The Philippine Men’s National Football Team reignited its 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup campaign with a rousing 4-1 comeback victory over Laos in Vientiane.
For Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez, however, the triumph was defined not only by the scoreline but also by the circumstances under which it was achieved.
With several key players unavailable due to club commitments, Gutierrez praised the resilience and commitment of the squad that answered the call to represent the country.
“We are incredibly proud of every player who answered the call to represent our country. We believe in this team, and we support them one hundred percent — win or lose,” said Gutierrez.
“They have our full confidence because we know the commitment, sacrifice, and pride they bring every time they play for country,’’ he added.
The Philippines erased a 1-0 halftime deficit by scoring four unanswered goals in the second half, showcasing the depth and determination of the players who stepped up in the absence of several regulars.
John Lucero, Jarvey Gayoso, and Daisuke Sato found the back of the net, while Laos also conceded an own goal to seal the Philippines’ first victory of the tournament.
“Every football nation experiences victories and defeats. What matters is how a team responds, how it continues to improve, and how it grows over time. This victory is an important response, but it is also another step in our journey of building a stronger Philippine national team for the future,” said Gutierrez.
The PFF president also thanked Filipino supporters for standing behind the national team throughout its campaign.
“We are deeply grateful to every Filipino who continues to support our national team. To those who celebrated with us, thank you. To those who criticize us, we know those emotions come from your passion and your desire to see Philippine football succeed,’’ said Gutierrez.
“But football is also about respect. The only way to move Philippine football forward is if we all work together with respect, united by the beautiful game we all love,’’ he added.
Gutierrez also emphasized the unique challenges of competing in the Hyundai Cup, which is held outside the FIFA International Match Calendar.
“The Hyundai Cup is not played during a FIFA international window. Despite the Philippine Football Federation’s best efforts to appeal to international clubs to release our players, not everyone was available for national team duty because of their club commitments,’’ Gutierrez explained.
“That is the reality not only for the Philippines but for many teams in this competition,” he added.
The victory lifted the Philippines to three points in Group B and matched the country’s biggest-ever winning margin over Laos in the ASEAN Championship.
The Filipinos now return home for a crucial Group B showdown against Thailand on August 4 at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
