TBThursday: Vietnam v Philippines, The Sequel

Throwback Thursdays always show us that we always have memories that we can go back to. And here at The Six-Yard Box, we'll be glad to walk with you along memory lane.

We all know that the Philippine Football renaissance started with that fateful night in Hanoi when we dispatched the then regional defending champions, Vietnam. But let me tell you how we showed them that it wasn't just a one-time thing.

November 27, 2012 - Bangkok, Thailand. AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Group Stages. The last time we faced them, we changed history and rocked the football stage. And for that, they want to get even. So we had to prepare for war.

We were coming off after a loss to eventual runner-up, Thailand. While Vietnam came from a draw with Myanmar. Both teams wanted to turn things around. Both teams still have something to fight for.

It was Vietnam who tried to take the initiative in the opening minutes. But the Azkals eventually gained momentum, pressuring the Vietnam defense again and again. We seemed like we were in control of the match.

You could really feel the excitement, the anticipation, the feeling that the Philippine's win against the might Vietnam was NOT a fluke. It was one of the best feelings in the game, and the best was yet to come.

But Vietnam held firm. and it was right after the break that Vietnam started to show more determination. The feeling of excitement turned into tension. You'd start to remember who Vietnam was. They were a powerhouse, and you know that one fatal error could lead to that disheartening goal. But the we were able to keep our defenses up, foiling them time and time again.

The key moment of our game was when we subbed in Guirado and Caligdong. It really seemed that Azkals Coach Michael Weiß wants to up the pace and shift the momentum to our side. The coach's substitutions paid off as the additions gave that extra venom that the Philippines needed to threaten the solid Vietnam defense. The tension starts fading and the excitement starts coming back.

Then it happened, our prayers were answered.

A nicely placed pass puts the ball ahead of good ol' Chieffy Caligdong with space in front of the goal. And you all know how good Chieffy is in front of goal. Making no mistake, he slots it past Vietnam, putting us in the lead again!

I was sent screaming in my seat, and in that moment, I know that several thousand Philippine fans were, too. We're in the closing minutes, and we were winning. You will NOT win this time, Vietnam.

Vietnam, however, refused to back down and had a goal bound shot in the 86th.

It was also when Azkals goalkeeper Eduard Sacapaño stopped the scoring attempt, with the ball rattling the underside of the crossbar.

And it came to my head: "Walang makakadaan kay EDSA!"

Manong Ed had been coming to our rescue time and time again, and he was not going to let that one past him.

Then the final whistle blew. A huge sigh of relief. A great performance. An exciting win by our beloved Azkals.

Vietnam 0, Philippines 1.

I hope you guys always remember how we struggled to get to this point. We cannot be complacent, and we should always look ahead. This event will be a memory that Philippine Football will keep for generations to come.