The Campeonato del Oriente, The Philippines' First International Football Match

The first football international match between the Philippines and China occurred during the 1913 Far Eastern Games at the Manila Carnival Grounds.


Just six years after the first-ever football match, the Philippines hosted the inaugural Far Eastern Games from February 1-9, 1913. The multisport event, which pre-dated the Asian Games, was officially opened by Governor General William Cameron Forbes at the Carnival Grounds in Malate, Manila. Although six countries participated with Republic of China, Japan, British Malaya, Siam, and Hong Kong, it was only China that was able to field a football team.

The Chinese team was led by team leader Mo Qing, Kwantung YMCA mainstay Tang Fuxiang, and goalkeeper Qiu Jixiang. The core of the team was from the theatrical organisation Lin Lang and Kong Shenghui that included Zhang Ronghan, Peng Songchang, Peng Jiayou, Ye Kun, Liang Rongtai, Guo Baogen, Ding Yuan, and Feng Peng. Also joining them are university standouts from Nanbu Southern Public School and Tsinghua University that included Guan Song Sheng and Xu Min Hui. Actually, most of these players were with the South China Athletic Association (Nan Hua), which has disbanded two years prior due to financial difficulties.

Historical Context

Officially called "The Far Eastern Olympic Games," it emerged as a significant part of the American "civilizing mission" in the region. Organized as a biennial event until 1927, these games became the largest regional sports event worldwide, embodying American ideals of modernization, democracy, and sportsmanship. Initiated by the American YMCA, these games aimed to uplift Asian nations, particularly the Philippines, Japan, and China, fostering an appreciation for Western sports values and promoting modernization through athletics.



The Philippines, under American colonial influence, was primed for such an event. English-language Philippine newspapers of the time celebrated the Games, portraying them as a symbol of the Far East's progress and desire to modernize. The Manila Carnival, which accompanied the Games, drew crowds from across the archipelago, introducing Filipinos to American-led modern sports culture as part of the broader mission to integrate and "uplift" the colony through Western ideals.

This "sportive civilizing mission" also served a diplomatic purpose, with the Games providing a platform for Asian nations to engage in friendly competition and self-governance in sports, contrasting the colonial power dynamics typical of the era​.

The Talismanic Mr. Tang

Tang Fuxiang, born in Heshan County, Guangdong Province, China, and later raised in Hong Kong, is celebrated as one of the early pioneers of Chinese football. Coming from a family that cultivated flowers for a living, Tang developed a deep passion for sports early on. At English Middle School, he received formal training in English football, where he developed exceptional skills and became dedicated to the game.

In 1913, China assembled its first national football team through the South China Football Club, winners of the national championship, to compete in the First Far Eastern Games in Manila, Philippines. Tang, as South China’s captain, naturally led this historic team. In a highly anticipated match against the Philippines, Tang scored China's first international goal, skillfully defeating four defenders before putting the ball in the net. Although China lost this initial game, Tang’s performance impressed the Far East Games Organizing Committee.

Tang Fuxiang is perhaps one of the most prolific players of his time

Determined to improve, Tang led efforts to broaden the national team’s talent pool, recruiting from Guangdong, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. By 1915, at the Second Far Eastern Games, China triumphed over the Philippines, with Tang contributing three assists and leading the team to its first international championship. His tactical play and effective leadership solidified his reputation across Asia.

Tang’s prowess reached new heights during the Third Far Eastern Games in 1917. His 30-meter strike and commanding play against Japan earned widespread admiration, with Japanese fans applauding his skills. He later scored three times against the Philippines, securing China’s place as the dominant football team in Asia. Tang’s refined skill, leadership, and sportsmanship earned him the title "Far East's King of Football," becoming a foundational figure in the region’s football history.

The Lead Up to the Game

Unlike how football is played today, both teams were actually wearing white singlet and shorts with the their national flags emblazoned in front. There was no kit number as well since it was only years later before national teams adopted it. And a makeshift stand was hastily built to allow some spectators to witness the football game. It is interesting to point out that they used a 2–3–5 formation as it was the standard by the 1890s up to the 1930s.

