Pinoy street kids score miracle win in World Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of the triumphant Philippine team in the first Deloitte Street Child World Cup in Durban, South Africa are now convinced miracles do happen.

“We experienced that first hand. We had a miraculous ride enabling us to accomplish a feat,” said RP team co-manager Ed Formoso during their victory party at the Amici Pizza Pasta near Don Bosco in Makati yesterday.

“Ours was a miracle team from start to finish,” added Formoso on RP team’s achievement topping the consolation round of the tough event.

The RP team brought home the Street Child World Shield for its amazing performance capped by a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph over 2010 World Cup host South Africa.

Mario Titoy, who almost missed the trip due to visa problems, delivered the winning goal.

Skipper Erica Mae Innocencio, Noriel Pineones, Raymond Elona, Jayson Simangan, Ladylyn Ampe, Lorelyn Cabanayan, Roberto Orlandez, Blueshark Gaerlan and Gerry Boy Joaquino were the other members of the team sponsored by Deutsche Bank, Mitre, Amici Pasta Pizza, and party list PBA.

Pineones, a product of Tuloy sa Don Bosco in Alabang, Muntinlupa, emerged the best performer with a goal against Great Britain and five against Brazil.

The Filipinos had their biggest moment in the event in stunning the tall Brazilians, 6-2.

The team was relegated to the consolation round after a 2-4 loss to Great Britain then a 0-2 defeat against Tanzania.