By NIKOLE JAVIER
After a heartbreak in Hanoi, the Philippine men’s national football team suffered yet another nasty defeat, absorbing a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Indonesia in a joint qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup on Tuesday night, June 11, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Officially eliminated from the World Cup contention, the Filipinos were playing away to keep some pride intact heading into the Mitsubishi Electric Cup in November.
But they failed – again.
In their first meeting, the Philippines settled for a 1-1 draw against Indonesia at home. Only this time, the Filipinos had succumbed completely to the host nation.
Having tasted no of sccess in the tournament, the Filipinos finished dead last in the second round of the qualifiers with a single point and will be taking home a -11 goal difference to think about and work on.
Meanwhile, Iraq is well on its way to the next round with an undefeated streak in five outings followed by Indonesia in second place.
Indonesian Thom Jan Haye converted the opening goal in the 32nd minute that startled the PH team.
Though there were chances on possession and set pieces to rely on, the host nation gave itself an assurance goal 11 minutes past the half mark to keep a clean sheet against the visiting side.
The Philippines, though, has something to look forward to as it remained in good contention for a 2027 AFC Asian Cup spot when it competes in the third round of its qualification stage.
