Thrusted into a bigger role against some of the biggest teams in Southeast Asia, Quincy Kaamerad has delivered big time for the Philippine men's national football team in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Representing the flag is one thing, but to give everything in one of the biggest wins in Philippine football history is another.
Amid the unfortunate injury to starting goalkeeper Patrick Deyto, Quincy Kammeraad suddenly found himself tasked to deliver in the Philippine Men’s National Football Team’s most crucial games in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Facing regional powerhouses Indonesia and Thailand?
No problem for Kammeraad, who showed nerves of steel to anchor massive wins, pushing the Philippines closer to a historic Finals appearance in the tournament.
After securing a clean sheet against the Indonesians, the Fil-Dutch keeper managed to keep the Thais in check to secure a historic 2-1 victory at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Friday, December 27.
But even after the two huge victories, Kammeraad remains laser-focused on the national team’s ultimate goal.
“The win in Indonesia is something Philippine football needed. Obviously, coming in here, we knew it was gonna be a tough battle but I think now we showed that this group is something special, something we can build on for the long term and the job is not yet done but we hope to get it done in Bangkok,” Kammeraad told reporters after the match.
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Having been part of the national team since his youth days, Kammeraad continues to embrace the opportunity to be able to wear the Philippine jersey, whether he’s starting or coming off the bench.
“It is always the biggest honor to wear the flag on your shoulder, wearing the badge on your chest, singing the national anthem,” said Kammeraad. “For me, that was the first time at home, I think this is just something special always, something that we'll never get bored.”
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Looking ahead, Kammeraad and the rest of the Filipino booters will face their biggest challenge yet come their second leg match against Thailand on December 30 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
The goal for the Philippines? A draw or a victory to secure their spot in the Finals.
But Kaamerad wants to make sure that it will be a decisive win for the Philippines.
“Win. All we have to do. Win. Same as here,” said Kaamerad.
“It's gonna be obviously different. I expect the stadium will be full-packed that's why we need our own supporters when we play at home. You can see what kind of boost it gives us as a team and I'm sure it won't be easy in Bangkok on Monday,” he added.