THE Philippine men’s football team marked its return to the Asian Games after 52 years with a 5-1 defeat to Uzbekistan in Group C on Tuesday at the Nagoya City Minato Soccer Field in Japan.
Martin Merino scored the lone goal for the Philippines, but Uzbekistan pulled away in the second half to secure a convincing victory in the Filipinos’ first appearance in the continental competition since 1974.
The Philippines opened its campaign against an Uzbek side that controlled much of the match and capitalized on its scoring opportunities.
Muhammadali Urinboev broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, giving Uzbekistan a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The hosts then doubled their advantage through Saidnurullaev Saidumarkhon in the 60th minute.
Merino answered two minutes later to put the Philippines on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 2-1. However, Uzbekistan quickly regained control and added three more goals in the closing stages.
Saidnurullaev completed his brace in the 71st minute before Ruziboev Fayzullaev struck two minutes later. Mukhammedali Reimov capped the scoring in the 80th minute as Uzbekistan completed the 5-1 victory.
The result gave the Philippines a difficult start to its Group C campaign, while Uzbekistan secured an early advantage in the standings. (Adrian Co)
