Sunday, March 11, 2012

Philippine Azkals 2:0 India (AFC Challenge Cup)


The Azkals did it again. Considering how low we are in the rankings, most wins are actually considered to be upsets. This one however, is pretty big. India won the AFC Chalenge Cup in 2008 and now, the Azkals have produced a convincing 2-0 victory against them.

This cancels out the loss to DPR Korea in the first match and boy, am I relieved that we didn't concede more goals in that match!

The absence of some key players like Shrock and Wolf can still be felt but last night, I feel that Misagh Bahadoran filled the gap. Bahadoran was instrumental in penetrating India's defenses and in effect the Azkals were able to go deeper into enemy lines and score. Jason Sabio should also be noted for his superb throw-ins which led to the superb first goal and that memorable header by Dennis Wolf in the last friendly against Malaysia.

Phil Younghusband may have scored twice but it was by no means the Phil show last night.  The team seems to be able to adjust to various situations a bit more now but let's see how it will go in their last match against Tajikistan. Korea DPR also defeated Tajikistan 2-0 so it's not entirely impossible. If they win, then the football dream lives on for the Philippines. The AZKALS will be heroes again, controversies not withstanding. This is something that all football fans will be praying for. 

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