Cedelf P. Tupas
RANGOON—The Philippines, defending stubbornly against a tall, physical Palestine team, settled for a scoreless draw Wednesday, leaving the Azkals with no recourse but to nail a victory in their last group qualifying match in the AFC Challenge Cup.
Lacking the quality to finish several chances, the Azkals, amid cheers from the Burmese fans, walked away from the Thuwana Stadium with another point after frustrating the favored and unbeaten Palestines in a cagey duel played mostly at midfield.
It was undeniable, however, that the Azkals also had their chances.
They were lucky enough not to have fallen behind in the first half, before producing another improved display in the final 45 minutes.
“I’m satisfied with the result,” said Azkals German coach Hans Michael Weiss. “I have seen a very strong Palestine team that we really had to endure. It was not an easy match.”
The result leaves Palestine in control of the group with four points with the Azkals, who were denied a victory by a last-minute goal against Myanmar Monday, in second with two points after two draws.
The Azkals play Bangladesh on Friday, needing a victory to at least gain five points, giving them a clear shot of qualifying for the main tournament next year.
Scenario now is a must-win for Azkals regardless of result of Myanmar-Palestine match after Bangladesh stunned Myanmar, 2-0.
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Reality check guys. The draws will make the Azkals more mature and somber. The draws will make them focus more on practice than media attention.
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ReplyDeleteI don't think that...
The Azkals have been the world's whipping boys for decades. The draws just bring Philippine football right back to obscurity.
And I really don't think it's the Azkals' fault that the Media likes them so much. It's not like they pay for media appearance, or they skip practices to go to media engagements.
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