Dimzon lauds fighting Malditas after painful SEAG loss

AS soon as a historic result slipped out of their hands, the Philippine women’s football team goalkeeper and co-captain Inna Palacios knelt on the pitch and cried.

The Malditas squandered a lead and a chance to end a 34year medal drought as they lost to Myanmar, 1-2, in the battle for the bronze in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

Still, the longtime national team standout Palacios was proud of what the lady Filipino booters achieved in the biennial meet.

“We all know that it’s a tough loss for the team. Myanmar fought hard and we weren’t able to hold them but I just wanna say that I’m very proud of this team. We know that there’s a lot of improvements,” said the 25-year-old keeper.

Head coach Let Dimzon also commended her wards for showing a gritty performance.

“Even we lost, which is very painful for us as well, we cannot discount the fact that the players played really good. They gave everything in the game. Maybe it’s not just for us,” she said.

Palacios and the Malditas were just 32 minutes away from winning the Philippines’ first medal since the inaugural edition of women’s football in 1985 when Quinley Quezada converted from point- blank off Sarina Bolden’s layoff.

Myanmar, though, struck two quickfire goals in the 78th and 80th minutes through quick plays capped by July Kyaw and Yee Yee Oo, spelling doom for the Philippines’ medal hopes.

“As soon as they scored, they tried pressing us so we got disorganized by super little second. It’s a lesson for the team,” said Palacios.

Despite the defeat, Palacios believed they made an impact in the tournament wherein the Malditas pulled off a goalless draw with Myanmar and a blowout 5- 0 victory over Malaysia in the group stage before dropping a 0- 2 decision to Vietnam in the semifinals.

“These girls are working hard to get the support that we deserve and I think we made a statement. I hope from now on every one could see that and keep supporting the team ‘cause we’re a special team. We’re gonna go places,” said the De La Salle University alumna, who thanked the thousands of Filipino fans who trooped to Rizal and Biñan stadiums.

“We are very thankful and we never expected to have this much fans and supporters. Our hearts are very full so we thank you so much for all the support you’ve given us. We feel the love.”