THE Negros Occidental Football Association-bankrolled Philippine team bowed to Thailand, 6-1, in a different semifinal format in the ongoing Soong Ching Ling Cup in Beijing, China
The Filipinos were able to hold their ground in the first half with a 2-1 deficit but the Thais showed more maturity as they scored four more goals in the second half.
"We were beaten fairly and squarely. The Thais are bigger and more skillful. Our coaches can tell that the Thais have been playing together for a long time. Their passing and teamwork were great, " said head coach Roland Ian Treyes.
Team manager Andrew Infante said the tournament is using a different format wherein they get to play against the Top 2 teams from the other group to determine who will play for the finals and battle for third place.
The young Filipino booters finished atop of Group A by demolishing Cambodia, 9-0, in their last elimination match.
Scoring for the Filipino side in this game included two goals each from Miel Dee Marcon, Almaigne Kurt Sarip, and Julio Antonio Yoldi, and one each from Jed Ariel Tan, Anthony Joseph Galve and Manuel Garcia.
At press time, the Philippines is playing against Laos.