MANILA – The Philippine Azkals fell on the hands of powerhouse China, 2-0, during the joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at the Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Booters Wu Lei and Wu Xinghan propelled China to tighten its grip on second place with 13 points behind Syria, which is way ahead with 21 points.
The Azkals were nailed at the third spot with seven points but must say goodbye to their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes. However, they still have a chance at the third qualifying round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
The national men’s football squad had its opportunities to score early, with Mark Hartmann having two good chances.
However, Hartmann’s first shot was too tame and easily cleared, while his header was saved by China’s Yan Junling.
China managed to grab the lead in the second half as Wu Lei converted a penalty at the 57th minute after Azkals’ goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann fouled him out.
The Chinese team doubled their advantage at the 65th-minute mark when Wu Xinghan was left undefended, allowing him to convert from close range.
The Azkals got a decent look at the goal in the second half when Hartmann finds Patrick Reichelt, who gets into a good position, but his cross to Angel Guirado is just past the striker.
Apart from the loss, Azkals’ player sustained injuries from the match with defender Michael Kempter elbowed by an opponent, while Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo’s Kenshiro Daniels suffered a hamstring injury.
The match also served as the baptismal of fire for Azkals head coach Scott Cooper’s new call ups in defenders Kempter and Jefferson Tabinas and midfielder Mark Winhoffer.
The team looks to bounce back from its loss to China when they face Guam on Friday evening (10 p.m.) at the same venue./PN
