Monday, November 13, 2006 Laos silences home crowd, beats RP 2-1 By Mike Limpag Sun.Star Staff Reporter
BACOLOD City — The first match of the Asean Football Championships first match pretty much went to script.
The higher ranked Laos came up with the better plays, while the Philippines had flashes of brilliance only to fall short, 1-2, at the packed Panaad Park and Stadium.
Despite the loss national coach Aries Caslib is still upbeat on making it to next year's final round in Thailand.
"We were surprised by the first goal, the second goal was due to lack of concentration," Caslib said in the post match conference.
Disintegrated
After holding Laos to a scoreless draw in the first half, the Philippine backline disintegrated in the first four minutes of the second half.
Hugo da Silva Carvalho surprised everybody after sending the corner straight at Casas for the first goal. Still dejected with the first goal, the defense gave up another after captain Ali Borromeo failed to clear the ball inside the box, giving Visay Phaphouvanin an easy target.
"We knew the Philippines will attack us in the second half, that's why we decided to press. In my opinion, if we didn't score the first goal, we would not have won," said assistant coach Suthsaphone Ouduthene, who took over from head coach Saythong Syphasay, who got red carded.
After the brief lull, the Philippine team managed to recover and a mad goal scramble in the 57 th almost netted the first goal.
The home team finally got on the score sheet in the 61st after Andres Gonzales connected with Chris Greatwitch, sending the estimated 20,000 crowd to its feet.
Switch
Ariel Zerrudo flirted with a shot from 30 yards, but keeper Sengphachan Bounthisanh was up to the task and easily collected the ball. With less than 10 minutes left, the 6-foot-1 defender Borromeo switched roles and was placed up front.
However, all three of his clear headers failed to hit the mark.
"We need to improve our finishing inside the penalty box and ball movement," said Caslib. However, changes in the lineup will still have to be deliberated on by the coaching staff.
The Philippines will next face Timor Leste on Nov. 14, while Laos will play Cambodia.
