The Philippines fought one of the top teams in world no. 11 Australia and still made an impression despite losing, 0-4, in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 on Monday evening at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai.
Short of two players who were among a total of four who tested positive for COVID-19, the Filipina booters’ defense held until the 51st minute when Tokyo Olympic veteran Samantha Kerr began scoring.
The Filipinas’ defense finally opened up when Kerr struck with a header off a corner kick early in the second half.
Kerr, who owes part of her development to former Australian Matildas’ coach and current Philippine mentor Alen Stajcic, has become one of the tournament’s most prolific scorers.
“We were not at full strength today. But we showed an even impressive performance,” said Stajcic after the match as the Filipinas kept the Matildas from scoring more than four goals.
The energetic Australians, who were held scoreless in the first half, got a second goal from Filipina defender Dominique Randle, who accidentally struck a header into the Philippines’ own net in the 53rd minute.
Fatigue caught up with the Philippine side when the Matildas found their third goal at the 68th minute off midfielder Emily Van-Egmond.
Van-Egmond’s attempt was first cleared by goalie Kiara Fontanilla, but she sent it back in after the ball rebounded back to her.
After that, Mary Fowler knocked in Australia’s fourth goal at the 88th minute.
“The fact that we played against Australia without one of our key players who is unavailable. So many positives in the team’s performances,” said Stajcic, who handled most of the team members of the Matildas before he left the team in 2019, with Tony Gustavvson taking over.
With their second straight win in Group B, Australia is a strong contender for the quarterfinals.
The Philippines, which played without main goalie Inna Palacios, stayed as a top candidate for the second quarterfinals’ berth with its 1-0-1 win-draw-loss slate.
Thailand pulled even with the Philippines with the same card after beating Indonesia, 4-0.
“We were able to stay focused and not get frustrated. What can happen in a game like this is when you create that many chances in the first half, and the stats say that we should be up to three- to four-nil, and you don’t get those goals, you can tend to sometimes lose your head,” said Gustavvson.
The Philippines takes on Indonesia in its final Group B assignment, on Thursday at 10 p.m.(Manila time) and a win will put them in the quarterfinal round.
Stajcic said they are now taking precautions while preparing for Indonesians, with members of the Philippines having positive COVID-19 cases and in isolation.
“We are taking extreme caution. We are doing everything we can. We also have a couple of players and staff who are positive. We’re on the highest alert,” added Stajcic.
Earlier, host India withdrew from the tournament after members of the team tested positive for COVID-19.