On 10 May 1917, the association football teams of the Philippines and Japan faced each other at the 1917 Far Eastern Games.

The Japanese team was represented by a selection from the Tokyo Higher Normal School.

Paulino Alcántara, a renowned football player, was part of the Philippine squad who led the Philippines to its biggest recorded victory in an international football match which also became Japan's biggest defeat.

[3] At least one milestone was reached, aside from the record scoreline made in this match.

[5] The Philippines later faced the Republic of China in a de facto final, but this was abandoned after 55 minutes; after the Chinese converted a penalty making the scoreline 3–0, the Filipino goalkeeper punched the Chinese goalscorer in the face, which started a brawl involving both sides.