World Cup 2009 - Manila

The 20th Manila Soccer World Cup tournament at the Nomads Sports Club had the XP Cebu football team play in Group B under the banner heading team of Europe. The group consisted of Spain, England, Holland and Europe. Top 2 teams would qualify for the ‘Cup’ knockout tournament whilst the following 2 teams would qualify for the ‘Plate’ tournament both of which were to be held on the Sunday with a straight knockout format.

The Saturday was to prove a frustrating day as the team struggled to find ‘true form’ with some misdirected passing and a high tempo game that just didn’t suit our style. This was clearly demonstrated by the 3rd game on the first day when at last the team settled, picked out some nice passes and slowed down the game to allow greater control. Indeed if it was not for Edwin being badly let down by the referee which saw him pick-up a red card instead of the opposing player picking up a yellow card then in all probability a draw or win could have been had against the England team. As it was we lost all three games which gave us entry in to the plate competition.

Day 2 was to see the true colors of the XP Cebu, Europe team as they began their first game against the Celtic Tigers a team made-up of Irish and Scottish players. Edwin, with 1 red card, was unable to play in this game and was thus asked to coach the team allowing myself the opportunity of getting a run-out on the pitch. Edwin’s first managerial decision with his starting team selection proved very successful as passing was to feet, the tempo controlled and the determination high. All players wanted to win this game badly, which was clear for everyone to see, and it was no surprise to see the team walk off the pitch as the final whistle blew with a 2 – 0 win with goals from Jordi and Jeremy.

Next up was France in the semi final and with Edwin restored to the game the coaching role was again restored to myself. A very strange game with so many opportunities opening-up for the Europe team with post, bar and French defenders all denying the opening goal. Again determination was clearly visible but it was controlled with passing so much better than what had been experienced on day one. At last the goal came through Edwin who took his shot wonderfully powering the ball in to the back of the net. But the drama of this game had not yet finished when the French took advantage of some indecision in the European defense and managed to score a very lucky equalizer. So it was that at the final whistle the dreaded penalty shoot-out was to decide the future of the two teams; do not forget that the XP Cebu team has a dreadful history of winning a penalty shoot-out so it was with nervousness that we went in to this scenario. First was Sebastian and a very cool opening goal, Edwin – goal, Vincent (our magnificent keeper) – goal, Jordi (that was scary) – goal and Xavier – goal and with Vincent making the all important save we were through to the final.

Final; Europe v Latin America

Magnificent; we had come from a beating on the first day and managed to work our way through to the final of the ‘Plate’ competition. This is where we truly belonged this is where the team became strong, where players supported each other, came with their ace game and demonstrated just how important and rich the team spirit had been over the 2 days.

The how is not important on the final game; just know that Sebastian x 3 goals, Xavier x 1 goal, took the XP Cebu, European team to a stunning and well deserved 4 – 0 win!

There are a lot of things I have missed from this report. For example Mike playing for the team on the Saturday and having to go home on the same evening. The great attitude of players asked to play in positions that would not be their own personal first choice Xavier in particular but Jordi in addition on the second day. The attitude of the team that played with spirit, that enjoyed the games, that did not moan at each other, did not walk off the pitch in disgust, the brilliance of Vince in goal and at last our ability to score goals. It was truly a pleasure being a part of this team, we had lots of fun, lots of pain, lots of stories and have walked away with a trophy. Well done to all you are a credit to the XP Cebu football team.

Finally. Thank you to our new sponsors the ‘Gustavian’, tonight from 8pm we will be at the Tap Room celebrating the clubs success. Thank you to Rodolphe for organizing the new team shirts and helping with the European entry and thank you to Jordi who will be returning to Spain on Tuesday but has bought that much needed ‘Catalan’ spirit to brighten-up our touring lives. Finally, thanks to all the players, I was proud to be your coach.