by Kevin Estrada
Alex Monis was just seven when the Philippines made the biggest result in modern history, shocking Vietnam in what was known as the Miracle of Hanoi in 2010.
Goals by Chris Greatwich and Phil Younghusbannd secured a monumental upset in ASEAN Football, with the then-Azkals beat the erstwhile defending AFF Champions on their own patch.
With that, Monis hopes to create a similar moment when they take on Group B leaders Vietnam on December 18.
“Hopefully, we create our own miracle,” said the New England midfielder.
A win by the hosts will keep their semifinal aspirations alive, having started with a pair of disappointing draws. The Vietnamese will come into the match looking to join Thailand in the last four by taking all three points in Rizal Memorial.
Monis also respected the side that had won the last seven fixtures against the Filipinos, and hoped to give them a good fight.
“We have a lot of respect for them [Vietnam]. But we’re going into this match confident,” he added.
“The pressure is on them. They are viewed as the giants in Southeast Asia, and we’re going to give them everything.”
At 21, Monis appreciated how the veterans like Patrick Reichelt guide him into the international game, havin already won nine caps since debuting in June against the same Vietnam side in Hanoi during the World Cup qualifiers.
“They’ve done a really good job speaking with the young and new players. All of us are taking it in, we’re going to rise to the occasion,” Monis later quipped.
* * *