A lot of sporting events were lined up during that day

Meanwhile, the Philippines fielded a hybrid squad with the best players from Bohemian and Sandow Athletic, usually composed of composed of Spanish-Filipino mestizos and American expatriates. By then, Bohemians have already won two titles and was named as the first official "Champions of the Philippines." The Chinese have already voiced their complaints that the Philippines were not fielding "natives" on their lineup. They even shown great displeasure of having an American named Henry Doland, also known as Enrique Dalaw, in the roster with Spanish-speaking players to complete the squad. Nevertheless, the game had to push through.

The OG starting eleven

The Philippine team is composed of goalkeeper German Montserrat with Bohemian teammates L. Lara, Enrique Lopez, Jose Llamas, Joaquin "Chacho" Lopez, Jesus Cacho, and Manuel Nieto. It was reinforced by a Sandow selection of the aforementioned Henry Doland with T. Robles, Angel Garchitorena, and Damaso Garcia. Completing the squad are J. Canales and J. Valdes.
 

Match Highlights

The football match between the Philippines and China was truly a historic contest that showcased skillful play, strategic maneuvers, and thrilling moments. This encounter was not only first official international football match for China (and Chinese Taipei) and the Philippines but also the formation of their first ever national teams.
 
The Carnival Grounds hosted the historic first international match between the Philippines and China

China took an aggressive start, primarily orchestrated by Tang, who commanded the Chinese team's offense with great precision. Relying on strong teamwork and wing play, China managed to create multiple goal-scoring chances, particularly through Feng Ping and Guo Baogen, both of whom penetrated the Filipino defense to get one-on-one opportunities with the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, their eagerness and haste in finishing these chances saw them go to waste.

Despite China’s initial dominance, the Philippines soon mounted a fierce counterattack. A pivotal moment arose when Chinese defender Peng Songchang committed a handball during a chaotic scramble in the penalty area, awarding the Philippines a penalty. Capitalizing on the opportunity, the Philippines scored, taking a 1-0 lead that they carried into halftime.

In the second half, China displayed resilience, with Tang showcasing his skill as both a leader and a player. Determined to equalize, he skillfully dribbled past four Filipino defenders and then eluded German Montserrat, calmly finishing into an open net. This remarkable effort brought the score leveled at 1-1.

As the match neared its end, both teams pushed forward with relentless energy. In a dramatic turn of events, the Filipino captain Damaso Garcia made a decisive play, sending a precise pass into the Chinese penalty area. Zhang Ronghan, a Chinese defender, leaped to clear the ball but suddenly collapsed due to a muscle spasm. The ball dropped in front of Garcia, who swiftly seized the opportunity and struck the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for the Philippines.
 
Despite their defeat, the Chinese team and their captain Tang earned high praise from the Far Eastern Games Organizing Committee for their skill and teamwork, setting the foundation for future development of Chinese football.

The Other 'Match'

Although the Philippines captured the so-called 'Campeonato del Oriente,' there was actually another match that was played to coincide with the Manila Carnival. The Chinese team, looking to regain their wounded pride, is playing against the reigning Filipino club champions Bohemian SC for the so-called "Campeonato del Carnaval"  on February 7, 1913.

Probably worn out from the lost, the Chinese team were no match for the local squad and they lost 3-1.
 

The Legacy

The 1913 Far Eastern Games and the first international football match between the Philippines and China laid the groundwork for a long-lasting sporting legacy in Asia. This pioneering event not only marked the Philippines as the first Far East champions but also introduced a spirit of competitive camaraderie between Asian nations. The Games, organized initially as part of an American “civilizing mission,” became a platform for Asian athletes to display their talents on an international stage, fueling nationalism and pride in their sporting abilities.

Since that inaugural match, the Far Eastern Games evolved into a significant Asian sporting tradition, held biennially until 1934. Though eventually discontinued due to regional tensions and global conflicts, these Games influenced the establishment of the Asian Games in 1951, which continue to bring together athletes from across the continent.

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Istoryadista | History Blog | Cebu Blogger: The Campeonato del Oriente, The Philippines' First International Football Match
The Campeonato del Oriente, The Philippines' First International Football Match
The first football international match between the Philippines and China occurred during the 1913 Far Eastern Games at the Manila Carnival Grounds.
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