Kristensen double lifts Philippines past Thailand in FIFA ASEAN Cup

BANDUNG, Indonesia — Bjorn Kristensen scored twice as the Philippine men’s national football team defeated Thailand 2-1 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Friday, Oct. 2, to close its Group B campaign in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup’s Elite Division.

Kristensen struck in the third and 68th minutes, helping the Philippines finish with four points from one win, one draw, and one loss.

The Philippines placed third in the group and missed the bronze final after Vietnam beat Pakistan in Jakarta, according to FIFA.

“It was a good way to finish the tournament, and I’m happy for the players. The team did what it needed to do against a strong opponent,” said Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez.

The Philippines took an early lead when Kristensen finished near the penalty spot in the third minute, with the PFF crediting Randy Schneider with a heel pass that set up the goal.

Kristensen sent another attempt out in the fourth minute as the Philippines continued to press.

Thailand goalkeeper Kampon Pathomakkakul saved Andre Leipold’s seventh-minute strike.

Kenji Nishioka missed an open shot in the 20th minute, leaving the Philippines with a one-goal advantage at halftime.

Thailand equalized in the 55th minute when Iklas Sanron met a through ball from Seksan Ratree and scored with a lob from the right, according to the PFF’s account.

The Philippines responded a minute later, but Kampon saved Kristensen’s attempt.

Kritsada Kaman stopped a Nishioka attack in the 59th minute.

At the other end, Philippine goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard denied Jude Soonsup-Bell in a one-on-one encounter in the 64th minute.

Leipold created the winner in the 68th minute, chasing down a ball along the right sideline and beating Chaiyaphon Otton one-on-one before setting up Kristensen for the finish and a 2-1 lead.

Kristensen’s second goal brought his international tally to 16, level with Patrick Reichelt and Chieffy Caligdong in second place on the Philippine men’s all-time scoring list and ahead of Filipino football legend Paulino Alcantara’s 14 goals.

Falkesgaard protected the lead by punching away a Chanathip Songkrasin corner in the 82nd minute.

He then stopped Teerasak Poeiphimai inside the six-yard box in the 83rd minute.

Falkesgaard caught Thailand’s final lob in the fourth minute of stoppage time as the final whistle confirmed the Philippine victory.

“Thailand is one of the most successful teams in the region, so this win means a lot. We also know where we fell short in the first two matches, and that is what we need to work on,” Gutierrez said.

The Philippines began the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Vietnam on Sept. 26 despite having more possession and scoring chances, according to the PFF.

The team then drew 2-2 with Pakistan on Sept. 29 after taking a two-goal lead into halftime.

The PFF said the latest result marked the Philippines’ second victory over Thailand in four meetings since the 2024 ASEAN Championship.

The earlier win came on Dec. 27, 2024, at Rizal Memorial Stadium, where Kike Linares scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory in the semifinal first leg and end a 52-year wait for a Philippine win over Thailand.

“We thank the players for giving their all for our country. We also thank the coaching staff and management, the Filipino fans in Bandung who cheered, making the team feel like it was a home game, and everyone who watched our games at home,” Gutierrez said. (PFF)