Philippine newspaper comments on home team's loss to U23 Vietnam

Excellent comeback to defeat Philippines, U23 Vietnam wins the right to enter the final

Vietnam U23 won 2-1 against Philippines U23 in the semi-finals of the Southeast Asian U23 tournament. The opponent opened the score in the 35th minute thanks to a goal by Javier Mariona, but then Dinh Bac and Xuan Bac helped coach Kim Sang Sik's team turn the game around.

Philippine newspaper comments on home team's loss to U23 Vietnam - 1

U23 Vietnam came from behind to win against U23 Philippines (Photo: VFF).

Witnessing the home team's reverse defeat to U23 Vietnam, the Philippine press expressed regret but still praised the players of coach Garrath McPherson. ABS-CBN newspaper had an article: "U23 Philippines stopped by U23 Vietnam in the semi-finals of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament".

In the article, the author emphasized: “The Philippines U23 team said goodbye to the Southeast Asian U23 tournament after losing 1-2 to defending champion Vietnam U23. Despite taking the lead, Garrath McPherson and his team were turned around by their opponents.

The defending champions controlled the game. They increased the pace and attacked more after being led by U23 Philippines. As a result, U23 Vietnam scored two consecutive goals thanks to Dinh Bac and Xuan Bac. U23 Philippines even suffered an additional blow when Jaime Rosquillo received a red card before the end of the match.

Despite the defeat, U23 Philippines still deserves praise for their historic match. For the first time, the team has reached the semi-finals of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament. Coach Garrath McPherson is proud of what his students have achieved in the tournament.

Philippine newspaper comments on home team's loss to U23 Vietnam - 2

Vietnam U23 won the ticket to the final of the Southeast Asian U23 tournament for the third consecutive time (Photo: VFF).

Meanwhile, ESPN Philippines commented: “Vietnam U23 is the reigning champion of the Southeast Asian U23 tournament. They are also the only team to have won all of this year’s tournament. However, Vietnam U23 had a difficult match against the Philippines U23, who played with great effort. That effort is what helped coach Garrath McPherson and his team make history.

U23 Vietnam continued to waste too many chances in this match. They even received a cold shower when Javier Mariona scored the opening goal for U23 Philippines. However, U23 Vietnam quickly came back.

Phi Hoang continued to show his ability to create with two passes to help Dinh Bac and Xuan Bac score goals. In a game of full pressure, people had the feeling that a goal for U23 Vietnam was just a matter of time.

Anyway, U23 Philippines has come a long way in this tournament. They can look back proudly. In terms of class, U23 Philippines cannot be compared to U23 Vietnam.

The Philippine Football Federation also spoke up to encourage the home players: “The U23 Philippines had a great match against the defending champion U23 Vietnam. We are proud of what they did.”

With the victory over U23 Philippines, U23 Vietnam has qualified for the final of the U23 Southeast Asian tournament for the third consecutive time. Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team will face U23 Indonesia at 8pm on July 29.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ live on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/bao-philippines-binh-luan-khi-doi-nha-thua-nguoc-u23-viet-nam-20250725224416111.htm