Filipinas need to bounce back against Malaysia

The Philippine Women’s National Football Team suffered a chastening 0-1 defeat at the hands of Myanmar in the first game of their SEA Games campaign in Phnom Penh.

Defender Sofia Harrison was adjudged to have fouled Myanmar’s San Thaw Thaw inside the box, resulting in a late penalty from Myanmar in the dying minutes of the match.

The last gasp manner of Myanmar’s victory – and the Philippines’ defeat – may imply that Myanmar somehow won the game through a favorable call from the referee, but make no mistake about it, Myanmar deserved the full three points, and the Philippines, the defeat.

From the onset, Myanmar came out of the blocks with a sense of urgency as they pressed and harassed the Filipinas from the opening whistle.

Myanmar, perhaps motivated to avenge their bronze medal defeat at the hands of the Philippines last year, came out fighting and a sustained pressure in most parts of the first half showed exactly how much they wanted the victory.

It was down to the Philippines to muster a suitable response, and Hali Long typified the Filipinas’ gallant resistance with an immense performance at the back, almost single-handedly keeping the red shirts of Myanmar at bay.

Coach Alen Stajcic has earned the fans’ respect and loyalty with his previous team selections, but starting the young Bella Pasion at the heart of the Filipinas’ midfield may not have been his best decision, as the Filipinas struggled to get a footing in the game.

Sara Eggesvik was forced to cover more ground, and it was only the introduction of Jackie Sawicki at the halftime break that the team showed a semblance of control in the game.

The dangerous Sarina Bolden was left fighting for scraps and the introduction of Chandler McDaniel late in the game could not turn the tide for the Philippines.

The Filipinas’ physicality and style of play may be considered well suited against some opposition, but they have to adapt against a pesky, very quick and annoyingly persistent Southeast Asian team like Myanmar.

The penalty against the Philippines, when it came, was a hammer blow to the Filipinas, who might have settled for a draw up to that point.

Was it a penalty? I say, no. But, these types of calls have been given and as the saying goes, you create your own luck.

In this case, Myanmar created its own luck by continually threatening the Philippines and putting balls in dangerous areas, leading to the penalty call by the referee.

The classic dose of time wasting and play acting by Myanmar led to the referee allowing 10 minutes of added time to the game, but the Filipinas could not find a late equalizer.

But, for all the gloom and doom, it is just the opening game of the group stages.

However, defeat to Myanmar now means that the Philippines have no choice but to beat Malaysia and similar World Cup debutants and defending champions Vietnam if we are to harbor any hope of progression to the final four.

Malaysia may have been at the receiving end of a 3-0 mauling from Vietnam, but we again overlook them at our own risk.

Forget about winning that elusive gold medal, or nabbing a podium finish. The more important target for now is make it to the next round.

It is also important to focus on the players who are in Cambodia, and not dwell on those who are not. In truth, the Philippines have enough quality to get the job done, and show Southeast Asia what a World Cup bound team is capable of.

The Filipinas play Malaysia in a must win game on May 6 at 9pm. — LA, GMA Integrated News