HEARTBREAKER

Iraq dealt the Philippines its second loss, 1-0, in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Friday at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq.

The Filipino booters stood their ground against the Lions of Mesopotamia for the majority of the match until Mohanad Ali, a forward Iraqi club Al-Shorta, chipped the ball over Birmingham City FC goalkeeper Neil Etheridge in the 84th minute that sent the 83,750 spectators in frenzy inside the stadium.

A free kick was given to the Philippines in the 86 minute but no goal was converted as the Iraqi defense blocked Filipino-German Mike Ott's attempt to equalize.

Iraq has now won three matches, putting itself on top of Group F with nine points while the Philippines sank to fourth place with a 0-1-2 win-draw-loss record with one point.

Only the top two teams at the end of the second round will advance to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.

The Iraqis also spoiled Philippines head coach Tom Saintfiet's first match since being appointed last February.

Both squads will do battle once again on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and Saintfiet believes the Philippines can do better.

"I think the Philippines can compete and the goal was to try a point. Like I said, my team did very well but one moment of lack of concentration and the opposing team utilized it," said Saintfiet, who led Gambia to a quarterfinal finish in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

"I'm impressed with my players that in a short period of time, we could be difficult opponents for Iraq but in five days time, we will play again and we need to be fresh. Hopefully, we get to surprise Iraq in Manila again."