By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine men’s football team edged Indonesia, 1-0, to barge into the semifinals of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Up late Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Manahan Stadium in Surakarta.
This would be the first time in six years that the PH booters are entering the Final Four in the tournament on account of their first three draws in the group stage against Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. Overall, they have one win and three draws for six points.
The Filipinos turned on the heroics of Bjorn Kristensen in the 63rd minute with his penalty kick and held on to that lead throughout to keep their campaign alive.
Quincy Kammeraad also shone in the defensive department for Team PH with five saves after subbing in for Patrick Deyto in the ninth minute due to injury.
With the feat, the PH booters arranged a tough meeting with Group A winner and powerhouse Thailand in the two-leg affair beginning Friday, Dec. 27, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The second leg will be on Dec. 30 in Thailand.
Thailand was a seven-time winner in the tournament after winning all its four matches.
