THE Philippine Azkals were defeated 2-0 by Southeast Asian neighbors Vietnam in front of a large home crowd on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila for the start of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Baldemor
The Azkals attempted to get off to a fast start in front of 10,300 supporters, but the visitors were prepared to withstand any pressure from the home squad. OJ Porteria attempted to put the Philippines ahead early, but his shot was blocked by Vietnamese goaltender Dang Van Lam.
After the Golden Star Warriors broke the tie in the 16th minute, that was it for the Azkals in the first half. The audience was stunned as striker Nguyen Van Toan took advantage of the Philippines’ poor defending to fire past goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
The Azkals had numerous chances in the second half but were unable to capitalize. Manuel Ott and Porteria both had attempts at goal that were unsuccessful. Etheridge, on the other hand, was forced into action twice to deny Vietnamese Pham Tuan Hai.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Baldemor
On a night that seemed not destined for the Philippines, Santiago Rublico and Bienvenido Marañon squandered good chances to equalize, while Stephan Schrock’s free kick was blocked by the Vietnam wall, and Nguyen Dinh Bac rounded it off with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the outcome, national football team head coach Michael Weiss was pleased with the team’s performance during the loss. “Nevertheless, I’m very very satisfied with the performance. I think we can (hold) our heads high,” he remarked.
“Considering the pressure and the chances that we had in the second half, maybe a draw would have been a fair result,” he said. “But if and when doesn’t count in football in the last minute. In the overtime we were hoping for long balls, maybe to get something out of long balls, but then obviously you give space, a way for counters.”
The top two teams in Group F will advance to the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 and the third qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The worst two, on the other hand, will advance to the third qualifying round of the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
The Philippines will try to avenge their defeat against Indonesia on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the same venue. Meanwhile, Vietnam will play Iraq again on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium.
