PERSPOLISE stunned tournament favorite Tondo FC, 4-0, at the Neymar Jr.’s Five National Finals at Turf BCG, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila.
“I think we were all rooting for Tondo FC, they would have made a great story!” said Sports Director Anton del Rosario. “But I’m happy for Perspolise, I’ve got friends there. In the world finals, Perspolise won’t play like they’re on vacation. They’re going to play to win!”
During last year’s inaugural Neymar Jr.’s Five Philippine Qualifier, Tondo FC won the hearts of event-goers as the tournament’s sentimental favorites. Following the withdrawal of Baggie FC, Tondo FC surprised everyone when they advanced to the finals in a losing-effort to Naxional in an intense and hotly contested battle.
“We played better than last year,” said Tondo FC’s Dennis Balbin. “We really had to prepare for this year. We worked on team defense and organization, learning that Neymar Jr.’s Five is really a team effort.”
In its second year in the Philippines, Neymar Jr,’s Five drew many teams in a series of qualifying rounds in Manila and Cebu.
In the end, 16 teams advanced to the National Finals, namely French Kiss FC, International Manila, Tenth Power, Naij FC, The Tenth Power B, Realcelona, Tala Cu Chi, Perspolise, Koora, Selecao, ABCDE FC, Ballers FC, National FC, Brazilipinas, Tondo FC and Leylam FC A.
