
Living up to their billing as the “Miracle team,” the Filipino footballers did the unthinkable by stunning superpower Brazil, 6-2, in the 1st Deloitte-Street Child World Cup Thursday in Durban, South Africa.
Although it was already a no-bearing match since both squads were already eliminated in the race for the World Cup, co-organizer Ed Formoso said the win remains a big accomplishment for the Filipinos considering that Brazil ranks No. 2 in the world.
The win was especially huge for Noriel Pineones as he accounted for four of the team’s six-goal output.
RP football team captain Marielle Benitez was equally ecstatic over the win and said: “Tinikling footwork beat Samba footwork.”
Benitez, a member of the famed Bayanihan Dance Troupe, was one of those who gave the RP street kids tinikling lessons which they performed in a cultural presentation last Tuesday in South Africa.
Using speed and impeccable passing game to offset Brazil’s height advantage, the Pinoy kids toyed with the Brazilians as they stormed to a 4-1 lead at the break – thanks to Raymond Elona’s lone goal and Pineones’ treble.
Mario Titoy scored RP’s first goal in the second half before Pineones chalked up his fourth goal for a commanding 6-1 edge.
The win was the first for the Filipinos while handing the Brazilians their third straight defeat.
The Filipinos still have a chance to take home a trophy as they were relegated to a battle for the SCWC Shield, a secondary award to World Cup.
The Philippines lost its opening match against the towering UK booters, 4-2, Monday night before anew to Tanzania, 2-0, Wednesday night.
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