Philippines coach: ‘We didn’t deserve to lose to Vietnam’

Philippines coach Carles Cuadrat stated his team did not deserve their 0-1 defeat to Vietnam in a balanced opening Group B match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 on the evening of 26/9.

Despite being considered underdogs, the Philippines, featuring players from European and American leagues, delivered a strong performance at Indonesia’s Si Jalak Harupat stadium. They maintained balanced possession and recorded 10 shots, twice as many as Vietnam.

“We didn’t deserve to lose to Vietnam,” coach Cuadrat stated. “With this squad, we are confident in our defense, as we rarely concede many goals. The team also created opportunities comparable to Vietnam’s.”

Philippines’ Spanish coach Carles Cuadrat attends a press conference after their 0-1 defeat to Vietnam in the opening Group B match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 First Division, at Si Jalak Harupat stadium, Indonesia on 26/9. Photo: Duc Dong

In the 23rd minute, midfielder Randy Schneider, who plays in the Spanish First Division, struck a long-range shot that hit Vietnam’s crossbar. Had it been a goal, the Philippines would have taken a 1-0 lead. Coach Carles Cuadrat believed this would have forced Vietnam to attack, rather than maintain their defensive formation, creating more counter-attacking opportunities for the Philippines to seal the match.

However, the Spanish coach acknowledged that there are no “if-onlys” in football. He recognized Vietnam’s strong defense and their tendency to concede few goals. Nevertheless, his players gave their all, creating several opportunities, including Kenji Nishioka’s disallowed goal for offside in the 73rd minute and Sebastian Rasmussen’s close-range header, which was saved by Le Giang Patrik in the 87th minute.

Key moments from Vietnam’s 1-0 victory over the Philippines.

Coach Cuadrat also praised Vietnam’s squad depth, championship mentality, and consistency. “They are currently winning tournaments and are strong contenders for the FIFA ASEAN Cup title,” he noted. “I must acknowledge Vietnamese football’s achievements over the past few years.”

Earlier, Thailand defeated Pakistan 4-0. In the second round on 29/9, the Philippines will face Pakistan. Concurrently, Vietnam will play Thailand in a match that could determine the top spot in Group B and a place in the final.

When questioned about the possibility of challenging Thailand to potentially aid Vietnam, coach Cuadrat chuckled, admitting he was in a difficult position. However, he asserted that the Philippines always competes with true sportsmanship. Furthermore, the team is determined to vie for the top spot in the group. “We want to reach the final, and that might not please Vietnam,” Cuadrat stated. “It’s impossible to predict what will happen in the coming days.”