Buoyed by a solid performance over Timor-Leste to open their account in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Under-23 Men’s National Team hopes that the win serves as motivation as the team continues its campaign in Vietnam.
Goals from Christian Rontini, Dennis Chung, Jovin Bedic, and Oskari Kekkonen lifted the Philippines to a 4-0 win over Timor-Leste last night and collect the three points in Group A.
Head coach Norman Fegidero was delighted with the win which saw Bedic and captain Stephan Schrock lead the line for the Philippines.
“Schrocky and Jovin are a big help to the team. They lead the way for the players because of their vast experience,” said Fegidero. “I am happy for the team and hopefully we can continue with our performance in the next games.”
Goal scorers Rontini and Chung admitted that the win over Timor-Leste was the result of the hard work and preparation in the build up to the SEA Games.
“Timor-Leste was a team that every time we play, was very tough,” said Rontini, who scored first for the Philippines. “Our performance will talk for us. We will go inside the pitch every time and give our 100% all the time.”
“We knew Timor was very good very technical and strong we were prepared for that,” added Chung. “It was good that we found a good strategy to win and get the three points.”
With Vietnam serving as their next opponents tomorrow at 8:00 PM Manila time, the team is unfazed heading to the match against the defending champions.
“It’s good to play against them because we have nothing to lose,” furthered Fegidero. “We have the capability to match Vietnam on the pitch.”
“We have a big momentum going on,” continued Chung. “We respect Vietnam, but we are not scared.”
“We’re not scared. We will face them with our heads up altogether and it will be a very nice challenge,” echoed Rontini. “All the players wants to play in this match because it gives them the chance play against a good team, and we will be ready.”
Photos from Zing News