Preview: Will NCR and Central Visayas meet again?

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – As action in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa heats up further in Dumaguete City, expect more fireworks from footballers around the country to give their best shot to win the title.

And at the forefront of all these? 

Defending champions National Capital Region (NCR) and their victim in the finals last year in Lingayen, 2011 Palaro kings Central Visayas.

It was a close match at the opening whistle with both teams playing toe-to-toe, but NCR scored two stunning goals in the dying minutes of the first half to secure the crown.

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NCR: Younger but still talented

Philippine football has gotten a boost these past few years with the rise of the Philippine Azkals in international football, with a semi-professional league in place and countless grassroots programs already happening nationwide.

And this revolution created a ripple effect in the popularity of the sport not only in the international level, but at the local level, as well, making football one of the biggest highlight sports in the annual national competition.

With former NCR captain Amani Aguinaldo already plying his trade in the United Football League (UFL) top flight club Loyola Meralco Sparks, the team will be relying on younger but equally talented players to retain the crown.

The team hopes to retain their championship streak after dismal campaigns in the past editions of the Palaro.

Central Visayas armed with home court advantage

But Central Visayas, a traditional powerhouse in football in the country, will be looking to exert their dominance in the sport they love the most.

The region, represented by outstanding booters from Cebu, looks to repeat their 2011 glory by bringing home the championship here in Region 7, their home.

Both teams have already kicked off their campaign in the Palarong Pambansa 2013 with wins against their opponents.

NCR narrowly won against Central Luzon, 1-0, in the first game of the secondary football event with a 39th minute goal from Marvin Raymundo.

Central Visayas thrashed CAR with a resounding 3-0 win with goals from Jun Carlo Canlas and a penalty kick from Joshua Kwan. – Rappler.com