Philippine Football Team to Avenge Loss to Indonesia

[MikeLigalig.com]

There is no other way but up for the Philippine men’s football team as it tangles with Indonesia for a championship berth in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2010 on Sunday.

After losing last Thursday before a hostile Indonesian crowd of 70,000 in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Azkals’ British mentor Simon McMenemy said his boys are ready to pull the rug.

"They (Indonesia) were the better team and they passed the ball around well but they weren't able to break us down. We'll be back on Sunday and we'll see what happens,” he said.

Gametime is set at 8 p.m. as Filipino fans are expected to be glued on their television sets to watch the Azkals finally upset the Indonesians in home turf.

The Philippines failed to stretch its unbeaten record in this year’s tournament after a defensive lapse allowed Indonesian striker Cristian Gonzales to head a goal.

"As far as the game went, we stuck to our game plan. I know it's not the prettiest and I would love to play more attacking football, but coaching is all about playing to your strengths and I thought that we did very well because Indonesia didn't really break us down too many times," McMenemy said. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)