TANGAN ang bentahe sa home crowd, sisimulan ng Philippine National Under-22 at National Women’s squad ang kampanya sa football event ng 30th Southeast Asian Games ngayon sa Rizal Memorial Football Stadium sa Manila at Binan Stadium sa Laguna.

Haharapin ng National Team Azkals, sa pangunguna ni Stephan Schrock, ang laban ng Pinoy booters kontra Cambodia sa Group A elimination ganap na 8:00 ng gabi, matapos ang duwelo ng Malaysia at Myanmar ganap na 4:00 ng hapon.

Tanyag bilang ‘Malditas, sasagupain ng women’s squad ang powerhouse Myanmar sa tampok na laro ganap na 8:00 ng gabi sa Group A, habang magtutuossa Group B elimination ang Vietnam at defending champion Thailand ganap na 4:00 ng hapon.

“We will take it one match at a time,” pahayag ni PH Team coach Serbian Goran Milosevic.

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

Pinangasiwaan ni Milosevic ang pagsasanay ng National Under-22 squad nito lamang Agosto.

“The first game is always very important and if they follow our instructions and give their best, our boys can win,” sambit ng dating miyembro ng Yugoslavian team.

“The quality that these coaches bring (to the team) is making a huge difference. Their dedication has been excellent and has impacted our players,” pahayag naman ni Stallion FC coach Ernie Nierras, bahagi ng coaching staff. “They based their selection on talent, skill and merit.”

Iginiit ng Serbian mentor na mas naging solidoo ang hanay ng Azkals sa pagkakasama ni veteran defender Amani Aguinaldo.

“Aguinaldo is a veteran and very professional player. He will strengthen our back row,” sambit ni Milosevic. “He is able to do the little things and was outstanding in the scoreless draw against China.”

Para kay national women’s coach Marnelli Dimzon, kumpiyansa siyang makakabawi ang Pinoy sa kabiguan sa nakalipas na pakikipagtios sa Myanmar sa AFF women’s football championships nitong Agosoto sa Chonburi, Thailand.

“We were able to keep pace with Myanmar in the first half but we broke down in the second half because we lacked the stamina,” pahayag ni Dimzon.

“There was marked improvement with every match we played,” aniya.

Tatampukan ang koponan nina Fil-Ams Sarina Bolden at Eva Madarang.

-Annie Abad

Mga Laro Ngayon

(Rizal Memorial Football Stadium)

4:00 n.h. -- Malaysia vs Myanmar (Men’s Group A)

8:00 n.g. -- Philippines vs Cambodia (Men’s Group A)

(Binan Stadium, Laguna)

4:00 n.h. -- Vietnam vs Thailand (Women’s Group B)