Schneider debuts in style for PH in rout of Maldives
Randy Schneider is aware of the enthusiasm generated by his long-awaited debut for the Philippine men’s football team on Tuesday night.
“Since the first day, I got so many messages [on social media] that they’re happy that I’m here,” Schneider said after his starting role in the home squad’s 4-1 rout of Maldives in the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
Schneider not only made 3,334 fans—most of them braving the long ride—happy to see in a Philippine shirt, he was also good as advertised.
The Switzerland-based 23-year-old accounted for a goal and an assist and was later heralded as Player of the Match, which gave the Philippines the full three points and the lead in Group A of the final continental qualifying phase.
His assist allowed Bjorn Kristensen to score the home side’s second goal in the 18th minute before Schneider opened his scoring account in the 77th for a 3-1 lead, virtually ending any chances of the Maldivian squad to at least salvage a draw.
And the attacking midfielder also vowed to sustain the good first impression, especially in the qualifiers, where the winner of Group A after a home-and-away round-robin will secure a spot in the Asian Cup set for 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
“Expectations [are] big now, [so] hopefully, we can play like this in the next game,” said Schneider, born to a Swiss father and a Filipino mother who is from Mandaluyong City.
Another debutant saw action when coach Albert Capellas inserted Josef Baccay in the second half, eventually assisting on Sandro Reyes’ goal in stoppage time that sealed the final scoreline.
Capellas is pleased that Schneider and Baccay are finally on board in a bid to further strengthen the Philippine squad that came so close to reaching the final of the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Jefferson Tabinas made up for skipping that tournament due to club commitments with Thai League side Buriram United. He scored the first goal, six minutes after the opening whistle before Kristensen, one of the top players in the Asean tournament, doubled the lead off Schneider’s assist in the 18th.
