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ADMU Blue Eagles upset Brgy. Ginebra Kings

Katipunan, Quezon City - It was a showcase of defense as the Blue Eagles routed the Kings 76-65. The #4 seeded ADMU Blue Eagles were again able to manage top scorers Alfonso Aday and Jan Brichacek. They only combined for 11 out of 43 attempts. In what seemed to be a sure Finals spot in the Division II.2 for the Brgy. Ginebra Kings, the ADMU Blue Eagles were first pressured to get into the playoffs, and now have silenced critics as they blow past the top-seeded Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

"It wasn't easy for us to come up with the win. They exploited our lack of defense in the inside, but we were able to manage to hold them back in the fourth quarter", said rookie star Roberto Catalano.

Norman Black, who came working for the ADMU Blue Eagles in the latter half of the season had some words to say.

"Well, there's still a lot we can still do and improve on. The Kings had too many offensive rebounds, and I guess our big guys have to learn how to position themselves better", commented by Norman Black.

Despite going 3 for 15 from the field, Hurley Senese impressed coach Norman Black as he was able to rack up 3 steals and 4 blocks to go along with his 6 assists.

"Well, he was never meant to be our main option for offense, he's more of the 'pure' point guards who will make sure that the ball is distributed well and that the outside is well-covered", said team captain Arsenio Villalino.

Next up for the ADMU Blue Eagles is the Naga Flyers. They won earlier against the Kiamba Sharks 92-75 with Eliab scoring 38 points.

"We won't forget the time Eliab dropped 50 points on us in a season game. We'll be back for revenge, and we'll make sure he doesn't get 50 points again", said Theodore Hubmaier. Recently acquired Zemgus Bunte was said to have been hired by the team specifically for his outside and inside defense.

"We believe that the SF position has been underestimated in the league, when in fact it remains to be one of the most, if not the most important positions in the team", said coach Norman Black.

"We'll make sure we win the next game, but I don't think it would be as hard as the Brgy. Ginebra Kings game", jokingly said by guard German Nader.

*Notes: The ADMU Blue Eagles were the only lower-seeded team to upset a team in the Playoffs. Lia Cruz of Division II.1 almost came with the upset as the lost to Mandaue Selection 126-127.

Blue Eagles Set Up for David and Goliath Matchup

Katipunan, Quezon City - The Div II.2 finals matchup are out, and it seems like a classic David and Goliath match between shortie's Hoes and Norman Black's ADMU Blue Eagles. With a 22-0 record up team manager shortie's repertoire, the odds are heavily stacked against the Eagles.

"Masyadong bubot pa 'tong Blue Eagles. Hoes will simply outplay and outperform them. Kulang pa sa experience itong team na 'to, and they still lack the depth that Hoes already has. Hoes is simply ready for the PPL", said sports critic Dr. J.

It was a smooth-sailing ride to the finals for Hoes as they first routed The Creators 102-61, and then Mobster United 111-85. In what most people thought would be a close match between Mobster United and Hoes turned out to be a blowout by Hoes. Earlier in season 4, Mobster United was known for upsetting Hoes in the Quarterfinals to end the Hoes' dreams of coming into the PPL.

The Blue Eagles on the other hand had to really work their way through to the finals.

"Having to play against good teams and without the crowd on our side, it was really a tough task for us", said coach Norman Black.

The question remains as to whether the Blue Eagles have enough fuel in their system to put up a good fight against Hoes.

"WE BELIEVE! That has always been our motto. And we simply won't give up out there though we have a few strategies that hopefully will work against Hoes. They have too many good players and a good balance of offense and defense", said team captain Arsenio Villalino.

"Alam mo pards dapat yung Blue Eagles mag-focus nalang sa season 6, nakaabot narin sila ng ganito kalayo considering na bagong team palang 'to. Pero ang umasang matalo mo ang Hoes? ALAHOY! Suntok sa buwan yun", said critic Chino Trinidad.

Who will win the coveted championship of season 6? David or Goliath? We'll have to wait and see.

Odds are out for Game 1 of Div. II.2

ADMU Blue Eagles +18
Hoes -18

Finals Predictions (Jon Loomer style)

Most of the time, the outcome of the finals series is that whoever wins the first game, they usually are the home team. But, this was proven wrong last season when visiting teams out-run the home teams for the first game win. It just goes to show that the competition has changed dramatically. Which makes the finals prediction job more difficult.

