Philippine Men’s National Team forward Jovin Bedic had the chance of his lifetime against the defending AFF Suzuki Cup champions, Thailand last Wednesday 21 November 2018.
A goal down with only less than 10 minutes to go, the Barotac Nuevo forward latched on a shot that hit the Thai defender and crept to the back of the net to give the Philippines a deserved 1-1 draw against Thailand.
Speaking after the match, Bedic was over the moon for his crucial equalizer, which puts the Azkals on the brink of qualification to the semifinals.
“I had the opportunity in this game, everyone did their job especially when we went a goal down,” said Bedic in Filipino. “The desire was there and the team never gave up to claim the draw.”
The forward is already having a banner year thus far. Bedic earned his first international cap and goal during the Bangabandhu Gold Cup, and followed it up by scoring the winning goal in the Copa Paulino Alcantara.
“I thank my family for all that has been happening in my career,” added the forward. “But I know that I still need to step up.”
Azkals head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was particularly impressed with Bedic’s performance off the bench.
“Bedic has been doing very well in training and he made things happen,” said Eriksson. “It was the right decision to put him in.”
The Philippines next face Indonesia in the final match of Group B on Sunday 25 November 2018 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.
