BANGKOK, Thailand — A historic men’s football championship remains a dream for now so the national U22 team targets the next best thing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games — the bronze medal.

The Pinoy booters’ gold hopes were dashed by a 0-2 heartbreaker to Vietnam in the semis, but they quickly picked themselves up, hungrier than ever to end their campaign on a fiery note and deliver the country’s first-ever podium finish in men’s football.

The young Filipinos seek this objective when they battle the Malaysians on Thursday at the Rajamangala Stadium at 4:30 p.m. (Manila time).

Coach Garrath McPherson counts on his players’ strong character to quickly stand up from the frustrating defeat and get back to the business of making history.

“My optimism comes from the relationship I’ve been able to build with players. I know the type of people they are, how they cared about the country and how much playing for the Philippines means to each of them,” McPherson said.

“Knowing the character of the players, they’ll be ready to get back to work and bring home a medal.”

This is only the second time the Philippines is still in play on the last day of the men’s football competitions since 1991 at home. The legendary batch from 34 years ago wound up fourth overall and McPherson’s crew could surpass it with one last push.

Whatever happens, the U22 squad is sure to improve on the country’s performance of eighth out of a field of 10 in the previous edition of the SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023.