By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

After defeating Cambodia, 9-0, in their last elimination match of the Soong Ching Ling Cup in Beijing, China, the Philippine U13 football team, led by the Negros Occidental Football Association, lost to Thailand in their semifinal, 6-1.

“We were beaten fairly and squarely, the Thais are bigger and more skillful,” said head coach Ronald Ian Treyes.

The Thai squad led 2-1 after the first half and went on to score four more goals in the second.

Philippine team manager Andrew Infante explained the tournament format determines finalists after the top two teams of each group play each other.

As of press time, the Philippines is taking on Laos./JSG, WDJ