aung and Lwin Maung Khin to score for the White Angels as their team is nicknamed.

The White Angels have done well in the first 45 minutes of play but have faltered in the second half of play. “It is of big concern to us,” said Myanmar head coach Myint Aung. “But there is no pressure on us in this match. Only for the Philippines.”

Team Philippines will have its entire starting eleven healthy for the match after a minor knee injury sidelined midfielder Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong during the game against Vietnam. Striker Phil Younghusband, who was ill the night before the Vietnam game and whose spectacular goal in the 79^th minute sealed the deal and the biggest upset in the history of the Suzuki Cup for the longtime underdogs, is feeling much better and is eager to make another impact on the game.

Defender Rob Gier who was also feverish during the Philippines’ first two games is also raring to go in what could be the biggest game in the country’s footballing history.

“We have a chance to do something no other Philippine team has done,” said Younghusband. “We’ve been through a lot through the years and it sure feels fantastic to see our efforts bear fruit now. But we’re not satisfied. We’d love to keep this thing going.”