Football kicks off SEAG in Bacolod

BACOLOD – The 23rd Southeast Asian Games action is on today here with the commencement of men’s football competition at the Bacolod City Sports Complex.

Laos and Myanmar square off in the 4 p.m. opening game, then Vietnam and Singapore clash at 6 p.m. expectedly before a mammoth crowd in the newly-refurbished venue formerly known as Paglaum.

These four teams are bracketed with Indonesia in this SEAG soccerfest that drew nine teams divided into two groups.

The Philippines is bracketed with defending champion Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia.

Filipino officials and coaches admit they will have a tough time against Thailand but hope they can hurdle Malaysia and Cambodia to make it to the crossover semifinal round.

"We have a realistic chance of winning a medal," Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez said.

Coach Aris Caslib opted for his team not to attend the opening ceremonies at the Panaad Center last night to give the players the needed rest.

The RP XI opens its campaign in the tourney against Thailand Wednesday.