Filipinas' never-say-die spirit sets up crucial Vietnam challenge

The Philippines kept its semifinals hopes alive with a gritty 1-0 victory over a stubborn Malaysia squad in matchday two of the Southeast Asian Games women’s football competition currently being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

For long stretches of time, it seemed like the Philippines were bound for a frustrating evening as Malaysia thwarted the Filipinas’ wave of attacks all game long.

But the Filipinas’ persistence paid off in the very end as Sarina Bolden came through with the breakthrough goal in the 97th minute to give the Philippines its first victory and a very crucial three points going into the final group stage match against Vietnam.

The Filipinas looked to bounce back strong against Malaysia after being dealt with an opening day defeat at the hands of Myanmar. But Malaysia, who were similarly playing to stay in contention in the tournament, would prove a very tough nut to crack.

Beaten 4-0 by the Filipinas last time out in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championships, the Malaysians hunkered down and prevented a similar scoreline with tight defending against their World Cup bound counterparts.

Sofia Harrison, who gave away the penalty in the first game against Myanmar, looked to make amends and her rampaging forays on the left side underscored her importance to Alen Stajcic’s squad.

In the first half, she was continually a threat on the left flank with her crosses as she strove to make a connection with Chandler McDaniel, who made her first start in the tournament.

Bella Pasion once again started in midfield, and after some early touches quickly settled in her role alongside Jackie Sawicki.

Kiara Fontanilla made her first start in goal, but she would be largely untroubled throughout as Malaysia defended stoutly and let the Filipinas have most of the possession.

Needing no less than a victory, the Filipinas threw everything at Malaysia, with record goal scorer Quinley Quezada trying her luck from distance in the 32nd minute.

Halftime would see the scoreless deadlock unbroken, and frustratingly for the Filipinas, it would remain that way until the 90th minute despite numerous chances from corners and set pieces.

But Sarina Bolden, embodying the Philippines’ now trademark never-say-die spirit — and a newfound flair for the dramatic — rose to the occasion with her 21st goal for the country to finally break Malaysian resistance with the last kick of the game and spark celebrations of joy and perhaps, relief, from the Filipinas.

With the victory, the Philippines live to fight another day and currently are level with Myanmar with three points each.

However, Myanmar surely have the easier route to qualification to the semi-finals, with its final game against an already eliminated Malaysia side, who have yet to score in the tournament.

For the Philippines, any ambition of getting to the knock-out stages will start with getting no less than a victory in the next game, against defending champions Vietnam.

This, most definitely, is easier said than done, as similar World Cup debutants Vietnam have been in seriously imperious form, scoring six goals in the first two matches while conceding only one.

If and when the Philippines do beat Vietnam, the Filipinas would also hope to have a better goal differential than Myanmar to progress, something that will not just be in our hands.

But, in order to even think of a better goal differential, the Filipinas have to get the job done first against Vietnam, and it is hoped that this late, late goal by Bolden would carry a wave of momentum to propel the team forward.

With Stajcic rotating his squad, he conceivably would have players like Olivia McDaniel, Reina Bonta, Sara Eggesvik, Alicia Barker and Sawicki in optimal condition to face Vietnam.

Against the defending champions, our errant passes should be at a minimum and our forwards should similarly put their best shooting boots on, and, as a solitary goal in two games is a poor return for country that will play in the World Cup in July.

The test of Vietnam will be great, but the Filipinas have never been one to back down from a challenge, having beaten Vietnam 4-0 in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championships.

Don’t stop believing, Filipinas.

Laban!

The Philippines will play this crucial game against Vietnam on May 9 at 5 p.m.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News