![Philippine Asian Games](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/Filipinas-Asian-Games-1-620x363.jpeg)
Philippines at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.–PFF PHOTO
The Philippines could not sustain a dream start orchestrated by Sarina Bolden after suffering a 5-1 defeat by South Korea in the women’s football competitions of the Hangzhou Asian Games at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium on Monday.
Bolden’s 24th international goal, eight minutes into the match, proved the only bright spot as South Korea responded fiercely and relegated the Philippines to a do-or-die affair for a possible spot in the quarter-finals.
Coach Mark Torcaso’s team must now beat Myanmar on Thursday in the hope of emerging as three of the best second places after the group stage.
Both teams have three points each, three behind South Korea, who now lead Group E, and Myanmar in second place on goal difference.
Myanmar defeated the Philippines 1-0 in their final meeting of the Cambodian Southeast Asian Games after leaning on a penalty just minutes before stoppage time.
Son Hwa-yeon scored a hat-trick to lead South Korea’s victory over fellow FIFA Women’s World Cup participants.
Hopes of an upset came when Bolden scored for the second time in the tournament, but the Philippines’ lead lasted just four minutes when Chun Ga-ram equalized for South Korea from a set piece.
Son put South Korea ahead for good in the 44th, before a foul on Eva Madarang allowed Ji So-yun to convert a penalty in the 52nd to extend the Philippine deficit.