THE PHILIPPINES lost to Indonesia, 0-2, in its last outing in the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Tuesday before a raucous 65,000-strong crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
The Filipinos conceded one goal in each half as they ended their campaign with one point — off a 1-1 draw with Indonesia in their initial encounter in Manila in November, against five losses — for fourth and last in Group F.
The Garudas, who scored through naturalized player Thom Jan Marinus Haye (32nd) and Rizky Ridho Ramadhani (56th), finished with 10 points overall on three wins, one draw, and two losses for group No. 2 behind topnotcher Iraq (18 points on a perfect 6-0-0).
The Iraqis and the Indonesians move forward to Round 3 of the WCQ while also clinching outright tickets to the 2027 Asian Cup.
The fourth-placed Pinoy booters and No. 3 Vietnam (six points on 2-0-4), meanwhile, will now shift their focus on the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup and the third round of the qualifying tournament for the Asian Cup.
“I’m proud of my team,” said Philippine coach Tom Sainfiet. “Indonesia was clinical and Indonesia will go to the next round. But we learned a lot. I’m satisfied with my team. We will be ready for the Mitsubishi Cup, and later on, the Asian Cup qualification next year.” — Olmin Leyba
