Uzbekistan proved too strong for the Philippine U23 men’s football team, cruising to a 5-1 victory in the opening game of the 20th Asian Games at the Nagoya City Minato Soccer Field on Tuesday.

The Philippines stayed within striking distance in the first half, conceding just once before the bronze medalists from the 2022 Asian Games took control after the break.

Muhammadali Urinboev broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, heading home to give Uzbekistan a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The Filipinos kept pace early in the second half but suffered a major setback when Gavin Muens was sent off in the 48th minute.

With a man advantage, Uzbekistan took control of possession and doubled its lead through Saidumarkhon Sainurullayev in the 60th minute.

The Philippines responded immediately, with Martin Merino finishing a quick counterattack a minute later to cut the deficit to 1-2.

But Uzbekistan quickly regained control as Sainurullayev completed his brace in the 71st minute before Ruziboy Fayzullaev unleashed a screamer two minutes later to make it 4-1.

Mukhammedali Reimov then put the finishing touches on the victory in the 80th minute, tapping home Uzbekistan’s fifth goal.

The loss leaves the Philippines needing a strong response in its next Group C match, with only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages.

The Nationals next face Vietnam on Friday, 18 September, at 2:30 p.m. at the same venue.