So, how could one categorize the prediction? Will it be winning the whole series, or will it be based on the first game only?

The majority believe that even though anyone could win it, the first game would be still be a big advantage. It would take a whole lot of heart and will power to win an away game, and it would be no easy feat. So, these predictions will be based upon the first game predictions, and not the whole series.

PPL

TrailBlazers may win the first game, they had the home court, they had the best record. But, I could be wrong, as the competition level was raised a bar higher than last season and everything may happen in the first game. "di mo din malalaman, pero malakas ang hinala ko na TrailBlazers may get it." says one team executive.

That may be the case, or not. As Jubas Beasts are capable of bringing the house down. They are the JRC champs, Philippines cup champs, and B3 representatives all in the same season, and also a household name. So must be closely watched.

Prediction: nah, I'll watch TrailBlazers win this one.

League II.1

This is not the first time that the two teams met each other. Their matchup was mostly remembered when the Loyola Hits BC won against ribonucleic acid in triple overtime, 124-129, at the Loyola Gymnasium. ribonucleic acid, the team which is fresh of the boat, played against the number one team in the league. And yet, they displayed fabulous display of basketball, leaving the home team out in the open. The home team won the game, but respect is rightfully earned by RNA's team, and also considered one of the most feared teams in the country. They will meet again in a 3-game series. And ribonucleic acid take redemption back.

Prediction: Loyola only had 3 defeats at home... all of them from scrimmage. I'll take Loyola on this one

League II.2

The League standings had an error when they input Naga Flyers to advance to the finals, wherein, ADMU Blue Eagles won against the Flyers for the finals spot. ADMU came big in this game winning against a number 2 seed in the Great 8 conference. And a big boost in confidence in ADMU Blue Eagles could mean a chance for promotion.

Prediction: Whether ADMU or Flyers came up with the win, Great 8 conference is too weak of a conference to win against a prominent Big 8 team, let's go, Hoes!

League II.3

TGIF MANILA came as close as reaching the finals in obtaining promotion. However, they were stopped by Team Polydozel, who came from a Cinderella story from his previous season (League III.1, now with PPL). Roberto Alfonso led the team with 19 points and 20 rebounds as they beat the Big 8 number 1 LA_LAKERS28. And they seem more ready for the PPL than the Batangas Blades, who also have the same season record as TGIF.

Prediction: Roberto Alfonso is really ready for the PPL, and so does the PPL.

League II.4

Vitor Carvalhosa erupted for 46 points, with 8 threes in the confrence finals match against Kims Lover. The Wet Web Arena chants the familiar "M-V-P" chant. Kims Lover couldn't trim the Spider lead, and when the buzzer sounded, everybody were so sure that the home team would bring the trophy and will fly off to promotion. In which, Gin Kings did the same when they beat Team Flight Brothers. "I can feel it, promotion will be ours now!" says Raphael Catapang, Gin Kings guard.

Prediction: Spider Forest had their chance in the Philippine cup, but it will be different in the League Finals. Gin Kings win, very close

Sarabia not enough to make Beasts a winner

Game 1 of the season 5 PPL Finals came with a blast. Fans were howling and screaming as The Ubaldo Nudalo Memorial Stadium screams for their savior to come out of the court.

Ubaldo Nudalo came out along with cheers and screams. And as expected, the Jubas Beasts lineup were introduced along with boos from the crowd.

However, that didn't change their focus and determination. Jubas Beasts had pressure meddling on them, not the crowd. The pressure of being the team to win The Treble! winning the cup, the league final, and the JRC cup all in the same season. Jorge Sarabia came playing the Finals barring an injury, and tired from his NT game last Monday.

Jorge Sarabia scored 20 points, all from three-point range and free throws, along with 10 assists and 10 steals. He was the very core in obtaining the blow out redemption game against Hanguk (Korea). And in this series, Ubaldo Nudalo witnessed again Sarabia's prowess on the court.

Jorge Sarabia again scored all of his points on threes and free-throws. ending the game with 21 points, 6 three pointers, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, in 40 minutes playing time. The Beast's outside game tried to counter the TrailBlazers stunning big inside game. Playing Full Court press al throughout the game to slow down the Blazers offensive play.

