The first goal was the “kicker”
Not the heavy rains, not even the terrible traffic could stop more than 7,500 fans from filling up the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan, to cheer for the Philippine Azkals Men’s National Football Team at the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Uzbekistan. Azkal Simone Rota, who is recovering from a rib injury, was among those rooting in the stands. Same with a big group from Cavite who are relatives of new Azkal Kevin Ingreso. The crowd went home disappointed. Philippines’ national football team lost to Uzbekistan, 1 to 5.
The Uzbeks scored a goal in the first few moments. They followed it up with another by Sardor Rashimov around the 14th minute mark, before capping the first half with a third courtesy of Igor Sergeev. This placed the visiting team in the lead, 3 to 0.
IN PHOTOS: Goals poured on Azkals from Uzbeks in World Cup Qualifier
“The first goal gave us encouragement,” Samvel Babayan, head coach of the national football team of Uzbekistan, said in his native language during the post-game press conference. Mr. Babayan, however, noticed that his men “stopped going forward” after the halftime so he prepped them to stay on track.
For his part, Azkals coach Thomas Dooley admitted that the first goal came as a shock. “It was not easy to put aside,” said Coach Dooley. “Everything that we planned to do after that minute was over.”
At any rate, the Azkals put up a good fight especially during the second half when Stephan Schrock made a smooth goal. Previously, winger Misagh Bahadoran tried to score one but his attempt went above the net.
The Azkals performance was hindered by Uzbekistan’s tight defense. The Uzbeks also had more shots (13 compared to the Filipinos’ 8) and no yellow card calls (whereas the Azkals had two). By the end of the second half, Rashinov and Sergeev scored one goal each to end the game at 5 to 1.
Still, Uzbekistan’s coach described the Philippines, currently ranked 125th in the world, as a formidable opponent. Mr. Babayan said, “They have a well-organized team. The Philippines showed confidence. The Philippines is a very good team.”
Coach Dooley concluded that the Azkals somehow benefitted from playing against a strong squad like Uzbekistan whose standing is 75th. “There are lessons to be learned,” he said. “We didn’t gain anything but we didn’t lose a lot.”
IN PHOTOS: Goals poured on Azkals from Uzbeks in World Cup Qualifier
