HK vs Philippines
Posted by Philippines - 12/09/2009
Hong Kong was no match for the Philippine side. Captain Ronaldo Yurag picked apart the HK defense for five goals and Robert Francisco added one to make the final score 6-1 Philippines. In a surprise move Coach Marlon Maro moved Joemer Gelena, the Philippine goalie, into the field, replacing him with striker Robin Porcioncula.
The goalies are the champions of these games, taking incredible strikes at close range. One mistake or breakdown on defense and the goalies are looking at 100 kilometer strikes from four meters out. Joemer and Marlon Lagundino have played courageously against the best teams and players in this tournament.
In their second game of the day, and final game of the second round, the Filipinos beat a stubborn Australian team 6-3. With Ronaldo feeding the ball forward, Larry Dela Cruz found the goal four times, Robert Francisco added one and Mark Anthony Rosales sealed the victory. Robin Porcioncula again played the goal and made some great saves and smart outlet passes.
Ricky Ortiz and Joemer Helena also contributed in this fast paced game. The top teams never stop and the ball movement is a series of one-touch passes. They spread the pitch, working the defenses, wowing the crowds with deft passes and ball control.
These two wins catapult the Philippines into the Host Cup and insure a 24-32 place finish out of 48 teams. Last year they finished 37th so this is an incredible jump against tougher competition. They will face Canada in the first round of the Host Cup.
In the second round the Filipinos finished with a 4-1 record losing only to a very talented Argentina side 4-2. Argentina had three wins in their opening bracket and ended in the bottom half of the field on goal differential. In our game with Argentina they fielded a weaker side to start the game, playing their one girl. After two minutes they made some quick substitutions as Philippines dominated the play striking quickly in the opening seconds. What ensued was hard-nosed football with body checks and tough tackles.
On a side note, the Philippines have come out on top in Asia. Of the five teams from the East, including Hong Kong, India, Japan, Cambodia and Australia, they have proven themselves the elite football side.
