No ‘Miracle in Hanoi’ as Azkals bow out of Suzuki Cup

Philippine Azkals’ Alvaro Silva (left) and Amani Aguinaldo gang up on Vietnam’s Nguyen Quang Hai (center) during the second leg of their 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal round on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. PHOTO FROM DUY NGUYEN

MANILA – The Philippine Azkals failed to replicate their famous “Miracle in Hanoi” feat eight years ago after a 1-2 loss to Vietnam in the second leg of their 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal round at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

With the victory, Vietnam outscored the Azkals 4-2 in aggregate score and will advance to the final round against Malaysia, which ousted defending champion Thailand on away goals 2-2.

Needing at least two conversions heading into the Thursday night match, the Azkals had numerous set pieces early but were unable to launch a perfect attempt past the defense of Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.

The struggle continued for the Azkals at the onset of the second frame with Vietnam playing physical, disallowing the Filipinos from having a decent shot at the goal.

Vietnam added up to their aggregate score in the 83rd minute with Nguyen Quang Hai taking advantage of the unbalanced Azkals’ goalie Patrick Deyto to take the net.

This was quickly followed by another conversion from the home team – in the 87th minute, or just four minutes later, Nguyen Cong Phuong converted from a middle, the point that sealed the win for Vietnam.

But the Azkals did not go home empty-handed: James Younghusband pulled one back late in the match after a mad scramble among the players.

Despite falling short of making it to the finals for the first time, the Azkals had an improved performance this year, considering they were denied entry to the semifinal round in the previous edition./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here