Philippines vs. Mongolia AFC Challenge Cup 1

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The home game we've all been waiting for.
And when I say we, I mean the whole Philippines - who was, almost literally, present at the Panaad Stadium that day. Not a single inch of space around the stadium was unoccupied, and all of it cheering for the Philippines.

In the end, after what appeared to be the longest human wave in history, the Philippines won the game 2-0 against Mongolia. It did not come easily however, with both goals having happened in the dying minutes of each half. I personally expected the Philippines to do better, as the opponents they were dealing with were fainting with heat along the way in stretchers. Not to mention that one Mongolian Altantulga Pagamsuren who was sent out for a red card that left the team playing with 10 players instead of 11.

Chieffy Caligdong's goal gives me chills until now. Phil's goal took us all by surprise - especially that Mongolian keeper.

Philippines
Caligdong 42'
P. Younghusband 93'

Check out some pictures here by S. Kieron Tan.
or
Enjoy some Match GIFs:


Aly! Catch this!




Here you go Jason


I feel the need to tackle someone


Okay Jason I'll do it


No Phil I can tackle this guy myself


Now look what you made me do Jason


It was good enough Rob


Hey move back I wanna tackle someone too


But tackling is dangerous!


Hey who tackled James?!


WHAT ARE YOU ALL DOING LET'S GET SOME GOALS IN


Okay here you go Chieffy!


Oh is this what you need?



Awesome CHIEFFY! Make another goal!


Hey Simon maybe you could get a goal in


Okay how about this?


Nah you do it Phil


Okay fine



ZOMG It went in!


Can I have your jersey?


We're wearing the same jersey! Don't give yours to coach!

Azkals vs. Negros Footballers Friendly

Score 4-4

It's okay, Phil, you scored 2 goals!

Azkals

Phil Younghusband 

Rcardo Becite
Aly Borromeo

Negros
Aldrin Dolino
Jaime Poderoso 

If anything, this just proves that our local football is better than I thought.


Some pictures from Fiel Efenio:

I'm lonely...

Hey Simon!

Yeah?

Want to room with me tonight?

HEY I ASKED HIM FIRST!

Phil, I thought we were rooming together?

I don't know, Phil. That vacant bed is for Neil...

Hello? How about me? I scored a goal?!!

How about in Mongolia? Who are you rooming with in Mongolia?

Me! Room with me Simon!

You guys are disgusting...

Here's a video from ABS-CBN's Bandila: 

More details from this Inquirer article

Some good-looking people featured on Inquirer

It's a shame the Philippine Daily Inquirer didn't post decently-sized images online for their article. I must say it was fun to read however.

"Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows. I once cried in a movie because it was sad. It was 'Marley and Me,' directed by David Frakel, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. "

I'm guessing I'm not the only one who noticed Mark's bare midsection in his photograph:

 

"What’s the most unique thing about you? I have an obsession with looking at my phone and contacting everyone at all times, but in the Philippines, this seems like a common thing, so maybe it’s just me. (Laughs)."

"What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you on the field? One time, we were four goals behind, and then I was able to score five goals—so we won that game!"

"What’s your guilty pleasure? I go to the cinema, watch movies. I also go shopping, hang out, maybe eat.
What do you like eating? That’s hard. Maybe pizza."

"Do you have other hobbies aside from football? I’m into a lot of sports! (It was reported in Sun Star Cebu that he is into basketball, swimming, tennis, and billiards). I have a band, 6 Years to Fame. We play alternative rock."

"What’s the craziest fan moment you’ve had? Nothing too crazy, yet. Everybody’s been really good. Really friendly! So far everybody has kept within the boundaries of how it should be."

"What’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever done for a girl? Well, I’m not really a romantic type so … (Turns to his fellow players) Give me some ideas, I need to be clean here. I bought one girl a Coach bag. Yeah, seriously. One time, we were in Metrowalk, there was a girl singing on the stage, and people were writing down their song requests and giving it to the girl, but Eddie Mallari encouraged me to write my phone number and give it to the girl. She texted me later, but I lost my phone, so nothing really happened."

I guess crazy runs in the family. Simon's starting to sound like Chris now.