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22/03/2010

Victory for our Philippine Team.

Despite being drawn in a group with the mighty Brazil and home favourites South Africa, the ALMT sponsored team from the Philippines have been dubbed the miracle team after their success. The first ever Street Child World Cup saw teams from all over the world compete in the tournament which has focused a spotlight on children's rights.

Born from injustice that street children are 'cleared' off the streets ahead of major sporting events, the Deloitte's Street Child World Cup attracted an enormous amount of international media to encourage local communities and governments to change outcomes for  street children. After two months of rigorous training, the ALMT team lost to the UK team in their opening match but fast became a favourite of the media and spectators alike.  

Coaching staff Craig Burrows gave a commentary of their final match: "Well this event has taken off and inspired dreams and teams to rise to the occasion, setting up a people’s choice Shield Final of home team South Africa vs The Philippines rated tournament underdogs. How would the hosts fare against a team ranked so far below them?
 
The game started with the Philippine Miracles playing strongly but South Africa had obviously been studying the Filipinos form and their football reflected a sheer determination to win on home turf, thus it was that the first goal was by Siya Msiya from the South African side approximately seven minutes after the game started. The game was on and the Philippines were down but not out. The first goal is often crucial with many teams falling to pieces but not our brave kids who battled on displaying incredible form and nerve. Their grit was rewarded when a goal was scored by Mario Titoy approximately 4 minutes after the first goal.
 
A stalemate ensued with both sides playing their hearts out and giving it their all. Many times substitutions were thought of but the teams were so together that no substitutions were made in any team and at full time (after 40 minutes) the score stood at one all (1-1) so extra time (10 minutes) was declared.
 
The Filipinos were exhausted but determined to show the world how great their country is and that no one should look down on them. So it was that the goal was also by Mario Titoy 3 minutes after the start of extra time. This did not see the Filipinos defending more, rather they raised the level of attack though obviously drained they were aiming for goal as often as possible. The crowd had divided loyalties with the locals drumming and trumpeting but the other teams had fallen in love with the Filipinos and supported them well. The final minute seemed like an hour to both teams, but when the crowd went into a final ten second countdown, the Filipinos rose and shone. Final score South Africa 1 Philippines 2 after extra time."

Despite the tremendous success of the team who trained hard and played exceptional football, the Amos Trust insisted it is the campaign to change the futures for street children, rather than winning, which really matters. Tournament organiser Chris Rose said: "We are one voice, one community and one world’, this was not just about football, it was about a global family and celebrating children's rights and sport"

Check out the match photos by following this link  Action Photos from Durban

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