Asian Games: Filipinas fall to South Korea

Filipinas at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.–PFF PHOTO

The Filipinas couldn’t sustain a dream start orchestrated by Sarina Bolden after being handed a 5- 1 beating by South Korea in the women’s football competitions of the Hangzhou Asian Games on Monday at Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium.

Bolden’s 24th international goal that came eight minutes into the match proved to be the only bright spot as South Korea responded heavily, relegating the Philippines to a do-or-die affair for a possible slot in the quarterfinals.

Coach Mark Torcaso’s side now needs to defeat Myanmar on Thursday in hopes of emerging as three of the best second placers after the group stage.

Both teams have three points apiece, three behind South Korea which now leads Group E and Myanmar holding second spot on goal difference.

Myanmar defeated the Philippines, 1-0, in their last encounter at the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games after leaning on a penalty minutes before stoppage time.

Son Hwa-yeon scored a hat trick to lead South Korea’s victory over its fellow participant in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Hopes of an upset came when Bolden scored for the second time in the tournament, but the Filipinas lead lasted just four minutes as Chun Ga-ram equalized for South Korea off a set piece.

Son put South Korea in front for good in the 44th, then a foul on Eva Madarang allowed Ji So-yun to convert a penalty in the 52nd to extend the Philippine deficit.