Olivia McDaniel had key stops in the second half, but the Philippines could not take advantage. —PDI FILES
The Philippine women’s football team is sticking to the positives despite being pushed to the brink of seeing an abrupt end to its title defense in the Asean Women’s Championship in Vietnam following Sunday’s loss to the Australia U23 squad.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a bad result,” coach Mark Torcaso said after the Filipinas bowed, 1-0, after conceding an Alana Jancevski goal shortly before halftime. “I would say that it would be something that we have to work on and obviously be better in the next game, to get the win.”
Chances of at least salvaging a draw, including one header from Hali Long off a set piece in the 52nd minute, went futile as the Filipinas found themselves needing to play desperate going into the final Group B game against Myanmar on Wednesday.
The 2022 winners dropped to third place in Group B on three points, which came from a 7-0 thrashing of Timor-Leste. Australia, despite even with the Philippines, is in second due to the result, while Myanmar climbed to the top at six points.
Myanmar defeated Timor-Leste, 3-0, in Sunday’s other match. The top two teams will advance to the semifinals along with Thailand and host Vietnam.
A victory over their Burmese counterparts likely assures the Philippines a berth in the last four, but a draw or a loss will put an end to its campaign.
“Obviously as defending champions, there’s pressure,” said Torcaso. “But I believe our players took on some pressure [against Australia] and that’s gonna help them grow.
“And I truly believe that we can go into the next game with a very, very positive step that we can get a win and help us qualify for the semifinals.”
Jancevski scored for the Aussie U23 with a left-footed shot to the far post that beat out goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel a minute into the added first half time.
Australia could have actually pounced on the Philippines further in the second half, but in came McDaniel to make some stops that kept the scoreline intact. But the Filipinas couldn’t build on her saves and a goal or two eluded them until the final whistle. INQ
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.