The past few years have seen the Philippine Azkals blessed with some of the best goalkeepers in the region. The likes of Neil Etheridge and Roland Muller have made waves for their respective clubs and produced stellar runs while donning the national team kit.
While goalkeepers have long lifespans in football, it does not hurt to have more and more candidates available for that number one shirt. In the Philippine Under-22 National Men’s Football Team’s campaign in the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2019 SEA Games, a potential successor for the two aforementioned stoppers has emerged in the lineup.
Enter Filipino-Swiss goalie Anthony Pinthus, who has been the main man in goal for the U-22 Azkals in its three Group A assignments in the competition. The 21-year-old has shown flashes of his brilliance but a few shaky moments.
One result that won’t harm his confidence, though, is a 1-0 win over Malaysia last Friday, at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. There, he demonstrated improved coordination with his backline as well as quick reflexes in the shutout victory.
“We learned from the mistakes from the other games. We have more concentration with the video analysis (from the) coaches. The mistakes are gone now and we have to look forward,” commented Pinthus.
One-goal victories are always special in football. Teams who know how to pull off these types of results demonstrate resilience and determination, which are not always present in those who win regularly by two, three or more goals. On a more personal level, however, a clean sheet always helps a goalkeeper’s morale.
“It was very important also for me — a good feeling. (My) self-confidence is growing and there’s also the team support, very well defending from the whole team,” commented Pinthus.
Ultimately, though, this first win over Malaysia since 1991 — coincidentally the last year the Philippines made the last four of the regional dance — will be all for naught unless the Azkals manage to qualify out of Group A. That mission is not lost on Pinthus.
“It’s a fantastic feeling, fantastic crowd, every support we need this for these three points. Thank you very much to the supporters. Next game (against) Timor Leste in Binan, we need you all. Everybody has to come and watch us, support us. These three points are ours, and we come to the semi-finals. “
