HO CHI MINH CITY (4 April 2010) – With the absence of powerhouse Thailand, competing teams in this year’s AFF Futsal Championship 2010 were unabashed to admit that they will be gunning for the coveted cup this time round.
The Thais, who have won the crown for the past seven years, will not be in Ho Chi Minh City this year as they have opted to play in the Thai 5s which is being held around the same time in Nakhon Ratchasima.
As such, teams like hosts Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia did not hide their aspiration for the crown even though Philippines and Myanmar have an even chance of causing upsets along the way.
Vietnam, the only other team to make the AFC Futsal Championship this year when they waylaid Malaysia enroute, seem to be riding high following their recent signing of Italian Sergio Gargelli as their new head coach.
For the Philippines, who will be banking on several Iranian-born players, whether they can make the final this year will depend on how well they can play together as a unit.
“I hope that the AFF will hosts more Futsal tournament, so that the players in ASEAN can improve their skill further,” added Philippines head coach Ismaeil Sedigh.
The AFF Futsal Championship will begin tomorrow at the Phu Tho Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City with the matches to be played at 1400hrs and 1600hrs respectively.
FIXTURES
5 April 2010: Malaysia vs. Philippines (1400)/ Vietnam vs. Myanmar (1600)
6 April 2010: Philippines vs. Vietnam (1400)/ Indonesia vs. Myanmar (1600)
7 April 2010: Indonesia vs. Malaysia (1400)/ Philippines vs. Myanmar (1600)
8 April 2010: Malaysia vs. Myanmar (1400)/ Vietnam vs. Indonesia (1600)
9 April 2010: Philippines vs. Indonesia (1400)/ Vietnam vs. Malaysia (1600)
10 April 2010: REST DAY
11 April 2010: Winner vs. Runner-up (1600)
ASEANFOOTBALL
How did Iranian players qualify to play for Pilipinas?
ReplyDeletethey have philippine pasports dual
ReplyDelete