PH bounces back in Hyundai Cup with dominant win over Laos

FILE – Daisuke Sato of the Philippine men’s football team in action during a game in the Asean Hyundai Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine men’s football team put on a goalscoring spree in the second half to beat Laos, 4-1, and pick up its first victory in the Asean Hyundai Cup on Saturday in Vientiane.

John Lucero’s equalizer shortly after the restart sprung some life back for the Philippine squad that put itself behind seven minutes into the match when Damoth Thongkhamsavath struck the opener for the home side.

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Javi Mariona’s goal later ruled as an own goal from Laos, followed by Jarvey Gayoso’s second of the competition and another from veteran Daisuke Sato, enabled coach Carles Cuadrat’s side to secure its first points in Group B.

The Philippines bounced back from a similar scoreline defeat at the hands of Myanmar last Tuesday at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

It was an all-important result for the Filipino side going into the two tough matches against Thailand and Malaysia that will determine its chances of making the semifinals for the second successive time.

The Filipinos battle Thailand at home on Tuesday in Capas before facing Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 7.

Laos dropped its third straight match, but it put together a dream start when Thongkhamsavath’s strike deflected past the gloves of Philippine keeper Quincy Kammeraad.

The Philippines appeared to have tied it up before the end of the first half, but Sandro Reyes’ goal was nullified after an offside was ruled through VAR.