The Philippine mens national football team endured another dramatic encounter, settling for a 1-1 draw against Vietnam in their third game of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup on Wednesday, December 18, at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium.
FULL TIME: Points are split after a hard fought battle. pic.twitter.com/C36LvBwQ8l
— Philippine Men's National Football Team (@pmnft_official) December 18, 2024
With hopes of making the semifinals for the first time since 2018 hanging in the balance, the football team Azkals battled relentlessly in front of an electrified Filipino crowd. Unfortunately, their efforts fell just short as Vietnam snatched a late equalizer during the dying moments of the match.
Coming off back-to-back draws against Myanmar and Laos, the Philippines entered the match knowing they needed a victory to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next stage. The Azkals faced a Vietnam side known for their resilience and tactical precision, making the challenge all the more daunting.
The breakthrough for the Philippines came in the 68th minute, courtesy of substitute Jarvey Gayoso. In a moment of brilliance, Gayoso converted a well-timed pass into the game’s opening goal, sending the Filipino crowd into a frenzy. His composed finish reignited hope among the Azkals and their supporters, sparking belief that the long-awaited semifinals could finally be within reach.
However, Vietnam proved why they are one of Southeast Asia’s most formidable teams. Despite relentless defending by the Philippines, the visitors capitalized on their 11th corner of the match during the eighth minute of added time. Ngoc Tan Doan rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, silencing the crowd and securing a dramatic equalizer for Vietnam.
The result marked another chapter in the Philippines’ frustrating history against Vietnam. Their last victory over the Vietnamese side came more than a decade ago, in November 2012. This latest draw leaves the Azkals without a win in their first three matches of the tournament, dropping them to fourth place in the Group B standings.
Head coach Albert Capellas expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference:
“First, I want to congratulate Vietnam for their qualification. I’m sad for the players because after the three games, we deserved more. I know how hard they train, I know how much fight they give for the national team. I know how much they wanted this win. It was a very poor game but we could have handled it. And in the end, we cannot close it.”
Capellas’ remarks reflect the determination of his players but also highlight the challenges they face in closing out critical matches.
The Azkals now turn their focus to a must-win match against Indonesia on December 21 at Manahan Stadium in Solo City. It’s a daunting task, as the Philippines have failed to beat Indonesia in their last five meetings, with their most recent victory coming in 2014.
Indonesia, known for their high-energy play and passionate fan base, will be a tough opponent. The Azkals must find a way to break through their defensive wall and capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to keep their tournament dreams alive.
For the Philippines, it’s more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to prove their resilience, determination, and growth as a footballing nation.
While the results have been frustrating, the Philippines' performances in the tournament have shown glimpses of promise. Players like Jarvey Gayoso have stepped up in crucial moments, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad. The team’s ability to compete against stronger opponents like Vietnam reflects their potential to rise in Southeast Asian football.
However, the inability to close out matches remains a pressing issue. The Azkals have struggled to maintain their focus and composure in the final minutes, a pattern that has cost them valuable points. Addressing this weakness will be key as they prepare for their next challenge.
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