Time to get the job done
by rick olivares
Michael Weiss likes what he sees.
The match between the Philippines and Singapore in the first leg
of their 2012 Suzuki Cup semifinals clash may have ended in a scoreless draw
but the Philippine head coach has reasons to be happy.
The result still gives the Philippines hope after they
repeatedly repelled Singapore's attacks. One goal in the away match on Wednesday, December 12, at the Jalan Besar Stadium, will count
as double as per tournament rules and the home team will have to find the back
of the net twice just to equalize.
However, that is getting ahead of themselves. An early morning
Monday flight to the island state left the players a little tired. "It was
this morning where I saw the freshness come back," said Weiss. "It
was most important to recover from the first leg because it was an intense
game. We had a day off on Sunday but we had a strong session last
Monday."
Weiss underscored the urgency of the match. "If we want to
make the finals then we have to come out and play like we did in the second
half."
In that second half, Azkals co-captain Chieffy Caligdong had an
opportunity to convert a cross by Phil Younghusband but his first touch was
poor and the moment slipped away. "Sanamabigyan ulit ng pagkakataon sa
next game. Pero kahit sino. Para naman sa bayan ‘to at hindi personal glory.”
“Home field advantage sila pero iniisip namin makascore kami agad.
Malaking bagay na mauna kami para hindi naghabol. Maganda naman depensa namin. Ang
isa pang maganda rito ay iba na yung turing ng ibang bansa. Patas na.”
Added national side team manager, Dan Palami: “In all our
games, we played well in the second half. I talked to Coach Weiss about
bringing our second half game to the first half. Everyone is aware of the implications
of this.
The other day I got dozens of calls after the loss of Manny
(Pacquiao). This will be a huge lift for Philippine sports if we make the
finals.”
On Singapore's part, head coach Radojko Avramovic likewise hopes
to end his celebrated stint with the Lions with another Suzuki Cup title. But
to do that, Avramovic needs his squad to come out with the same spirit that was
on display in the Philippines. "The job isn't done yet. We have another 90
minutes. I hope we show the same strength as we did in the Philippines."
This Suzuki Cup semifinals series is Avamovic's fourth and he is
looking to win his third Asean football championship. "It's different
every time. There are new challenges."
This is the second consecutive semifinals berth for the
Philippines and the first under Weiss who has presided on the best performances
and finishes of the national side in its entire history. However, the second
year head coach also preached caution, "We are still a work in
progress."
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Additional reading: My analysis on the Philippines' home match against Singapore
Additional reading: My analysis on the Philippines' home match against Singapore
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