Philippines lost to Iraq, Vietnam team has less competition worries

The Philippines team is expected to face many difficulties in their away match against Iraq. Coach Saintfiet did not hide his intention to get 1 point when arranging the team with many defensive-minded players such as Ingreso, Reichelt or Tabinas, Curran or Kekkonen on the field from the beginning.

On the other side of the front line, coach Jesus Casas chose Mohanad Ali to start from the beginning when Aymen Hussein was absent due to a red card at the 2023 Asian Cup. Supporting him are technical players such as Bashar Rasan, Al Ammari and especially winger Ali Jasim.

Mohanad Ali (left) scored the only goal of the match.

After the opening whistle, the Iraqi team immediately pressed their opponents and pushed the Philippine team back deep into their own half. Compared to other Southeast Asian teams, Iraq's level was still superior and the game on the field did not surprise many people. The Philippine team retreated their entire squad into their own half. This way of playing caused the home team a lot of trouble and the high ball was the option used.

Mohanad Ali and his teammates had three dangerous headers in the first half alone. But Neil Etheridge made excellent saves. The Iraqi team immediately launched long-range shots to break the deadlock as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, those efforts did not bring results. Iraq's most dangerous chance came when Ali Hussein's shot hit the post at the end of the first half.

The Philippines team did not have a shot in the first 45 minutes but they still had reason to be satisfied with the score of 0-0. In the second half, the Southeast Asian representative remained steadfast with their crowded defense. Zidane Iqbal was brought on and the former Man Utd star helped Iraq play flexibly. But then Iqbal, Ali Hussein and Mohanad Ali still wasted their chances.

While many people were thinking about the surprise that the Philippines team brought, the Iraq team scored. In the 84th minute, Mohanad Ali made a tricky shot that defeated Neil Etheridge to open the score for Iraq. This was also the only goal of the match. Thus, the Iraq team won with 9 points, the Philippines team ranked last in Group F with 1 point after 3 matches.

Indonesia has 4 points, temporarily surpassing Vietnam (3 points).

Result: Iraq 1-0 Philippines

Score:

Iraq: Mohanad Ali (84')

Line-up:

Iraq:Jalal Hasan, Ali Hussein, Ismael, Sulaka, Tahseen, Osama Rashid. Al-Ammari, Bayesh, Bashar Rasan, Ali Jasim, Mohanad Ali.

Philippines: Neil Etheridge, Lyngbo, Rontini, Aguinaldo, Tabinas, Reichelt, Ingreso, Kekkonen, Curran, Baldisimo, Gayoso.

Mai Phuong

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