`The Philippines faced a very strong opponent today. Vietnam has a very good defense and is really difficult to play against. Of course, I can’t be happy, but I’m not too surprised about today’s result,` coach Sven Goran Eriksson opened.

`We don’t blame the referee in situations where Vietnam kicked hard. The Philippines really had problems with their playing style today. My players left too much space behind. Up top, I want to

Coach Eriksson did not hide his disappointment when the Philippines lost the match and suffered a huge disadvantage in the return leg.

On Panaad Stadium, Coach Eriksson’s Philippines did not show many offensive pieces.

On the contrary, the Vietnamese team entered the game very confidently.

Besides the two scoring situations of Anh Duc and Van Duc, the Vietnamese team also created many opportunities for the Philippines’ goal.

Philippines 1-2 Vietnam

However, Eriksson is still optimistic when talking about the return match, when the Philippines will be a guest at My Dinh, on December 6.

Today’s 1-2 loss was the first time Eriksson failed as head coach of the Philippines team.

The Swedish military leader also called on Philippine fans to learn from Vietnamese fans, who came to Panaad Stadium in large numbers to support the away team today.