Ecstasy, agony for country’s football teams in semis
BANGKOK—In a span of two days, Philippine football experienced both triumph and heartbreak, from faraway Chonburi to the Thai capital.
Sunday night saw the Filipinas make history, two years after their maiden appearance in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, with a display of gritty resolve that beat host Thailand, 4-2, on penalties after their semifinal ended 1-1 following two periods of extra time.
A wave of ecstasy broke out after Thailand missed a chance to extend the shootout, firing an attempt well over the crossbar and assuring the Philippines of a medal and its best-ever finish at the Games.
“To play in a gold medal match for the first time is something exciting,” said goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, pumping her chest in excitement at the chance to win gold.
The same could not be said for the men’s under-22 team on Monday at Rajamangala Stadium.
Minutes away from forcing extra time, the Philippines conceded two late goals that allowed Vietnam to advance to the final.
The loss relegated the men’s team to the bronze medal match against either host Thailand or Malaysia. If there was any consolation, a first trip to the podium remains within reach.
“It’s heartbreaking for the players that came here with the belief that we could reach the gold medal match,” said coach Garrath McPherson. “It hurts right now. We will be sad for the rest of the day, then wake up the next day, keep moving forward and keep growing as a team.”
One of region’s best
The Filipinas have established themselves as one of Southeast Asia’s top women’s football teams. They captured the Asean Championship at home three years ago and pulled off a World Cup victory over New Zealand.
A win in the regional sports showpiece would cap a run of firsts, but it would have to come at the expense of defending champion Vietnam, which is eager for revenge in Wednesday’s final.
It was Vietnam that the Philippines defeated to stay alive in the semifinals, when Mallie Ramirez produced a stoppage-time winner in the group stage.
Pulling that off once was remarkable for the Filipinas. Doing it again will be a gargantuan task.
“It’s going to be tough,” McDaniel said. “Beating a team we already beat in the same tournament is really, really difficult. But I have no doubt that the team will come together to try and get the win.”
Meanwhile, another Philippine Football Federation squad will be in semifinal action, with the women’s futsal team facing Vietnam on Tuesday in Pathum Thani.
