After a pair of stunning goals, the PMNFT will be heading to the second leg of the ASEAN Championship semifinals in good spirits.
They’re calling it a Miracle in Manila.
Deservedly so. After a thrilling game that went down to the wire, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) made history by claiming their first win over Thailand in 52 years in front of an adoring crowd in Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Competing in the first leg of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinal, the Philippines’ Enrique Linares broke a 1-1 stalemate that went late into stoppage time, converting a header off a set piece in the 95th minute to win a late 2-1 lead for the PMNFT.
The final whistle blew to cement the Philippines’ triumph — a huge feat for the home team competing in their first semifinal in the ASEAN Championship in six years, as this also marks their first semifinal win in the competition.
“We suffered the entire group stage,” Sandro Reyes, who was named man of the match after scoring the Philippines’ first goal of the evening, told the press after the game.
“I think the group stage was a perfect practice for today because we suffered a lot. And we found a way to get out of all of those hurdles. We went through hell and we came out. And today, the exact same thing.
“We went through hell in the end of the first half until the end of the game. I think it was Thailand had many chances. They were putting pressure on us. We couldn’t keep the ball. It was very difficult. We were very tired. But we got out of the hill and scored the last-minute goal.”
History made
The Philippines took control of the pace of the match early into the first half, dominating possession. Sandro Reyes found an early opportunity in the eighth minute but struck the ball just outside the net.
The Philippines continued to control the ball well as the first period went on. 21 minutes in, and Reyes again found another solid opportunity to strike. After a pass from Alex Monis just outside the box, the 21-year-old midfielder took a brilliant shot with his left foot to score for the PMNFT and put them in the lead.
However, as the first half went on, Thailand began to pick up the pace. Although two great saves from the Philippines’ goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad late allowed the PMNFT to keep their 1-0 lead, the visiting side found an opening late into the first half. With a solid cross from Patrik Gustavsson, Thailand’s Suphanan Bureerat found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 by halftime.
Thailand came into the second half out for blood. Reentering the match with an added layer of aggression, more than half of their 14 shots of the evening came in the second half, and four of them missed the net by mere inches.
“In the second half, we suffered more,” Capellas reflected. “We have conceded some chances that we shouldn’t [have], but we handled it together.”
After a frustrating 45 minutes, it looked almost as though both sides would have to settle for a draw this time around. However, a set piece in favor of the home team late in the game gave the Philippines one final chance.
A free kick from Zico Bailey close to the center circle found Paul Tabinas, who crossed it into Linares’ path. Linares put all his weight into the header to net the ball and grant the PMNFT a seemingly miraculous 2-1 victory.
“So proud of the team,” Linares shared. “My first goal here for the national team, so happy. Now let’s win the second game.”
On to the next
Despite the jubilant celebrations on the pitch and in the stands, the team’s job is far from over.
Up next they have the second leg of the semifinal on December 30 in Thailand. It will undoubtedly be a challenge to face the defending champions on their home turf, but thanks to their 2-1 win at home, the PMNFT already have a one-goal advantage as they gear up for their away match.
“We have a really difficult second leg coming up. And we want to play a final here, so we’ll give everything to play that final here,” Reyes said.
Morale and confidence are running high after this victory. The players entered the team bus in good spirits, dancing to music as they were greeted by fans still cheering outside of Rizal Memorial Stadium — and this is the energy they will need to bring as they travel to Thailand in the coming days.
“We want to go to the second leg to try to qualify for the final,” Coach Albert added. “And I’m sure these players will work as warriors to make it happen.”
Banner image courtesy of Philippine Men’s National Football Team.