AFF Suzuki Cup a roaring success
The AFF Suzuki Cup has captured the imagination of the bigwigs and commoners alike in the ASEAN region as it reaches its climax.
According to affsuzukicup.com, Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his family were present in both semi-final clashes against the Philippines at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and he is anticipated to be in the stands once again for his country's second-leg final encounter against Malaysia.
Not to be outdone, Philippines president Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III lauded the achievements of his country's football team after the Azkals made it to the last four of the competition for the first time ever in their history.
"President Aquino conveys his congratulations to the Philippine team after their victory (over Vietnam) at the AFF Suzuki Cup in Vietnam," said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.
In fact, their magnificent triumph over defending champions Vietnam has also not gone unnoticed with Sports Illustrated listing their win as one of the "top 10 soccer stories of 2010".
"The Asean Football Federation's biennial Suzuki Cup might not be too high up on your list of priorities, but this year's tournament produced arguably the biggest upset in its history: Defending champion and federation powerhouse Vietnam lost 2-0 to the Philippines, ranked 151st in the world and without so much as a point off Vietnam in nearly 20 years," wrote Georgina Turner in her review of the leading football tales of 2010.
Hardcore fans have thronged to stadiums for group games in Hanoi and Jakarta and all four semi-final fixtures drew full houses in their respective venues.
More than a staggering 600,000 fans have estimated to have been present for the four games and another packed atmosphere is expected on Wednesday when Indonesia try to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit in front of their own fans.
ASEAN's most prestigious cup competition has also seen television ratings soaring with record ratings for several matches in some countries.
All 17 matches so far have been broadcasted live on Pan-Asian satellite broadcaster ESPN Star with local television stations altering their programming schedules to telecast the live games after giving in to fans' requests.