The Philippines stunned defending champion Vietnam, 1-0, Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the 2014 AFC U-14 Girls Regional Championship at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.
Replicating the feat of the Azkals, who also upset then reigning titlist and host Vietnam four years ago in the AFF Championship, the Filipinos bucked the odds thanks to Lindsay Whaley’s goal in the 28th minute.
The victory sent the side coached by Let Dimzon to the top of the group with six points. Out to improve on their fourth place finish last year, the Filipino girls also whipped Singapore, 6-0, in their opening match.
Itsuko Maree Bacatan scored two goals with Joyce Omboy Semacio, Arantxa Mari Trebol and Francesca Suerte also on target. An own goal by Singapore midfielder Sharifah Khaliesah Syed Hassan completed the scoreline.
A win against Cambodia in a match scheduled late yesterday will secure top spot for PH in the semifinals.
The victory against Vietnam could go down as a first at age group level for the Philippines, according to former Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez.
“I have never seen or heard of any of our age group teams beat Vietnam, at the international level,” said Romualdez in an email to the Inquirer.
“I think our grassroots programs, the Azkals and the UFL (United Football League) are inspiring a lot more kids to take up the sport. The PFF should be credited for its efforts at expanding and improving more coaches.”