Azkals falter to Vietnam in Suzuki Cup semifinals Leg 1

Philippine Azkals’ Patrick Reichelt gets a hug from teammate Phil Younghusband after scoring late in the first half. The point that made a 1-1 deadlock with Vietnam was temporary as the latter converted later to get away with a 2-1 victory. AFF SUZUKI CUP

THE Philippine Azkals will have a mountain to climb after a 1-2 loss to Vietnam in the first leg of the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup two-leg semifinal round Sunday night at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

For surrendering two away goals to the Vietnamese player, the national men’s football team will need at least two away goals to turn things around in the second leg on Thursday in Hanoi.

The Azkals had a bad start when they surrendered a goal to Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Duc in the 12th minute. They had multiple shots at the goal but the Philippine players were unable to penetrate Vietnam’s defense.

In the 47th minute the Azkals tarnished Vietnam’s tournament-long clean slate when Phil Younghusband connected with Patrick Reichelt for the latter’s goal.

But the deadlock was only temporary as Vietnam immediately seized the advantage at the return of action with Phan Van Duc connecting in the 48th minute.

After Vietnam’s conversion, the Azkals got aggressive with attempts from Stephan Schrock, James Younghusband and Reichelt, but these went either offside or wayward.

The Azkals had a close chance to equalize but Reichelt’s 81st-minute penalty try was defended well. Vietnam could have scored their third shot in the added time but fell short.

This was the Philippines’ fourth semifinals appearance over the past five editions of the AFF Suzuki Cup./PN

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