PH booters stay in medal hunt

The Philippines remained in contention for a podium finish in both men’s and women’s football after beating Malaysia in separate venues Friday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Stephan Schrock’s goal in the 72nd minute gave the Young Azkals a 1-0 win at the Rizal Memorial Stadium while Sarina Bolden produced a hat trick to key the Malditas’ 5-0 romp at the Biñan Football Stadium.

The Young Azkals kept their semifinal hopes alive, drawing level with Group A second placer Cambodia at four points heading into Wednesday’s final match against Timor-Leste in Binan.

“We put ourselves in a situation where we can advance,” said Schrock, whose corner hit goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli before the ball ricocheted past the goal line to spark wild celebrations from the crowd of 6,500.

Schrock hailed the U-22’s progress despite failing to get a win in the 1-1 tie against Cambodia followed by a 2-1 setback to Myanmar.

“The guys have been putting a lot of work in so really hats off to them,” the senior Azkals captain said. “I think we’re the only team in this tournament pressing. We play high speed football on the counter, on the pressing, on everything. What they achieve in this short time is unbelievable.”

Meanwhile, Bolden completed her trifecta before halftime while Shai del Campo and substitute Eva Madarang also scored as the Malditas ended Group A with four points in two games.

Coach Let Dimzon’s side began the competition by holding Myanmar to a scoreless tie, the first time the Malditas got at least a point against their counterparts.

The only thing unsure for the lady footballers is their seeding in the semis set Dec. 5 in Biñan. Myanmar takes on Malaysia to determine the other semifinalist from the group.

“We’ll see if we can make it to the final but it’s super exciting to be in the semifinals. It’s overwhelming,” said Bolden, a 23-year-old FilAmerican who plays for Swedish side Sandvikens.