Gelora Bung Karno – In what was the Philippines’ penultimate match for this round of World Cup Qualifying, the PMNFT’s journey ends with a whimper against Indonesia.
Goals from Thom Haye and Rizky Ridho proved to be the downfall for the Pinoy booters. Coach Tom Saintfiet made one change from the Vietnam game, with Kevin Ray Mendoza replacing captain Neil Etheridge between the sticks.
The hosts showed their dominance by controlling much of the first half. Some shaky performances at the back allowed the Indonesians free rein in the Philippines’ half. Kevin Mendoza and the PH defense held strong for much of the first 30 minutes before the Indonesians found a breakthrough from Thom Haye’s rocket of a goal from outside the box. Swansea City’s Nathan Tjoe-A-On found an onrushing Haye in the middle who let loose a cannon of a shot that Mendoza couldn’t do anything about.
The 2nd half was a much different game, with the Hosts preferring to step off the gas a bit and preserve their lead. But once again, Nathan Tjoe-A-On turned provider, finding an unmarked Rizky Ridho for the Hosts’ second.
The Philippines gave up a foul in a good position for Indonesia to attack. Tjoe-A-On delivered a great set piece, finding an unmarked Ridho who headed home the goal beyond Mendoza’s reach.
It turned into a nervy affair for the PH when Indonesian keeper Ernando caught Adrian Ugelvik at the back of his head when the Indonesian keeper tried to punch away the ball from a PH corner. The Philippines defender fell headfirst into the grass and seemed unconscious when he landed. Players from both sides formed a circle to cover Ugelvik while he was being attended to by medics. An ambulance had to be called into the middle of the pitch to pick up Ugelvik, much to the concern of the fans at the stadium.
With Indonesia’s win, they advance together with Iraq to the 3rd round of World Cup Qualifying, eliminating the Philippines and Vietnam in the process.
Next for the Philippines would be the September window for friendlies and the next edition of the AFF Championship in December.
Engineering Graduate and a long-time Football Fan. Started covering local Football in 2013 after a short career in Football Analytics. Contributed to Pinoyfootball, Fox Sports Asia, and HuddlePH before finding his way here. Has a love-hate relationship with Man Utd and The Portland Timbers. Football Manager fanatic.
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