By Waylon Galvez
Games Thursday (New Clark City, Tarlac)
10 a.m. – Thailand vs Philippines (Women’s)
5 p.m. – Indonesia vs Singapore (Men’s)
7 p.m. – Thailand vs Philippines (Men’s)
The national team guns for its first win in water polo when the Filipinos meet Thailand in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Thursday at the Aquatic Center of the New Clark City in Tarlac.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, middle, joins members of the water polo national team during a visit of top government officials at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. (Photo courtesy of Dale Evangelista)
In its opening game, the Philippines earned a 6-6 draw against Indonesia last Tuesday which gave both teams a point each. Paolo Serrano delivered the tying goal with a penalty shot in the final moments of the match.
Veteran coach Rey Galang said the tie against Indonesia showed the readiness of players, particularly on the defensive end that was best typified by the shot blocking abilities of longtime goalie Tani Gomez.
“We’re happy with the way the players performed, especially on defense,” said Galang. “The players were able to adjust quickly because we knew what Indonesia will do (offensively).”
However, while defense wasn’t a problem, Galang said the team must improve offensively after missing several attempts at the goal especially in the final stretch that should have given the Philippines a crucial victory against Indonesia – silver medalist in the last SEA Games.
Against the Thais – fifth place in the biennial meet two years ago – Galang said overall play must improve.
“Maganda na yung defense ng team, dapat ma-sustain against Thailand. Pero magiging focus din namin is offensive pattern to give us better scoring opportunities versus Thailand,” he said.
Dale Evangelista, a former national team stalwart who is now helping Galang in calling the shots for the Philippines, said that the players must not let their guards down in its next game.
Although observers are saying Thailand is a non-contender for the gold, the Thais surprised many when they scored a 19-5 win over Malaysia – bronze medal winner in the KL SEA Games in 2017 – last Monday.
“Nothing is given and nothing is easy in the SEA Games,” said Evangelista.
“Even if some are saying Thailand is a non-contender, they are still capable of beating any team in this event, and proof of that is their big win against Malaysia. That’s why we keep on reminding the players to stay focused, keep on playing hard,” added Evangelista.
Meanwhile, the women’s national team opened its own campaign with a disappointing 18-9 setback to Singapore. Only three teams are seeing action in the division and the Philippines will next play Thailand also today.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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