2023 Asian Games: Filipinas absorb 5-1 sorry loss against South Korea

MANILA, Philippines – After posting a 3-1 win against Hong Kong a few days ago, the Filipinas tasted their first 2023 Asian Games loss against regional football behemoth, South Korea, 5-1 on Monday, September 25 in Hangzhou, China.

Filipinas absorb 5-1 sorry loss against South Korea
The Filipinas remain optimistic after absorbing a tough loss vs. South Korea. Photo Credit: FIFA

Fresh off their recent Asiad victories, the Filipinas and the Koreans were determined to maintain their unblemished records in the group, further bolstering their prospects of progressing to the next round with another resounding win.

Knowing how deadly their rivals are, the Filipinas wasted no time and put their first digit on the scoreboard courtesy of Sarina Bolden with a highly-contested strike inside the penalty box straight to the goal of the Koreans.

Bolden made history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after scoring Philippines’ first-ever goal in the world’s prestigious football tournament against the host nation, New Zealand.

Unperturbed by the Philippines' surprise lead, South Korea swiftly retaliated with G. Chun's header from a left corner throw, equalizing the score.

After the Filipina booters’ goal, the Koreans controlled the majority of the first half and even attempted a couple more clean shots. Luckily, the Filipinas blocked the potential goals to avoid further damage.

South Koreans’ defense intensified mid of the first that disrupted the Filipinas offensively making it harder for the latter to even pose for a decent attempt.

Just a minute-shy before the half ended, Son Hwayeon’s header to the right caught Olivia McDaniel off guard for the 2-1 lead.

The halftime break favored South Korea a lot better as Ji So Yun started to widen the gap with a penalty kick at the 51st minute followed by a lucky goal by Hwayeon after a few minutes.

With more than 30 minutes remaining on the clock, the Filipinas were gripped by a sense of dread as they found themselves trailing by a daunting 1-4 scoreline.

Just as the Filipinas were regaining their composure, the Koreans, led by waxing hot Hwayeon struck again and added another point to the Philippines' deficit at the 69th minute.

The Filipinas finally got a clear shot from Sara Eggesvik’s free kick to the center but Bolden failed to convert a header and the nationals kept their 4-point disadvantage with 10 more minutes remaining.

Even the extra five minutes granted by the referees proved insufficient for a Philippines comeback, and the Filipinas ultimately succumbed to a resounding 5-1 defeat at the hands of the dominant South Koreans.

The Filipinas still have a big chance to advance in the quarterfinals should they win their next game against Myanmar on September 28.

Asian Games 2023 Updates

Despite Filipinas’ tough loss, the Philippines has tallied its second bronze medal at the Asiad courtesy of Wushu artist Jones Inso in the men’s Taijijian event.

Alex Eala started her Asian Games tennis campaign on a bright note as she dismantled Pakistan’s Sarah Khan, 6-0.

In Rugby 7’s, the Philippine Volcanoes fired a warning shot against their Asian rivals after blanking Nepal, 55-0.

SEE ALSO: 11 Filipino super athletes to watch out for at the Asian Games 2023

Pinoy judokas are on a roll! Ryoko Salinas and Kiyomi Watanabe are heading to the quarterfinals after completing their preliminary assignments against India and Vietnam respectively.

— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express



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