Despite the wonderful performances of the Philippine Cup champions, they were heavily dealt with full Blazers force. As their bigs rammed the Beasts into a final score of 77-95. TrailBlazers United took the first game of the series and is now in the lead. 1-0.

Ubaldo Nudalo started the game at the 3 position, and was very effective in flash drives and inside shots. "He was very comfortable in the 3 position. He converts good jumpers and excellent drive plays. He even defends SF's well." says the Blazers coach.

Rebounding and good defense has been the factor in the Blazers win. Blazers end the first quarter with a lead, and they were nuking it out in the first half. Beasts came with a run in the third quarter, but they were hold perfectly in the fourth by the Blazers and they finished the game with the W.

"[Sarabia] was very good in this game, and I thought we never gonna doanything about it." says Ubaldo Nudalo. "Our coach just told us to relax and focus more on our inside game. Eventually all turned out fine at the end."

"It's always fun to play against a friendly rival." says Jorge Sarabia. "Whenever a good team plays against you, you play better. It's that we play against a former champion that we lost." He says with a smile.

"It will never be this way, come Saturday!" Sarabia added.

Hoes says 'Hello' to PPL

Katipunan, Quezon City - After two convincing wins against the ADMU Blue Eagles, the Hoes long wait is finally over. Hoes is now granted a ticket to the PPL. Following a 50-point game 1 rout over the ADMU Blue Eagles, Hoes shut down any more hopes of the Blue Eagles in prolonging the finals with a 87-79 game 2 win at the Blue Eagle Gym. They were simply in a league of their own, and it just goes to show how much Hoes deserve to be in the top league.

Ivan Ricamona led the way for Hoes with 14 points. Rookie Francis Redondiez had a stellar performance pulling in 12 rebounds and grabbing 7 steals. Star player for the Blue Eagles Roberto Catalano struggled with only 15 points and 10 rebounds, but also turning the ball over 10 times.

The Blue Eagles were within 4 to end the third quarter, but Hoes simply pulled away to begin the fourth quarter. The amount of experience that team manager and coach shortie has in such crunch time situations played a big role in closing out the game.

Once again, congratulations to a well-deserved season 5 Div II.2 champion Hoes!

Season 6 Preview

Congratulations for Jubas Beasts and TrailBlazers United for giving an impressive game3 performance. Jubas lead almost the whole game, yet the Blazers never said that it's over, making run after run in a quarter and managing to scope an exciting climax.

TrailBlazers won the PPL championship for the second time in a row. Jubas Beasts won the Philippine cup back-to-back, and they will, again, represent the country for the coveted B3 (more known as the BuzzerBeater's Best)

The Blazer's Ubaldo Nudalo won the prestigious MVP award. Nudalo's finals performance came as a shock to all the Blazers fans, playing in a different position and in a different Nudalo fashion. In terms of defense, and in offense. Thus, giving him unanimously the MVP award.

When a new season is approaching, teams get different movements in order to prepare for what's coming. With new players, and new teams, all will adjust to their environment. And as expected, every season won't be as easy as it comes.

For the PPL champs, it seems that a Dynasty will be made early for them, as they acquired rookies Charlie Guimbarda and Jomar Saavedra, both are under-heightened gunners, yet they contain unlimited potentials. Many were guessing if they are up to par with the TrailBlazer standards, and will be tested probably when they face the visiting diMarko Ballers on Thursday, wherein they will play in the first open scrimmage.

For Jubas Beasts, luck wasn't on their side when they are one game shy for being the first team to win the JRCup, Philippine Cup, and PPL Finals in a season. Pressure was high, and so was Sarabia's injury. They still have a tough conference by the names of Red Robins, Rynzer Force, Queens Coast, and FOB's Loyola hts BC, and Gin Kings. Shall we witness another flawless run by the Beasts? Will they be more Beastly as ever? Along with their new acquisitions, Bimbo Juliano, Gregor Paglumotan, and Gaviene Verida, many will be excited to comeand watch hoe these new players will blend to the impenetrable system of the Jubas Beasts.

