In the first match at the Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik, 10-man Laos outplayed 9-man Philippines 7-2 to earn their second win of the tournament so far. They had earlier beaten Singapore but lost to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. In a match that had no bearing on the top two positions, Laos struck first after only four minutes through Phouthasone Vongkosy but Fidel Victor Palogan Tacardon levelled terms in the 16th minute.
Ten minutes later, Shaden Vergara and Lextoxa Thongsavath got into a scuffle and both were duly sent-off. Soon after Bounphachan Bounkong pulled on his scoring boots and hammered a remarkable four goals within 19 minutes (35th, 39th, 47th, 54th). Nilan completed the rout with two goals in 79th and 85th minutes.
Philippines had Geri Martini Vellgania Rey sacked in the 58th minute before Fidel blasted a second in the 20 minutes later. Philippines completed their group fixtures with one win (over Singapore in their opening game) but lost their remaining games.
The semi-final fixtures will be settled tomorrow when the last of the Group B matches are staged with Cambodia facing Timor Leste while Malaysia battle Myanmar.
http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/aff-u19-thailand-indonesia-in-the-semis/
Philippines could have edge out Laos or drew them in their final game but given both midfielders of our team was sent off it didn't take time for Laos to exploit the midfield and score five goals after Vergara was first sent off. But football is a cruel sport especially if you are lacking two important players in the most important positions. Still kudos to their Japanese coach for having assembled the best players of our nation in the U19 age group. I guess we need support from rich companies to sponsor our youth every year having to play or train in Europe or outside our country.
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