The Pilpinas Dragons, a football team of boys mostly born in 2000, set records in Barcelona this week when it became the first Philippine competitor in the history of the prestigious Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) 2016, which saw action from some 500 teams in 42 countries.
All told, the Filipino boys coached by Ayi Bimbo from Ghana, sent shock waves with their maiden win in a friendly against the Japan Football Academy, 3-1, and an opening day 1-1 draw with Bellmare Fuijsawa. Bellmare is one of the oldest teams in the Japan premiere league.
The Dragons, who were last summer’s U15 champions in the UFL, gained more international exposure in a 1-3 loss against AEC Manlleu of Spain at Fornelis de la Sieva. It was followed by a 0-6 yield to Sel Espana-Brasil, a Spain-based Brazilian team, also on March 23, at the Sant Feliu de Guziols. Both opponents notably play almost everyday as they work towards professional football careers.
Despite the opponents’ obvious height advantage and the unfriendly cold at average of 8 degrees Celsius, the Dragons came back the next day with “puso” (heart) and breathed fire on Spain’s UE Balafia 2-1 at the Llagostera stadium, winning in this round toward the Consolation Prize.
Source: Ruby Villavicencio Paurom of Inquirer Sports
