THE Filipinas paid dearly for a tepid first half against a scrappy Australia Under-23 side late Sunday night, dropping a stinging 0-1 decision in Group B that endangered their title-retention drive in the MISG Serenity Cup at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu To, Vietnam.
Battling an overhauled and disciplined Aussie squad that made 10 changes in its starting line-up after a 1-2 loss to Myanmar last week, the charges of Australian tactician Marc Torcaso were tentative on the way to absorbing their first loss.
Striker Alana Jancevski took advantage of their ruffled rivals in the 46th minute, stroking a shot from a difficult angle from the right wing, the ball slipping past diving PH goalie Olivia McDaniel and curling into the bottom left corner of the net for the winning goal.
Playing with greater urgency and resolve in the second half, the Nationals were unable to break through the stingy defense of their speedy and crafty opponents, anchored on the solid play of Australian goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.
The only clear shot that the Filipinas got was early in the second half when skipper Hali Long rose for a header from a right corner kick by forward Chandler McDaniel, who was closely marked and had to leave with around 20 minutes left in the match, which was easily cleared by Lincoln.
With Myanmar blanking Timor Leste 3-0 in the other group match to seize the group lead with six points with their second win, the Filipinas must win over the Burmese booters tomorrow at the Lac Tray Stadium in the city of Hai Phong to advance to the crossover semifinals.
The Aussies will stay behind in Phu To to play the Timorese on the same day, a win guaranteeing them a spot in the semis.
Torcaso put on a brave face during the post-match briefing, saying: “No coach is ever happy when you lose a game so I am unhappy that we lost. But I am extremely proud that our players, our very young players, did for our country today.
“We are extremely proud how they fought to the end. I actually believed that we would have finished with a draw and we can take a positive step into the next game against Myanmar.”
