The Filipinas stormed into the semifinals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games after overpowering Malaysia, 6-0, on Thursday night in Chonburi behind a commanding hat trick from Alex Pino. Their emphatic victory delivered a historic moment for Philippine football as both the women’s squad and the men’s U22 team reached the Final Four in the same edition for the first time.

The team entered its final Group B match needing a big win to boost its chances and responded with relentless pressure in the attacking third. They spent most of the first half pushing forward but broke through only in stoppage time when Pino cleaned up a rebound for the opener.

Filipinas erupt in second half to complete dominant group finish

The goal sparked a flood of second-half conversions as Pino struck again in the 54th minute before completing her hat trick with a composed penalty at the 59th. The onslaught continued with Jessica Cowart adding a fourth goal in the 67th, followed by Arianna Isabella Markey’s 86th-minute finish to widen the gap. Anicka Castaneda also contributed as the Filipinas closed the match with authority.

The win, coming off their 1-0 upset of defending champion Vietnam, brought the Filipinas to six points and a +6 goal difference. With Vietnam defeating Myanmar, 2-0, a triple tie emerged at the top of Group B. The tiebreak placed Vietnam first with a +8 goal difference, while the Philippines secured the second seed over Myanmar’s +2.

Thailand awaits as Filipinas chase breakthrough medal

Coach Mark Torcaso credited the team’s composure and confidence in the final third, noting the momentum carried over from their crucial victory against Vietnam. He highlighted the squad’s growing depth and praised Pino, who became the first Filipina to score a hat trick in a SEA Games match since Sarina Bolden achieved the feat in 2019.

The Filipinas now brace for host and Group A leader Thailand in the semifinals on Dec. 14 as they chase a historic finals berth.