|
Thursday, November 24, 2005
RP booters impress 'em
By Mike T. Limpag
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
BACOLOD City – Thailand’s goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool had two brilliant stops for his team’s 1-0 win over a determined Philippine team yesterday in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games football event at the packed Panaad Park and Stadium.
Though Thailand won the match, it wasn’t the same as past encounters when the Thais won by blowouts.
This time, the Philippines, which had Chelsea reserves Philipp and James Younghusbands up front, held its own against the titleholders, taking the initiative early with Andy Prochnov’s header in the ninth minute just inches high.
The Thais showed their superiority as they kept the Philippines in the defensive in the next 20 minutes. A lapse in the RP backline left Jakkrit Bunkham open for a booming shot just outside the box in the 36th that got past Michael Casas.
“It was poor concentration on our opposite defense. We have to improve that,” RP coach Aries Caslib said.
Not satisfied
Backed by a sea of blue shirts, the RP boys took the initiative in the second half and Ali Borromeo’s header off a corner in the 47th seemed headed for a goal before it got cleared by a defender.
Another header by Borromeo in the 79th forced a diving save from Hathairanttanol just as it was to cross the bottom corner. In the next corner kick, Philip’s shot was again saved by the Thai keeper.
“Clearly, I am not satisfied because we lost, but we were just very unlucky,” Caslib said.
Thailand coach Chanvit Phalajivin praised the home boys: “The Philippines played very, very well today. They pressured (us) on the high ball and during corners.”
The Philippines will have to win its next two matches against Cambodia tomorrow and Malaysia on Nov. 29 to qualify for the semifinals.
(November 24, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
