Philippines Coach Albert Capellas Shares His Regret After an Intense AFF Cup Battle
In the aftermath of that pulsating draw in Group B of the AFF Cup, Philippines coach Albert Capellas wasted no time in venting his frustration over the outcome, which he claimed was a win “stolen” from his team. An emotional outburst by the gaffer showed how much the match against Vietnam meant to him and his players.
Determination of the Philippines before the match
Before the match, Philippines Coach Capellas didn’t withhold his respect for Vietnam, an imposing rival. He insisted, however, that his team would do everything to win, which would not only make their lives easier in the competition but also prove themselves internationally.
The Philippines started the match full of confidence, and the sense of familiarity regarding the artificial surface seemed to get the better end in their grip on control, not letting out too much edge. From then onwards, the rhythm it managed to catch through its familiar rhythm was just impossible for the Vietnamese to attack from their positions normally. With one early clinical finish by Javier Gayoso in this match, the Philippines saw their lead start going crucially uphill.
Turning Point in the Final Minutes
As the game wore on, Vietnam started to raise their level of intensity and did not want to leave the pitch without anything. Their relentless pressure paid dividends in stoppage time with a critical moment when a howler from the Philippines’ goalkeeper presented Doan Ngoc Tan with an open net to bring Vietnam level.
For the Philippines, though, it was a cruel twist of fate to concede that late equalizer. Philippines Coach Capellas could hardly conceal his frustration as he bemoaned how close his team had come to securing a memorable win. “We were so near to victory, but it slipped away in the dying moments,” he shared with visible disappointment.
Yet, Capellas was gracious in defeat, speaking well of Vietnam while acknowledging that his players were tired by that stage in the match, where they could no longer defend properly.
Resilience and Learning From Mistakes
Reflecting on the game, Capellas offered a balanced perspective, praising his players’ commitment while recognizing the inevitability of mistakes in football.
“This was an important game for us, and we gave everything we had. The other games were different; today, the match with Vietnam was a real struggle by two equal teams,” explained Capellas. “In the final moments, we wanted to keep possession and control the pace, but the players were exhausted. I cannot blame them for the late goal; errors are a natural part of this sport. What matters is that they fought hard and showcased their abilities.”
Capellas also suggested the team should learn from this match, as such matches test a team’s resilience and readiness to bounce back from adversity.
Philippines’ Forthcoming Challenge
The Philippines now head into a do-or-die match with Indonesia on December 21 at 8:00 PM, knowing that only a win can give them a semifinal spot in the AFF Cup 2024. It doesn’t come much bigger than that, and the expectation would have it that Philippines Coach Capellas marshals his players for one final, final push for a group stage.
With all to play for, the team would be ready to channel all that frustration into having one big performance against Indonesia. For more detailed information, visit the website at FK777 for this and other important matches of the AFF Cup.
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