Great 8's number 2 seed Red Robins has always been quiet in the standings, when you realize that they're having a run, you're already too late. A veteran team, and masters of team-oriented offense. Red Robins developed a system that innovates a new kind of basketball and leaves other teams in wonder and awe. Up to the point where guards post up and big men shoots forced threes. They already made movements with their new players as they retained the services of the 2 rookies. And they seem to be ahead of the pack, which is essential for PPL glory and capturing the trophy, despite of the jungle conference that they're in.

Team Polydozel in the 4th overall has been a constant surprise in the PPL, surpassing Sta. Lucia, Air21, and Rynzer standards, one thing that may question about this team is if they can do it again. A bunch of scandals and controversies (along with a few more good games) galloped their status from relegation contender, to finals contender. And one thing that halted their dream of being the first team to win championships in 3 different leagues, is when they faced the defending (and current) champions, TrailBlazers United.

One thing is sure, that these teams have pride in the league, and that pride will make them stand out against the new course of the tide. New bloods come and may try to earn respect, by beating the respected ones. And these "respected" folks may give all that they can, just to tell the new ones "Welcome to the PPL".

(Part 2 to be continued...)

Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 8/12/2008 11:55:49 AM

Season 6 Preview (Part 2)

Down with the old, in with the new.

PPL is known to be one of the most competitive leagues in the country today. And now, it just became a notch higher.

Season 6 announces the new teams who will be vying for the trophy. Some old folks admit, that this is arguably one of the best crop of talents ever to come in the PPL as promotees.

Hoes has been a familiar face in the II.2 league, being a member since season 3, Hoes has been the Red Robins of League II.2, up until the 4th season, when they had the best record in the league, bearing an unbeatable 22 games. However, they lost against Mobsters United in the semifinals, it was quite the shock of the season.
They entered the 5th season with the same feat. Winning all 22 games in the league. They are the sure-fire favorites in winning the promotion this time, and they did just that when they swept the ADMU Blue Eagles in the finals. Ivan Ricamona, the leading scorer for Hoes, didn't win the MVP trophy for this season, but his plays and presence in the finals series surely gave the pundits something to talk about. His resilient shooting capabilities and domination can be compared to PPL stars, and will be surely one to be watched out for fans, especially new ones now that they're in the big leagues.

Mandaue Selection, like team Hoes, has been a veteran team in their former league, giving a somewhat lukewarm appreciation to fans. One thing has been their problem this season, fans has never been too supportive for them.
Being located in the place wherein basketball is not too appreciated, and wherein the primary leisure is boxing, chess, music, college hoops, and food. They never believed that their pro-basketball team is in a good spot. Hence, their 5th place on season 3 proves this.
Brian Masuecos, a representative for our country's NT, has been somewhat mediocre in his first 2 seasons, and coming season 5, Masuecos shocked everyone by taking the top scoring spot. He was in a different level compared to his performance in his first 2 seasons. He averaged almost 24 points per game, shooting above 40% both in the field and in the 3 point area. he defends more efficiently, and was very unstoppable.
League II.1 has been privileged to have the wild card promotion elections, wherein people vote on what team will be promoted in season 6. Masuecos was the scoring leader for season 5 in their league, Egbert Somosierra won the MVP award, and Mandaue Selection, though they lost in the semi-finals of the playoffs, won the promotion via wild card. Guess who liked them most, but their new-found growing fans.

Spider Forest has been in a turmoil in terms of team management. Moving in 4 managements before landing under Spider Forest management, Spider Forest proves that they are one of the most watched out teams in the country. reaching in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup and winning the League II.4 championship. Vitor Carvalhosa, a Portugal native, has been their driving factor and their key to promotion. But he "couldn't have done this win without my teammates... they were the real ones playing hard here." -Carvalhosa
Will they continue to surprise the fans with their fantastic teamwork? One way to know is to watch this team out.

Along with Spider Forest, Gin Kings, the runner-up to the season 5 finals in League II.4, has been granted promotion due to wild card elections. Along with their impressive, but somewhat lack lustering game against Spider Forest, Gin Kings were the number 1 seeded team in the Great 8 Conference. Deadly shooter Raphael Catapang dreams of being in the PPL for a long time (circa season 4) and now that the time has come, he "will do everything that I can just to stay in this top conference." With his impressive 2 seasons with 20+ points per game, I wonder if he didn't give everything just yet.

