Enrique Linares cemented his place as an overnight hero in the most dramatic fashion.
In the dying moments of the match, Linares scored a thrilling game-winner to propel the Philippine Men’s National Football Team to a 2-1 victory over Thailand in the first leg of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 semifinals which unfolded in front of 7,116 ecstatic fans at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Friday night.
The 25-year-old Filipino-Spanish defender delivered a clutch header in the 90+5 minute off a perfectly executed set-piece, earning the Philippines its maiden semifinal win in the regional tournament.
The goal also marked the country’s first victory over Thailand since a 1-0 triumph on June 12, 1972, during the Jakarta Anniversary Tournament.
“I’m very happy for all of the supporters and the fans,” said coach Albert Capellas. “I’m very happy for the players because they never gave up. We played a very good 35-40 minutes against a very good team. I’m very proud of the first 40 minutes. In the second half, we suffered more. We conceded some chances that we shouldn’t but we handled it together.
“We never lost hope because this team (if full of) fighters and they fight so much for this country. I’m so proud of them, and the win at the end gave us what we deserved.“
(C) Pam Puri
Linares’ heroic goal was the culmination of a thrilling match, building on a stellar start from Sandro Reyes.
Reyes, who had also scored during the group stage against Laos, gave the Philippines an early lead in the 21st minute.
The 20-year-old midfielder unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and providing the Nationals with a dream start.
(C) Pam Puri
However, the lead was short-lived as Thailand equalized just before halftime.
Off a quick counterattack initiated from a corner, Suphanan Bureerat found himself unmarked inside the box and calmly slotted the ball home in the 45th minute to level the score at 1-1.
The second half saw the War Elephants pressing hard for the go-ahead goal.
Thailand created several opportunities, with a defensive lapse allowing them to hit the crossbar.
Meanwhile, captain Peeradol Chamrasamee and substitute Worachit Kanitsribumphen both missed chances, shooting wide of the target.
Despite Thailand’s relentless pressure, the Philippines stood their ground.
In the end, it was Linares’ perfectly timed header that sealed the win, sending the home crowd into jubilant celebrations and leaving Thailand to rue their missed chances.
The two teams will meet again this Monday at 9:00 PM (Manila time) for the second leg at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.
Notably, the tournament’s knockout matches do not apply the away goals rule, ensuring the series remains wide open.
“We want to go to the second leg to try and qualify for the final,” said Capellas. “I’m sure these players will work as warriors to make it happen. I don’t have any doubt.”
Before kick-off, the stadium observed a moment of silence in honor of former Philippine Football Federation General Secretary and ASEAN Football Federation official Atty. Ed Gastañes, whose contributions to Philippine football were remembered fondly.
