The Philippine men’s football team is turning its ASEAN Championship heartbreak into fuel as it braces for a tough campaign in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez said the failure to reach the semifinals of the ASEAN Championship will give the young Nationals the hunger and motivation to make their presence felt in the quadrennial continental meet.

The Philippines finished with a 1-0-3 win-draw-loss record in the group stage, falling short of advancing despite fielding a squad largely composed of players expected to carry the country’s Asian Games bid.

“Well, the U23, essentially, their preparation was the Hyundai Cup because that’s what we’re going to send. As you can see, the players there are all young,” Gutierrez said.

“But again, this is the strong team that we brought to the SEA Games. It was just a bad break, but that team was the first-ever U23 team to make it to the semifinals.”

Several players, including Santi Rublico, Gani Muens and John Lucero, were part of both the Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Championship squads, giving the Nationals a level of familiarity Gutierrez believes could prove crucial in Nagoya.

The Philippines opens its campaign on 15 September at the CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium against a daunting Group C field that also includes regional powerhouse Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Kuwait.

Only the top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, leaving the Nationals with little room for error.

Gutierrez said the team’s chemistry and familiarity could be its biggest advantage, especially after getting a late opportunity to compete following India’s withdrawal.

“And when, you know, good fortune for us that India withdrew and we got the slot, that team was excited. So there’s a lot of familiarity. That team is very strong,” Gutierrez said.

The PFF chief stressed that the Nationals are not heading to Nagoya merely to gain experience.

“We do not go into a competition just to participate. Of course, we will try our best to have the best result possible,” he said.