(Part 3 to be continued)

Season 6 Preview (Part 3)

Loyola Hts BC came in the League II.1 season 3 as playoff contenders, although, they didn't go past the first round. Bearing a team with full of potential, coach drizzt3 did all he can in providing this team a force to be reckoned with, He knows that this is a finals contender team, and with a talented team and a talented coach, who would argue?
Loyola Hts BC has been a Cup contender ever since, almost landing in the final 256 teams in 2 occasions and landing it in another occasion. And they never forget their league responsibilities as well.
It was in season 5, however, Loyola Hts pushed their red button. They know that this is their season, others don't. And they had the pleasure on giving them pain.
They finished the season with just one loss, and their scoring tandem of Gabriel Summers and Lito Guevarra seems ripe and ready for the big leagues, beating prominent teams like th favorites ribonucleic acid, the surprising Mandaue Selection, and the consistent tacticians Spring Chickens. They won the championship in three games, and still with Summers and Guevarra, the future is very bright for Loyola fans.

TGIF MANILA has been II.3's cream of the crop. Entering the playoffs since their induction to the league and eventually landing in the league finals, only to be stopped by another team that was also fresh off the boat, and has potential, PPL's team Polydozel.
TGIF swore that in the coming season, they will be the ones to be promoted. As their new found rivals were comfortably in the top league, winning games and sharing the limelight that they once thought they'd gonna have.
Team leader Roberto Alfonso led the team in two seasons of finals appearances. A viable double-double threat, and a powerhouse defender that has been the very core of TGIF MANILA basketball.
TGIF MANILA, same as their nemesis, team Polydozel, bears an all-Filipino line-up, consisting of one or two foreign players but mostly concentrated on Filipino talent. Which is not very traditional these days, but with their superior training, and good team management, these two teams managed to be one of the more known, and most competitive domestic supporting teams in the country today.

Along with TGIF MANILA in league II.3, Batangas Blades weren't pushovers in the league. Despite losing the Finals against their finals rival TGIF MANILA, Batangas managed to win the votes in the wild card elections, not by popularity, but with their staying power.
Fans believe that Batangas Blades have enough will to contain teams consisting of Red Robins, Jubas Beasts, and of course, TrailBlazers United. Being relegation refugees in Season 3, playoffs contender in season 4, and Finals participants and now, promoted team in season 5, Batangas Blades have more than enough to bring their fans some joyand excitement this season in the PPL.
In the very crowded Big 8 conference, wherein they are bracketed in, Batangas Blades have good chances for a playoffs spot according to some sources. "The Big 8 consists mostly of new promotees, which can be one-sided for the 1-2 seeded teams in the conference. Blazers in 1, Polydozel in 2-3, same with Hoes, and the 4th place will be up for grabs." -Quinito Henson

16 teams, 16 different backgrounds, 16 different styles of play, but only one may reign champions. Current PPL champions TrailBlazers United will host the most anticipated promoted team in the league, Hoes. The battle of the new and the old, champion vs. champion. Hoes have the arsenal to back up being champions, and the Blazers will be ready. Be sure to check the game out! On Saturday 6pm!

"Cavite Force"

Rynzer Management has changed its team name to Cavite Force in anticipation for the Season 6 Games. Since the start of Philippine League, Rynzer Force is a consistent team member of the PPL but lacks the luck to win the cup or regular season.

In Season 6, they plan to reorganize the whole team with new strategies and new players. "We are not aiming to be #1 in this season coz we believed we lacks the right skills yet, since we are still pursuing to have an all-filipino first 5 starter", exclaimed by Coach Kim Cong.

Cavite Force, since the start of the PPL has dedicated to use all-filipino players in their starting line-up. The only foreign players they used in the floor is Mansoor Omar Kahsib while Jaugelas Dacys was line-up as reserve player only.

"We will be in the #1 spot, we only dont know when, but we will be there", Cavite Force's Manager exclaimed.

Cavite Force - "Proud to be Pinoy"

Guarnes struggling in season opener, Mandaue, Gin Kings lost first game

Hipolito Guarnes was 9 of 21 on the field today, barring 1 of 6 from the three point line., but having 22 points as they were handled down by Batangas Blades in the season 6 opener between The Blades and team Polydozel at The Balisong.

Guarnes played the whole game, and managed to add 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Mervyn Jamora garnered a double-double, having 18 points and 13 rebounds, with 3 blocks. Marlou Suarez had his best game of his career when he scored 36 points, his career high, for the Blades.

