The Philippine Azkals Under-23 team fought out a 0-0 draw against host nation and defending champions Vietnam, Sunday evening in the 31st Southeast Asian Games at the Viet Tri Phu Tho Stadium in Viet Tri.
Coach Norman Fegidero’s men demonstrated a solid defensive game throughout the contest as they sought to frustrate the home side.
“Based on their first game, that’s why we planned our strategy to counter their attacking plan because they’re really good in attacking. They’re well-organized. They have very good individual players,” said Fegidero.
“That’s why we adjusted our formation just to stop their attack. We knew from the very start that Vietnam is a very strong team.”
Azkals U-23 goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad played a key role at keeping the Vietnamese at bay as it was his stops that denied the likes of Do Hung Dung, Nguyen Thanh Binh, and Le Van Do from breaking the deadlock.
“This is our objective – to enter the semi-finals – so this draw is a big thing for us,” added Fegidero.
The result means that the Filipinos remain in first place in group A with 4 points thanks to a superior goal difference of +4. On the other hand, the Vietnamese are in second place with 4 points but with a goal difference of +3.
The Azkals U23 continues its campaign on Tuesday against Myanmar. Kick-off time is scheduled at 5:00 PM.
Vietnam U23 XI: Long Vu Tien, Binh Nguyen Thanh, Do le Van, Ling Nguyen Tien, Tai Phan Tuan, Duc Hoang Nguyen, Den Huynh Cong, Dung Do Hung ©, Dung Nham Manh, Toan Nguyen Van (GK), Anh Bui Hoang Viet.
Philippines U23 XI: Kammeraad (GK), Kallakuran, Woods, Linares, Kekkonen, Chung, Bedic, Bias, Mendoza, Rosquillo, Rontini.
