In their first appearance since the AFF Cup in December, the PMNFT gave fans plenty to celebrate with a dominant performance against Maldives.
The Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) opened their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Third Round Qualifiers on a bright note, hammering Maldives, 4-1, at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac.
On a night when a light rain rendered the natural pitch slippery, the hosts dominated possession from the opening whistle. A short volley from Jefferson Tabinas off a corner from Randy Schneider found the back if the net in the sixth minute to get the ball rolling for the PMNFT. Bjorn Kristensen doubled the lead in the 17th with a short strike, with the pass again coming from Schneider.
The visitors pulled one back in the 62nd minute courtesy of a strike from Ali Fasir from inside the box. The PMNFT then sealed the deal courtesy of goals from Schneider in the 77th minute and Sandro Reyes two minutes into stoppage time.
‘Naturalized’ players
Maldives coach Ali Suzain conceded that the Philippines was the superior side in this match, even pointing to the presence of what he called “naturalized players” on the PMNFT as the difference-makers.
“(The) Philippines was superior of this match even during the second half,” he said. They have been playing good and they scored these two goals. It was a silly mistake from the defenders. I thought comparing Maldives and Philippines, the difference makers was the naturalized players.
This is something in world football now, very much changing how national teams play. These naturalized players bring the change for small countries like us or maybe Sri Lanka or Maldives like Philippines or like that. So I saw the difference was there.”
When it was pointed out that the Philippines had been fielding players with dual citizenships for several years now, Suzain clarified that he was not against this.
“Don’t translate me wrong. Actually, naturalized players, I do respect it. They have that advantage. They should take this advantage. But we as Maldives, we are not ready for this at the moment. But Philippines, they have this advantage. They have good players, naturalized players. Definitely, I support taking them. But I just mentioned that this was the difference makers of this team.”
To be clear, though, the Philippines’ only naturalized men’s football player over the past several years has been Bienvenido Marañon. Coach Suzain was likely referring to the players of mixed heritage.
Solid debut
Speaking of which, one of these players made waves in his first appearance for the PMNFT.
Schneider, a 23-year-old midfielder who plays for Winterthur in the Swiss, had an exceptional debut for the PMNFT. Aside from setting up the first two goals, he managed to score in his first call-up for the Philippines.
Schneider, whose mother’s family hails from Mandaluyong, had been looking forward to this day for a long time.
“My relatives live in Manila, in Mandaluyong,” he said. “I was here in December here. I try to visit them as often as possible. I’m very happy they came today and see our first win.
Since the first day, I got so many messages and good news. They’re happy that I’m here. I’m also happy. The expectation is high now. Hopefully, we can go like this in the next game.”
Schneider was personally recruited by PMNFT coach Albert Capellas.
“As a national team, we have to grow in all aspects. In the organization, in facilities, in travels, in the way of playing, the way that we collaborate. My job in the organization is to try to find the best players in the Philippines. Players that really want to stay here, I really say thank you.
“We talked several times with Randy. I visited him. He was always open to come. We were waiting for the right moment. He decided the right moment was now. I’m very happy that he can be part of the Philippine national team family. Now we have a top player.”
Natural pitch
The New Clark City Stadium uses natural grass for its football pitch, as opposed to the artificial turf at Rizal Stadium. If Capellas had his way, he’d want to play on grass all the time.
“If we want to develop football in the Philippines, we need to increase the level of natural grass,” he said. More fields with high levels of natural grass is the future of football. Everybody knows this. All the players prefer to play on natural grass because there is a risk of injuries (on turf).
“That is also very important because they come from their clubs. Also, the type of play that we want to play is very good. We can have very good quality natural grass because then the ball rolls faster. It is easier to move the ball, to find the spaces. When the field is big and in very good conditions, everybody wins. The players win, the federation wins, football Philippines wins.
“And at the end, the fans. Because they see a better show, better entertainment. And everything that we do is for the fans.”
What’s next
Unfortunately for Capellas, the next match of the PMNFT will likely be on turf again when they host Tajikistan on June 10. By that time, the renovation of Rizal Stadium’s artificial pitch would have been finished. That is, unless the PFF decided to hold the match again at the NCC.
Either way, it will be a crucial match for both sides, who are tied for the lead in Group A after Tajikistan slipped past Timor-Leste, 1-0. Only the winner of the group will book a ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
“If we want to qualify, it’s at home,” Capellas said. “It’s our first game. It’s always very important to start with a win. Also, the difference of goals. Now we are in the top and now we cannot wait to play against Tajikistan here at home.
“We expect a lot of people. If we are going to start with two wins, then for sure we will fight for the first position. I’m very happy as a coach, especially for the players and for everyone in the foundation who are working very hard for this success.”
Banner Images from Philippine Football Federation.