The air seemed to have been sucked out of Rizal Memorial Stadium as the Philippines’ hope of a rare victory against Vietnam was denied near death with a late equalizer on Wednesday night.
“I’m very sad for the players because they deserve more points after these three games,” said a gloomy coach Albert Capellas as the Filipino team settled for another 1-1 draw in the Cup. Asean Mitsubishi Electric.
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The victory, which would have been the first against the regional power since 2012, seemed within reach after newlywed Jarvey Gayoso scored a spectacular goal in the 68th minute and the Philippines made save after save.
But Vietnam, demonstrating why they are considered one of the contenders in the competition, found a way to break down the hosts’ defensive position, with Doan Ngoc Tan capitalizing on an open free-kick goal to head in the equalizer in extra time.
“I think we played very well, we played very hard, but it’s a shame that we didn’t get the victory,” lamented goalkeeper Patrick Deyto, who, on this corner, tried to grab the balloon, but in vain. .
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Capellas refused to blame anyone for the mistake, but it was another night of missed opportunities for the Philippines, who after three straight draws produced three points from a possible nine.
The halves still in sight
Even though they failed to get the three points they deserved, the Philippines can still force their way into the semifinals with a road win over Indonesia on Saturday coupled with a draw or loss for Myanmar against Vietnam.
Vietnam secured a place in the semi-finals thanks to the draw, with seven points to remain at the top of Group B while Indonesia and Myanmar, winners 3-2 against Laos eliminated in the other Wednesday’s game, have four points each.
“I know how much the players wanted this win,” Capellas said. “It was a very good match, but we could have managed it (better) and (a victory) was not possible. It’s also a learning experience on how to close the match and score three points.
The Philippines team left a few hours after the match on a red-eye flight Thursday to Jakarta, but had to endure a long layover before boarding another plane to Surakarta where the match will take place decisive.
“We are so positive,” Gayoso said. “We said to ourselves that technically the most important match was against Indonesia. Our focus now is how we can recover (in time for the match).
Had the lead remained until the end, the spotlight would have been on Gayoso’s goal, which came after missing Sunday’s away draw in Laos as he tied the knot with Dani Gutierrez.
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Gayoso was called upon by Capellas in the 66th to replace Bjorn Kristensen up front, and he responded by firing a left-footed shot past two defenders, turning Rizal Memorial into a madhouse.
“I just want to cap off this amazing week, the perfect week that I had,” said the son of former PBA player Jayvee Gayoso and grandson of basketball and football great Ed Ocampo. “We still didn’t get it right, but in the end it’s still perfect.”
