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  • Sandro Reyes, Daisuke Sato keep PMNT’s hopes alive after Thailand setback

    Sandro Reyes, Daisuke Sato keep PMNT’s hopes alive after Thailand setback

    The Philippine Men’s National Football Team saw its path to the next round become more difficult after suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Thailand in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup on Tuesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.


    But despite the painful home loss, the Filipinos are refusing to let the result define their campaign.

    Midfielder Sandro Reyes praised the team’s effort and believes the squad showed enough fight throughout the match, even as Thailand’s quality eventually made the difference.

     

    “Everyone gave their fight,” Reyes said.

     

    The match remained tightly contested until Thailand found the breakthrough in the 84th minute through Waris Choolthong, whose goal handed the Philippines a difficult defeat and pushed the national team closer to elimination in Group B.

     

    For Reyes, the result was not because of one player’s mistake, emphasizing that the entire squad battled until the final whistle.

     

    Left-back Daisuke Sato shared a similar view, pointing out the improvements made by the team after its impressive 4-1 victory over Laos in their previous match. 

     

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    Sato felt the Philippines created enough opportunities to challenge Thailand but failed to capitalize on key moments.

     

    “We improved so many things. We had our moments, we are so close to winning the game but unfortunately we can’t see those moments,” Sato said.

     

    While Sato considered the defeat an unfortunate result, Reyes gave credit to Thailand’s performance and refused to label the outcome as simply bad luck.

     

    “Not unlucky of course because Thailand is really really good,” Reyes said.

     

    With their backs against the wall, the Philippines now shifts its focus to a crucial showdown against Malaysia on Saturday, August 8, at Kuala Lumpur Stadium. The national team knows a victory is vital to keep its qualification hopes alive.

     

    Sato remains confident that the squad still has the mentality needed for the challenge ahead.

    “We still have a chance to qualify, we will never give up, we’ll show our spirit, our mentality. We’re gonna go there to win the game, we are not done yet,” Sato said.

     

    “We’re gonna give everything for us, for the people, and for the country to take three points from there and we will see,” Sato added.

     

    The defeat left the Philippines in fourth place in Group B, behind Thailand, which remained at the top with nine points. Myanmar and Malaysia currently occupy second and third spots, respectively, with six points each.

     

    Myanmar holds the advantage in the standings due to a stronger goal difference, carrying a plus-7 mark compared to Malaysia’s plus-3.

     

    Myanmar boosted its semifinal chances earlier in the day after dominating Laos with a 7-2 victory, securing its second win of the tournament.

     

    With qualification hanging in the balance, the Philippines now faces a must-fight situation in Malaysia, where the national team will look to prove that its campaign is far from over.

     

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  • “In my head, we made it”: Daisuke Sato backs Azkals for Asian Cup return

    “In my head, we made it”: Daisuke Sato backs Azkals for Asian Cup return

    The Philippine men’s national football team is on the brink of history as it eyes a return to the AFC Asian Cup for only the second time, with a final qualification match against Tajikistan scheduled for March 31.

     

    The high-stakes encounter will determine the Group A winner, with both the Philippines and Tajikistan currently level at the top of the standings on 13 points. Each side has recorded four wins and one draw in an evenly contested campaign, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown with a coveted spot in the continental tournament—set to be held in Dubai next year—on the line.

     

    For the Philippines, qualification would mark a significant achievement and a return to Asia’s premier football competition for the first time since their historic debut in 2019. That campaign was widely regarded as a breakthrough moment for Filipino football, and the current squad is eager to build on that milestone and re-establish its presence among the continent’s elite.

     

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    Veteran defender Daisuke Sato, one of the team’s most experienced leaders, expressed strong belief in the squad’s chances. Speaking in a recent media interaction, Sato revealed that he is already envisioning the Philippines back on the Asian Cup stage.

     

    “Being back in the Asian Cup, this is what I am picturing now. All that matters now is to make it to the Asian Cup. In my head, I have already seen that we made it,” Sato said.

    “Whether I play or not doesn’t matter. Our goal is to make it to the Asia Cup. As a senior player, I want to contribute whatever I can on and off the pitch,” he added.

     

    Sato’s comments reflect the collective mindset within the squad—a mix of confidence, focus, and determination heading into what is arguably their most important match in recent years. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, is expected to play a crucial role as the team prepares for the decisive clash.

     

    Head coach Carles Cuadrat has already named his 23-man squad for the fixture, blending seasoned internationals with emerging talent. Leading the lineup is Filipino-German striker Gerrit Holtmann, whose pace and attacking threat are expected to be key against a disciplined Tajikistan defense. Adding further intrigue is the inclusion of Filipino-German midfielder Raphael Obermair, who is in line to make his national team debut and could provide an added dimension in midfield.

     

    The upcoming match is anticipated to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams aware of the stakes and the fine margins that could decide qualification. Tajikistan, enjoying a strong run of form, will present a formidable challenge, particularly with home advantage and a well-organized squad.

     

    For the Philippines, however, the opportunity to return to the AFC Asian Cup represents more than just qualification—it is a chance to reaffirm its growth in international football and inspire a new generation of players and fans back home.

     

    With everything to play for, March 31 promises to be a defining moment for Philippine football, as the national team looks to turn belief into reality and secure its place once again on Asia’s biggest stage.

     

     

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