Baguio - Locals still back Azkals despite loss to Indonesia

THERE'S no fretting over the loss of the Philippine Azkals against Asean powerhouse Indonesia in their semis match in the Suzuki Cup of the Asian Football Federation.

Baguio football enthusiasts still see the probable win for the underdog Filipinos who will once again troop to the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

"Our team was solid at the defensive back line including the goal keeper except for the crucial error which led to the only goal of the game," said Homer Alinsug of the Baguio United Football Club after the 1-0 triumph of Indonesia over Philippines.

Overall, our team showed vast improvement as the tournament wears on and down only by a goal has a chance to still be in the finals," Alinsug said.

Baguio City National High School football coach Aries Bocalan also gave the Filipinos' game thumbs up, saying there is still a probability that the Pinoys would win.

"Their game was great, at first I thought they will hold the Indonesians at the back of their defense and make a counter attack but they went attacking all throughout the game," Bocalan said, adding the country has made big improvement in the international football scene. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on December 19, 2010.