Nat’l booters grab Host Cup Trophy

Bacolod-born striker Leopoldo Aragon struck twice as Team Jeepney Philippines subdued Norway, 4-3, to finish 25th among 66 teams and wrest the Host Cup Trophy in the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro recently

Aragon scored in each half, while Abdula Pasion and Tonie Mark Arinal added one each as the Filipinos bucked the absence of Hammid Passion, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half after a tackle by a Norwegian.

The Philippines actually fell behind, 0-1, before quick goals from Aragon, Pasion and Arinal allowed them to seize control.

With the victory, the Philippines wound up with an 8-3 record, its losses coming at the hands of eventual champion Brazil (9-2), losing finalist Chile (9-0) and powerhouse Italy (4-2).

The Filipinos’ other victories came against fancied squads Croatia (4-3), Sweden (8-2), South Korea (14-4), Norway (3-2), Germany (8-6), Finland (6-2).

The country finished 37th in Melbourne in 2008 and 29th in Milan last year.