BINAY: WE NEED A NATIONWIDE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Binay said that the Philippines should not rest on their laurels but instead start a program to enhance the development of sports in the country.

The Philippines, dubbed the ‘Azkals’ beat defending champion Vietnam 2-0 in a group match recently – their first ever win over the Indo-China side.

The team then went on to qualify for the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup this year after emerging as the runners-up in Group B with five points.

They had earlier drew Singapore 1-1 in their first match of the tournament and then held Myanmar scoreless in their final group match.

“The recent triumphs also show that the Philippines are now on the way to regaining their place in the sports of football, an arena where the country used to be a powerhouse in the early 1900s,” Binay added.

Philippines President Benigno Aquino III has already congratulated the team.

“These victories affirm yet again the Filipino’s drive to excel, noting further that the Philippine team’s triumph in the Suzuki Cup signifies an enthusiasm to join the community of nations in the international arena of football,” Aquino said.

AFF SUZUKI CUP 2010, SEMI-FINALS FIXTURES

First-leg – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (BUKIT JALIL NATIONAL STADIUM, KUALA LUMPUR)

15 Dec Malaysia vs Vietnam (2000hrs)

First-leg – Jakarta, Indonesia (GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA)

16 Dec Philippines vs Indonesia

Second-leg – Hanoi, Vietnam (MY DINH NATIONAL STADIUM, HANOI)

18 Dec Vietnam vs Malaysia (2000hrs)

Second-leg – Jakarta, Indonesia (GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA)

19 Dec Indonesia vs Philippines