Mariona, son of former National tennis ace, finds his place in Capellas’ roster

Javi Mariona (right) has produced excellent play for the men’s nation al football team. —CONTRIBUTED/PFF

As the Philippine men’s football team continues to increase the pool beyond the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup, a newcomer has put up quite an impression despite opening the competition with consecutive draws.

“I can say right now that we are happy with Mariona,” coach Albert Capellas told The Inquirer, referring to Javi Mariona’s impact as a substitute in the 1-1 draws against Myanmar at home and Laos on the road.

In both games, Mariona’s play at the wing was able to inject promising moments for the Filipino squad as he almost scored a go-ahead goal late against Laos that was deflected by the keeper.

His play has prompted fans to call for Mariona to secure a spot in the starting lineup against Vietnam on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium, a match the Philippines needed to haul points from to keep its semifinal chances alive in the competition.

The two teams were set to kick off at press time.

The 20-year-old Mariona, born in California, is the son of parents with significant sporting backgrounds.

His mother is former Philippine tennis player Marisue Jacutin, who represented the country in the Fed Cup and Southeast Asian Games and is married to Rodrigo Mariona of El Salvador.

Gramps’ a World Cup vet

His grandfather from the paternal side is Salvador Mariona, who played for El Salvador in the 1970 Fifa World Cup held in Mexico.

There are high hopes that Mariona can make an impact for the Philippines in succeeding competitions, with new additions set to come by the time the Asian Cup Qualifiers start in March.

“He has to know how we want to play, he has to learn a lot of things that all the other players know. But now he [will have a] longer time with us,” said Capellas.

The Philippines played Vietnam, which leads Group B after posting two victories prior to its Manila visit, with Randy Schneider set to secure his Philippine passport that will make him available for the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Schneider, whose mother is Filipino and whose father is Swiss, is a 23-year-old midfielder who plays for Swiss Super League club FC Winterthur.

“He’ll be here watching the game against Vietnam, then he’ll go to the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to get his passport,” director for national teams Freddy Gonzalez said last week when asked regarding players who are set to secure their passports.

The Philippines must win or draw to enhance its semifinal hopes in the Asean Championship before facing Indonesia on the road this Saturday in a win-or-go-home situation.