Filipinas force equalizer to gain crucial point
The World Cup-bound Filipinas kicked off the country’s football campaign in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Monday by snatching a point.
A late goal from Nathalie Collins secured a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan in Gifu, a result that could play a role in the Filipinas’ bid to advance from the group stage in women’s football.
Collins struck the equalizer in the 89th minute after an Uzbek miscue at the back as the Philippines escaped the jaws of defeat at Nagaragawa Stadium.
Her goal came nine minutes after Uzbekistan struck the opener when Mehribon Egamberdieva got one off Filipinas keeper Olivia McDaniel, who had done a good job keeping the game scoreless until that moment.
Both teams shared the spoils after the first match day in Group G, where the Philippines is playing.
Next up is Hong Kong on Thursday before facing China the following Monday, two opponents the Filipinas need to hurdle to enter the knockout phase either as a top two finisher or one of the two best third placers.
Meanwhile, Tuesday will mark the Philippines’ return to the men’s stage of the Asiad after 52 years when it also faces Uzbekistan in Nagoya in the U-23 tournament.
The opening whistle is set at 2:30 p.m. Manila time as the U-23s play the country’s first men’s football match in the continental meet since the 1974 edition in Tehran, Iran.
The Philippines lost all three matches in Group C to Japan, Israel and Malaysia with a squad led by Inaki Vicente and Alberto Honasan.
This year’s return puts the Philippines in Group C with Vietnam and Kuwait, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Sandro Reyes headlines the Philippine U-23s in his last stint in a youth-level competition. The midfielder has been a key fixture on the national team on the senior level despite playing in U-23 tournaments.
Notable inclusions on the team are Christian Rontini, Scott Woods and Michael Baldisimo.
