Published December 27, 2018, 10:30 AM
By Rafael Bandayrel
On this day in 1978, South Korea dismantled host team Philippines, 5-0, in the Asian Cup qualifying football series at the Rizal Memorial football stadium.
The Filipinos played viciously on the defensive side but their lack of firepower in offense led to their downfall. For the entire game, the Philippines only made two goal attempts – both of which are unsuccessful.
Forward Kim Jae Han, the lone professional in the Korean squad, was targetted by the Filipinos, often crashing to the ground after being nudged while airborne.
Park Sang scored the first goal in the 30th minute of the first half when he connected from 15 yards on a corner pass by right fullback Choi Jung-duck.
Kim then made it 2-0 after scoring on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute after he was tackled by right midfielder Alberto Honasan.
Park Sun Wha widened the gap when he extended the lead to 3-0 after scoring with a header off a corner kick. The defense of the demoralized Filipinos started to collapse which allowed Korea to net two more goals.
The Koreans were able to tally their second consecutive victory as they remained undefeated.
Meanwhile, China escaped Macau, 2-1, in the evening’s second game to join South Korea at the top of the standings with two wins and no loses.
Powerhouses South Korea and China collided two days later for the championship, a match narrowly won by the Koreans, 1-0. With the triumph, South Korea went on to represent the eastern zone in the Asia Cup finals in Kuwait in 1979.
As for the Philippines, it took almost 40 years from this date for them to finally qualify for the prestigious Asian Cup . The Philippine Azkals booked their ticket to the 2019 Asian Cup after beating Tajikistan, 2-1, earlier in March.
Coincidentally, The Philippines was slated in Group C of the tournament where they will join China, Kyrgyzstan – and of course – South Korea.
*Story was authored by Bert Eljera and first appeared on page 16 of the Bulletin Today on December 28, 1978.
Tags: Asian Cup football , Philippines , South Korea
