Heartbreak in Hanoi as Philippines succumb to Vietnam at the death

Photo credits: Philippine Men's National Football Team

It was almost there, they got out twice, but not the third time. Pham Tuan Hai decided to bring out the shovel and bury the Philippines' chances to progress to the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

With five new faces in for the Philippines, hopes were at an all-time high as the squad went toe to toe with the Golden Star Warriors. The Philippines fended off a barrage of attacks from Vietnam in the early proceedings while giving themselves some chances to counter.

First half saw a much fresher approach from the Philippines compared to their previous outings with a 4-2-3-1 formation which saw Zico Bailey threatening up front behind the veteran Patrick Reichelt, Dylan Demunyck, and Alex Monis despite the continuous pressure from the Vietnamese attack.

“In the first half, Vietnam had more ball possession, but we were more dangerous with our counterattacks. I think the best result for both would’ve been a draw, so I’m very disappointed. Naturally, I think Vietnam is a good team, but I’m also very satisfied with the performance of my team,” said Tom Sainfiet.

Photo credits: Philippine Men's National Football Team

The best chance for the Philippines in the first half came in four minutes before half-time with Santi Rublico winning the ball inside the defensive half of Vietnam before crossing it to Reichelt but Kiki's effort was inches wide off the left post.

The second half sparked straight into life with Reichelt stunning the home fans in the 62nd minute. Kiki went on for a solo counterattack and dribbled past the defense before toe-poking the ball past Dang Van Lam. With that goal, Reichelt is now level with Chieffy Caligdong at 16 goals for the three stars and a sun.

Photo credits: Philippine Men's National Football Team

No more than three minutes later, Nguyen Tien Linh equalized just as the Philippines were starting to settle into the lead. Nguyen Van Toanh received a lobbed pass from Nguyen Hoang Duc inside the box and his squared pass found Tien Linh's first-time strike to level the match in the 65th minute.

Five minutes later, he got his brace thanks to a cross from Than Tuan Tai that found his head without a man marking him inside the box.

When all hope was lost, Kevin Ingreso channeled his 2018 self and scored a massive equalizer in the 89th minute with a rocket of a strike after Jesper Nyholm headed the ball to his path.

However, Vietnam had the final say, and in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Pham Tuan Hai extinguished any remaining chances for the Philippines to progress to the next round of the qualifiers after he followed up on the shot of Nguyen Tuan Anh that was saved by Neil Etheridge.