By Francis Santiago
MANILA, Philippines � The Philippines hosting a World Cup qualifier may seem impossible at this time.
But don�t tell that to Mariano �Nonong� Araneta.
The Philippine Football Federation chief believes the country can do it as long as the 30,000-seater Rizal Memorial football stadium in Manila is primed up for the task.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia said recently that repairs have started in the 77-year-old stadium, including the installation of new lighting.
The renovation started under Garcia�s predecessor, former PSC chair Harry Angping, who forged an alliance with De La Salle University for the project now nearing its completion.
�If the renovation is complete, then we can host it,� Araneta said yesterday referring to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers set to begin this summer.
�The stadium can host fans as many as 30,000.�
Araneta is expecting a huge turn out should the hosting dream comes into fruition. His assessment was based on the overwhelming crowd support in the Philippine Azkals� 2-0 victory over Mongolia the first leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match last week in Bacolod City where some 20,000 watched the game live at the Panaad Stadium.
If it happens, it will only be the second time in the Philippine football history that the country will host such a prestigious event, forward Yanti Barsales, who has been with the national team since 1991, said yesterday.
The last time was in 2001 when the Philippines hosted their �home� game against Laos at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City (formerly ULTRA).
The game ended in a 1-1 draw and the Philippines failed to advance into the next stage.
Manila Bulletin
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