MANILA — The Philippine men’s football team’s long-awaited return to the Asian Games ended in a harsh reality check as Uzbekistan struck four times in the second half to hand the Filipinos a 5-1 beating in their Group C opener on Tuesday at the Nagoya City Minato Soccer Field in Japan.
Martin Merino provided the lone bright spot for the Philippines, scoring shortly after the hour mark, but the Filipinos could not contain Uzbekistan’s relentless attack in their first Asian Games appearance in 52 years.
Uzbekistan broke through in the 30th minute when Muhammadali Urinboev found the back of the net for a 1-0 advantage that held until halftime.
The Uzbeks intensified their attack after the break, with Saidnurullaev Saidumarkhon doubling the lead in the 60th minute.
Merino briefly gave the Philippines hope two minutes later, converting the Filipinos’ first goal of the tournament to trim Uzbekistan’s advantage to 2-1.
The comeback bid, however, quickly fizzled as Uzbekistan responded with three unanswered goals over the next 18 minutes.
Saidnurullaev completed his brace in the 71st minute before Ruziboev Fayzullaev stretched the lead to 4-1 just two minutes later.
Mukhammedali Reimov delivered the final blow in the 80th minute to complete Uzbekistan’s 5-1 rout.
The lopsided defeat immediately puts pressure on the Philippines in its bid to stay in contention in Group C following its historic return to the continental competition for the first time since 1974.
The Filipinos will try to bounce back against Southeast Asian rival Vietnam on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium./PN