Asides from Jamora, 3 more players went double-double this game as the Argentine Sebastian Alcantara (17 points, 11 rebounds), Simeon Tongson (11 points, 14 rebounds) and Ronnie Gotardo (11 points, 10 rebounds) played splendid performances to try to rack up a win.

"My players did their very best, and I have no complains." says the team coach. "Batangas Blades was the better team in this game."

Rogen Juan scored 19 and 7 (7 of 16) for the Blades, while the team shoots 49% in field goals overall compared to team Polydozel's 38%

"Even though we had more chances to score, the problem is we always miss the shot and eventually, tearin the team apart." says the coach.

"We missed a lot of shots, which is the result of a long vacation during off-season. We'll try to get back on our feet as soon as we can." says Guarnes.

In other games, TGIF MANILA managed to get their first PPL win against Mandaue Selection by the score of 91-77 at the Fridays Coliseum. Mandaue's Gary Aglipay was the high point man with 30 points and 7 assists. Hoes scraped a win against the defending champions TrailBlazers United with a high-pointed game thriller of 126-114. Ivan Ricamona plummeted a 40-game performance against the Blazers, while 3 Blazers managed a 20 point game (Palla with 29, Nezih with 23, and Azade with 21)

Spider Forest won the game against Devil Bats Deimon. Spider Forest the obvious ones running down the floor and creating a 120-109 win. Devil Bats' Mustafa El Karni was the player of the game with 36 points, his career high, with 16 rebounds. MAPUA RED ROBINS manage to win the nail-biting game against the Cavite Force (formerly Rynzer Force) by the score of 86-85 held at THE NEST. Brian Renato scored 23 points for the Robins but the player of the game is Dexter Uy, who shoots all of his three free throws for the win, scoring 13 points with 5 for 5 on free throws.

Loyola Hts BC played hard against the Pampanga Dragons and managed to secure a win by the score of 109-97. Pampanga's Norman Limpot scored an impressive 45 points and 7 steals, both his career highs. Jubas Beasts, the league's Cup champion, won against Queen's Coast by the score of 113-100, Liang Wai Cheng scored 43 points with 5 three pointers, making it his highest score in a game in his career. And H.P. won it's season 6 opener against Gin Kings, by the score of 135-122. Viteszlav Jurica scored 35 points, tying his career high in scoring, and Gin Kings, along with Mandaue Selection, are the only newly promoted teams in the league who lost their season opener.

Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 8/16/2008 8:56:29 AM

Australia beats Hong Kong at Asia NT Finals

22731 spectators gathered at the Happy Madison Center in Japan to witness the Asia Qualifying Finals. Australia seems the heavy favorite against their usual finals opponents, Hong Kong.

Darby Walters played well and gathered 35 points, shooting 6 of 11 from the outside to take to win by the score of 93-84. Preston Grigg led the team with 16 points, with 7 assists, and exemplified tenacious combination of offense and defense. He also had 5 rebounds. And Stewart Gaffney went for 13 points and 14 rebounds shooting at 60% from the field.

Hong Kong's center To Eng Long scored 19 points with 15 rebounds, and team mates Yiu Qing Lai and Tze Tze Peng scored 17 and 16, respectively, to try to rout the game into their favor. They tried to play inside more in this series. Yet, they were outpaced by the Aussies as they made outside game run in the second half to confuse Hong Kong's Inside defense.

Hong Kong's centers made a good job in Defending Caffney in the first half, limiting his scoring capabilities. But The Aussie center was relentless in the rebounding end as he made key boards and taps.

Australia was strong overall, despite their inside defense focus, they were really good in denying the outside shooting of Hong Kong, giving the Hong Kong3-point result to 6-19. "We really want to shut down their outside shooting. So, we made them shoot less, and shoot poorly, and it all went well despite having zone defense." says the AU coach.

Australia wins the Asia Confederation cup and will lead to the World Championships, in which, it will be announced when the World Championship committee releases a press statement. "Right now we are on a tight schedule and we will inform everyone on when will this occur." says the WC representative via phone patch.

Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia will be playing for Second Chance Qualifiers and will be held in the US. Taiwan will be facing Israel, Japan will play against Germany, and Indonesia will battle against Algeria.