The Philippine National Women’s Football Team lost its game against Thailand, 1-0, last Tuesday to end its winning run in the ongoing AFF Women’s Championship 2022 at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The defeat dropped the Filipinas to second place in Group A with 12 points, while Thailand grabbed the top spot with 13. Thailand’s win shut the door on Australia’s bid to advance to the knockout stage.
The Filipinas battled Thailand toe-to-toe. They had several chances to score but just couldn’t convert the opportunities that went their way. A goal by Kanyanat Chettabutr off a rare defensive error in the 75th minute proved to be the difference in the match. Even the entry of Sarina Bolden late in the game was not enough to avert the Thais from getting the full three points.
Coach Alen Stajcic was right in saying that the Filipinas played well the whole game, having at least having four to five chances of scoring a goal only to be punished by that lone error. Despite that, Stajcic gave praise to Thailand in making the most out of that opportunity.
It was a game, however, that the home team can afford to lose. But in doing so, we get to face a team in the last four that has been perfect in the group fixtures. Moreover, it is the only team in the tournament that has not conceded a goal in four games while scoring 18 of their own, also the best output of any team in competitions. And they did it in just four games. The Filipinas have 16 goals while conceding two in five games. The Chaba Kaew, on the other hand, had 14 strikes and two goals against them after the group stage.
Yes, the Filipinas will take on defending champion Vietnam tonight, 8 p.m. at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Golden Star Warriors topped Group B after demolishing Myanmar, 4-0, in their own battle for the group lead last Wednesday.
Vietnam is currently ranked 32nd in the FIFA Rankings, while the Philippines is at 53rd, which is the highest ranking ever achieved by the women’s team. There is a great divide separating the two sides when the pecking order is considered.
Historically, Vietnam is almost invincible against the host team. In head-to-head matches, Vietnam has won all its 10 games against the Philippines, including a 9-0 beatdown in 2007. The Vietnamese have won four AFF Women’s games and five matches at AFF Women’s Championship tournaments. The 10th win came via international friendly.
When it comes to strikes, Vietnam is also miles away having scored a total of 42 goals against the Philippines’ four. Both teams, however, have qualified to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Looking at these stats alone, one could easily say which team is heavily favored to win tonight. Many would say that Vietnam will win hands down, that it will face Thailand in the finals on Sunday, July 17. Some would even say that it is a foregone conclusion.
The Designated Kit Man, however, can also say that these numbers doesn’t mean anything going to the most important game for the Filipinas right now.
While the odds are against the Filipinas, anything can happen in football. Even the most underdog team can come up with an upset against a team which is tipped to advance to the finals at the minimum. The game against Thailand could have gone either way. Lessons were learned there and I’m sure Stajcic and his staff have made the needed adjustments following the loss.
The team was also able to rest for at least three days, which is good especially for key players who played the most in the last four games before the Thai match. By this time, the coaching have figure out the best possible starting XI against Vietnam.
Stajcic will have a game plan against the Vietnamese and spoiling their date against Thailand in the finals is definitely one of them. I will not tell or even suggest anything to the coaching on what to do tonight. I’m not in a position to do so and, most importantly, what do I know? I can only pray for the team’s success and scream my heart out cheering them against one of the Goliaths of women’s football in the region.
You can join me by the way and support our Filipinas tonight at RMS. More than ever, our team needs our presence against a formidable opponent. Close to 3,000 fans trooped to the game last Sunday, the biggest so far where attendance is concerned for the home team. But we could do more tonight. In the Filipinas’ biggest game, let them be inspired that we are with them, that we are more—whether in the upper and lower boxes or even in the bleachers. My deepest respect, by the way to the Ultras Filipinas, you guys never disappoint with your boundless energy and support to our national teams.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat