COACH Albert Capellas may have found the right mix of players, who can be part of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team in the future.
Capellas said this after the Philippines finished third place with their 3-0 stopping of Tajikistan on Monday evening in the 2024 King’s Cup at the Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand.
“We’ll take every opportunity that we’ll have to stay together. To be more efficient, to discover more of what we can control in our game. You have to work on this, and look forward to the next games,” said Capella after they earned the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, Thailand, ranked 100th in the world, ended a seven-year wait with a 2-1 triumph over Syria for the King’s Cup title.
The Thais took the lead in the 44th minute with a goal from Ekanit Panya, before Syria levelled the score in the 53rd minute with a goal from Ezequiel Ham.
In stoppage time at 90+1, it was captain Chanathip Songkrasin, who booted the winning goal, securing their 16th title overall.
On the other hand, the Philippines went without a goal in the first half, before finding its groove in the second half.
Returning winger Gerrit Holtmann shattered the scoreless deadlock in the 47th minute with the first goal, before by Buriram United defender Jefferson Tabinas struck in the 58th minute to provide the Filipinos a comfortable 2-0 edge.
Zico Bailey, who plays for US club New Mexico United, volleyed in the third goal in the 62nd minute.
“We came here with the belief that we could win the tournament, but that wasn’t possible,” Capellas said, after the Philippines fell to Thailand, 1-3, on Friday.
It was Capellas’ first win as head coach, ending the Philippines’ 10-match drought since September 12, 2023, when the Filipinos pulled off a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“I’m very happy with the first half of the first game and very pleased with our performance today,” added Capellas.
It was also the third time the Philippines won over Tajikistan in six encounters.
Capellas will prepare the Philippines for two more international friendlies against Hong Kong and a fixture against either Brunei or Chinese Taipei next month.
“We’ve made another step forward in how we play, showing much more maturity. Credit goes to the players—despite working together for only a short time,” said Capellas.
