The Azkals held their heads up high as it took until the 67th minute for the South Koreans to break down the Philippines’ defence.

Striker Javier Patino had chances to score against the South Koreans, as Alvaro Silva, Stephan Schrock and goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard looked sharp.

Perth-born Ramsay came off the bench in the 75th minute for Kevin Ingreso and he said the team was taking confidence into their game against Team Dragon in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The 27-year-old said it was their game plan to frustrate the South Koreans and they were looking to do the same against Marcello Lippi’s men.


“There are a lot of positives we can take, we can tweak a few things here and there against China,” Ramsay told FTBL. “We’re not going to go there just for a point, we’ll try get something out of the game.

“It was disappointing to lose the first game, but we were playing one of the best teams in the competition who are one of the favourites as well. We can’t be too harsh on ourselves.

“Being the type of game it was, if a couple of shots went in, who knows, maybe we could’ve got at least a draw. It was credit to the lads and coaching staff for their efforts and only losing 1-0 to South Korea wasn’t too bad in the end. We were unlucky not at least get something out of the game.

“We have to respect our opponents, but never be afraid. When you’re on the pitch and we have the ball in possession, just express yourself because you have nothing to lose. We try to take them on.

“It was one of those games where we had to be disciplined right across the park in the midfield and up top and everyone did a good job in that respect.”

Ramsay, who recently signed for Thai League 1 outfit Sukhothai, was still buzzing after making his Asian Cup debut.

There are over 600,000 Filipinos who reside in the UAE and Ramsay said he could feel the buzz in Dubai on Tuesday morning.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is enjoying the Filipino challenge

“It was hard work and a long journey to actually get here to the Asian Cup,” he said.

“We finally kicked off our first game and it was a nice feeling to make my debut in the Asian Cup. I’m hoping to play a big part in the last two games and hopefully we can through to the next stage.

“No matter where we go in the UAE, we always have a great Filipino support and backing. It wasn’t a surprise to see so many in the stadium and it was nice to have that.

“When you have fans and people behind you that are loud, it gives you that extra kick to push on and to do well. It’s always nice to see Filipinos supporting the Azkals.”