MANILA-- The Azkals reflect on their come from behind win against North Korea to cap off Round 2 of the Joint World Cup-Asian Cup qualifiers late Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Departing center-back Juani Guirado said that he was still in shock about the 3-2 win that eliminated the visitors from World Cup qualifiying contention on his final match for the Philippines, as he admitted that dreaming of a fitting end to his international career which turned to be true.
"We've finished winning a tough game, giving everything," the Ceres skipper said, thanking also everyone who went to witness history unfolding.
"Today we show we can win against one of the best teams in Asia," Guirado quoted, as he also referred to their opponents who went to the World Cup twice.
Described as excellent by Thomas Dooley in the post-match press conference, debutant Miguel Tanton said that he doesn't think being surprised about being selected in his first cap with the Azkals as he returns to duty for Kaya the following day as they prepare for their UFL Cup defense against archrivals Loyola on Saturday.
"Now, I guess it's time to reflect, but far it has been a nice ride," added the right winger who gave a backheel to Manny Ott for the equalizer in the match.
"I love those guys [SOMK], I think they are my agents", referring to the supporters who pushed for his inclusion to the squad which was long overdue due to his performances for Kaya in the AFC Cup. in which he also thinks that Jovin Bedic and Woody Ugarte should be given consideration.
Match winner Iain Ramsay, who came on as a half-time substitute, said the team managed to pull the win even though their first encounter last year in Pyongyan ended in a goalless draw.
"We stick together, despite the circumstances", the Tractor Sazi midfielder said, added that Ott's equalizer in the 84th minute gave them the much needed lift for them.
He also hoped that his manager Amir Ghalenoei will give him a chance to show his stuff despite not being selected in the AFC Champions League matches wherein Tractor recently lost to Pahktakor in Tashkent before the international break.
Team manager Dan Palami was more than happy that the Azkals won in that fashion, showing that fighting heart when they came from a goal down to snatch victory at the death
"You are watching the Azkals," the former railway executive said about the comeback.
- See more at: http://www.dugout.ph/2016/03/juani-palami-and-co-reflect-on-azkals-win-vs-Nokor.html#sthash.ooc5LNdq.dpuf
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