AN historic men’s football championship remains a dream for now so the Philippine U22 team targets the next best thing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games – the bronze medal.
The PMNFT’s gold hopes were dashed by a 0-2 heartbreaker to Vietnam in the semis. But they quickly picked themselves up, hungrier than ever to end this campaign on a fiery note and deliver the country’s first-ever podium finish in men’s football.
The U22s seek this objective Thursday against Malaysia at 3:30 p.m. at the Rajamangala Stadium (4:30 p.m. Manila time).
Coach Garrath McPherson counts on his players’ strong character to quickly stand up from the frustrating defeat and get back to the business of making history.
“My optimism comes from the relationship I’ve been able to build with players. I know the type of people they are, how they cared about the country and how much playing for the Philippines means to each of them,” said McPherson.
“Knowing the character of the players, they’ll be ready to get back to work and bring home a medal,” he added.
This is only the second time the Philippines is still in play on the last day of the men’s football competitions since 1991 at home. The legendary batch from 34 years ago wound up fourth overall and McPherson’s crew could surpass it with one last push.
Whatever happens, the U22s are sure to improve on the country’s performance of eighth out of a field of 10 in the previous SEAG in Cambodia.