Practice makes perfect for PH booter Belgira | Inquirer Sports

Practice makes perfect for PH booter Belgira

/ 07:25 PM August 16, 2017

Kouichi Belgira. Photo by Marc Reyes

KUALA LUMPUR—I made that shot many times in practices.

That’s what 20-year-old Filipino-Japanese midfielder Kouichi Belgira said of the Philippines’ second—and more emphatic—goal against Cambodia Tuesday night in the Southeast Asian Games football.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I do free kick over and over again that when I got the chance to do it I was very happy I executed it well,” said Belgira in halting English.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: SEA Games: PH booters score first win, deny Cambodians ‘bonus’

Born to a Japanese mother and Filipino father, Belgira was brought here when he was 18 and went on to become one of the rising stars of the sport.

Article continues after this advertisement

He plays for Japan-Philippines-Voltes Marikina FC in the Philippines Football League.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The team worked very hard and it paid off because the match was very, very tough,” said Belgira of the game which saw the Philippines groped for form in the entire first half.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PH football squads send strong message to SEA Games foes

“I’m very happy we helped each other,” said Belgira who flung the goal—with the versatile Javier Gayoso as decoy—against a five-man wall.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Football, Philippines, SEA Games, Southeast Asian Games, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.