Action between the Philippines and Uzbekistan in the 2026 Asian Games. Handout/PMNFT-PFF
MANILA — The Philippines' 52-year wait for a return to the men's football competition in the Asian Games ended in defeat, as Uzbekistan cruised to a 5-1 victory on Tuesday at the Nagoya City Minato Soccer Field in Japan.
Uzbekistan dominated possession throughout the match, controlling 64% of the ball compared to the Philippines' 36%, while also registering 12 shots on target against the Filipinos' lone effort on target.
Uzbekistan broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Ollabergan Karimov's cross found captain Muhammadalı Urinboev, who headed the ball past the Philippine defense to put his side ahead.
Two minutes into the second half, Gavin Muens was sent off after pulling an Uzbekistan player's shirt, leaving the Philippines with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
John Lucero nearly leveled the contest in the 59th minute, only for his attempt to hit the woodwork.
Uzbekistan quickly capitalized on the counter as substitute Shodiyor Shodiboev threaded a perfectly timed through ball to Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayev, who doubled the lead on the 60th minute.
The Philippines finally pulled one back in the next minute when an Uzbekistan clearance deflected off Martin Merino and found its way into the net, 2-1.
However, the Philippines' depleted backline proved costly as Saidnurullayev completed his brace in the 71st minute before Ruziboy Fayzullaev added another from outside the box two minutes later to make it 4-1.
Uzbekistan continued to assert its dominance as another defensive lapse allowed substitute Mukhammedali Reimov to score in the 80th minute, sealing the 5-1 victory for the Uzbeks.
The Philippine men's national football team will look to bounce back from the defeat when it faces Vietnam on Friday, Sept. 18.