Pinoy booters trip Laotians

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines needed a strong finishing kick to overcome a one-goal deficit and beat Laos, 4-1, to revitalize its bid in the Asean Football Championship-Hyundai Cup Saturday in Vientiane.

Five days after a shocking 1-4 opening setback to Myanmar at home, the Filipinos stared at another potential disaster when the host Laotians drew first blood on a strike by Damoth Thongkhamsavath off a handling error by keeper Quincy Kammeraad seven minutes in.

But the charges of Carles Cuadrat woke up.

Pouncing on edge in numbers with Laos playing with 10 men following the 14th-minute ejection of Phetdavanh Somsanid, John Lucero (47th), Jarvey Gayoso (60th) and Daisuke Sato (88th) took turns blasting it home to seal the turnaround for the three points in Group B.

The visitors also gained from Viengxay Sydavong’s own goal at the 52nd minute, which actually put them ahead after the early scare.

“I am pleased the players were able to reverse the situation. They understood what we needed to do differently in the second half and we scored very quickly after the restart,” said Cuadrat. “I am happy that we changed our fortunes.”