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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH men's football yields to Iraq, 1-0

PH men's football yields to Iraq, 1-0

Published Mar 22, 2024 06:59 am

At A Glance

  • The Philippine men's national football team resumed its campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers, conceding a late goal to Iraq, 1-0, on early Friday, March 22, at the Basra International Stadium.

The Philippine men’s national football team resumed its campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers, conceding a late goal to Iraq, 1-0, on early Friday, March 22, at the Basra International Stadium.

IMG_4337.jpeg
PH men’s national football team captain Neil Etheridge. (PFF)

 

Under newly-appointed head coach Tom Saintfiet, the Nationals are off to a promising start despite the loss with fine defensive display from captain and veteran keeper Neil Etheridge. 

The Philippines managed to keep the match scoreless through the break and for most of the second half until Iraq found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute with a goal from Mohanad Ali off a brilliant cross from Al Ammari. 

With no moniker to draw strength from, the Pinoy booters will be taking a painful yet inspiring loss when they make their home stand next week on Tuesday, March 26, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. 

The Philippines, though, is down big at the bottom of the table with no wins yet but a lone draw and two defeats in Group F, while Iraq stayed unbeaten through three assignments. 

Despite falling short, the Nationals are seeing the positives for defending their side fairly well against the world No. 39 Iraqis — who are 80 spots above the Filipinos in the FIFA rankings. 

Iraq also just recently made an appearance in the 2023 Asian Cup Round of 16 earlier this year before falling to eventual runner-up Jordan. 

The results may not have been favorable, but the Saintfiet-led Filipino squad could build on it when they host the Iraqis in front of the hopeful home crowd.  

Related Tags

FIFA World Cup Neil Etheridge Philippine Football Federation
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