Filipinas fall to South Korea in Asian Games
At A Glance
- The world No. 44 Filipinas briefly held an early lead on Bolden's impressive right-footed shot inside the penalty box in the eight minute of the match before the Koreans fired back with five unanswered goals.
Sarina Bolden’s opening goal was entirely negated as the Philippine women’s national football team suffered a 5-1 loss at the hands of world No. 20 South Korea on Monday, Sept. 25, at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium in China.
The world No. 44 Filipinas briefly held an early lead on Bolden’s impressive right-footed shot inside the penalty box in the eight minute of the match before the Koreans fired back with five unanswered goals.
Both squads previously faced each other in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where the Philippines was handed a 2-0 semifinal loss by South Korea.
This time, the Nationals looked promising after taking the early lead before their fellow FIFA Women’s World Cup participants converted a set piece off Garam Chun's goal to put the match at stalemate, 1-1.
After finding the immediate equalizer, the Koreans were suddenly all over the Filipinas and just had more promising possessions which created more opportunities to stay ahead.
Just before the break, though, Hwayeon Son broke the deadlock and brought South Korea on top with a header in between Filipinas defenders Hali Long and Jessica Cowart from close range, 2-1.
At this point, South Korea had set the tone following another set piece conversion in the second half by Ji Soyun to give itself a 3-1 cushion in the 53rd minute.
Three minutes later, Son successfully went for a brace with a cross from the right side for the continued dominance.
The Koreans have more than recovered from their 1-0 deficit in the early minutes of the match when Son slotted in the ball past Filipinas keeper Olivia McDaniel to deliver a hat-trick with 20 minutes left in regulation.
The Filipinas actually had chances from set pieces but just couldn't bring themselves back on the scoreboard.
With the win, South Korea advanced to the next round of the tournament with 6 points to remain unbeaten with a 2-0 record, while the Philippines absorbed a 1-1 slate.
The Nationals will wrap up their group stage fixtures in Asian Games against Myanmar, which defeated them during the Southeast Asian Games last May, on Thursday, Sept. 28.