Philippines vs Vietnam

I know the Azkals lost to Thailand 2-1 last Saturday, but the Philippines National Men’s Football still has a chance to snatch one of the top two slots in Group A and make it to the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Thailand leads Group A with three (3) points after winning against the Philippines. Vietnam and Myanmar both have one (1) each after their face-off ended in a 1-1 draw last Saturday. The Philippines is at the bottom after losing to host country Thailand.

Meanwhile, Singapore leads Group B with three points after routing Malaysia (3-0), while Indonesia and Laos both have one point a-piece after their duel ended in a draw (2-2).

In 2010, the Azkals still booked a place in the semi-finals with a 1-win, 1-draw and 1-loss record during the group stage.

Still, tonight’s face-off against Vietnam is a do-or-die game. Speaking to ESPNStar.com’s Gabriel Tan, Coach Michael Weiss says a draw tonight versus Vietnam and a win in the last game against Myanmar may not be enough. “It is clear tomorrow’s [Tuesday’s] loser will be going home. The big worry is our shape. We have players who sometimes forget what we want to do; we lose our shape and that’s where problems arise. We must be more clever and experienced, but that’s all part of the maturing process. I don’t want to see the long balls [that we played against Thailand] too much. If under pressure, I prefer we go wide. Long balls can be very effective if the pass comes at the right time. But a ball out of desperation doesn’t help the team, so we will address that also.”

Coach Michael Weiss will be sitting out tonight’s game after being ejected during last Saturday’s game for unsportsmanlike conduct after Coach Weiss “heaved” a ball on a fallen Thai player whom he thought was simulating.

Still, with advances in technology (Bluetooth, Viber and unli calls?), Coach Weiss will still be able to move his blue-shirted boys around the pitch as if the Weiss-man himself was right there on the dug-out through any of his three assistant coaches Brax Bracamonte, Roroy Pinero, or Edwin Cabalida.

The Philippines will face Vietnam tonight at 6 p.m. The AFF Suzuki Cup will be shown live over Star Sports, and if like me, you have no cable TV, you can still watch live on AKTIV (channel 13 on free TV).

Run for Justice

The Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines is inviting all runners to the Visayas Leg of the “Run for Justice” series on December 9, 2012, Sunday.

The fun run, organized by prosecutors based in the cities and province of Cebu will have 16K, 6K and 3K categories.

The registration fee is pegged at P450 for 16K and includes a race singlet, bib, baller and finisher’s medal. The 6K fee is P350 while the 3K category fee is P250 to include a race singlet, bib and baller. The last day for registration will be on December 7.

The race will have an out-and back route which will start and end at the Cebu Capitol grounds passing through Escario Street, Gorordo Avenue, Salinas Drive and Banilad road. Gun start for 16K is 4 a.m.

Registration is on-going at the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office located at the ground floor, Palace of Justice (back of the Cebu Capitol building), Cebu City.