By Jonas Terrado
BINAN, Laguna — The Philippines put itself in a good position to reach the semifinals after holding Myanmar to scoreless draw as women’s football action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games began Tuesday at the Binan Football Stadium here.
Sarina Bolden, left, and Quinley Quezada watch as the ball sails past them during the Philippines’ scoreless draw against Myanmar at the Binan Football Stadium. (Photo from Mia Montayre/Philippine women’s football team)
The Malditas had their opportunities to score at least the marginal goal but the lack of finishing prevented the likes of Claire Elizabeth Lim, Camille Rodriguez and Sarina Bolden from finding the back of the net.
Myanmar also had its own chances of getting the maximum three points but skipper Khin Marlar Tun’s shot from close range went over the bar.
In the end, the two sides were forced to share the spoils, a result that left coach Let Dimzon satisfied after her team was pounded 6-0 by Myanmar two years ago in Kuala Lumpur and 3-0 in the bronze medal match of this year’s AFF Women’s Championship.
From her recollection, Dimzon said it was the first time that the women’s team was able to hold Myanmar to a tie.
“The result that we got from this game is very far from our performance from the past years,” said Dimzon, who cited an earlier camp in Japan as one of the reasons for the improved showing.
The Pinay booters, who overcame issues surrounding accommodation and food issues prior to the start of the competition, take a crack at a semis berth Friday at the same venue against debuting Malaysia.
The Malditas beat the Malaysians 3-0 during the group stage of the AFF tourney, giving them a psychological edge going into Friday’s match.
Earlier action saw Thailand holding defending champion Vietnam to a 1-1 draw in a possible preview of the gold medal match after Taneekarn Dangda struck an equalizer near stoppage time.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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