By:
Chelin Emmanuelle G. Hernandez
Philippines’ national
football team made history as they earned very first victory against Singapore
in a friendly match at Jurong West Stadium last December 7.
The Singapore Lions,
former Asian powerhouse, failed to revisit their glory days as they lost to the
Philippine Azkals, with an ending of 2-0.
Singapore goalkeeper
Shi Jiayi failed to keep his defense up as Azkals midfielder Chieffy Caligdong
gave the Philippine team an early advantage, striking a goal in eight minutes.
Forward Phil Younghusband also succeeded a goal in the second half, securing a
victory for the Azkals.
Right-back midfielder
Stephan Schrock became celebratory for his assists on both goals after
rejoining the Azkals last Thursday. Schrock played last year’s season of
Bundesliga, earning hi to be in the first squad of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
“It’s hard to join them
(Azkals) in November. I don’t know if I can come because our club will be
playing three matches at that time. There’s one percent possibility for me to
join them,” said the Fil-German right-back midfielder.
The game kicked off
with a lousy defense from the Azkals, almost giving the lead to the lions
during the first four minutes. The attempt was blocked by Azkal’s goalkeeper
Neil Etheridge, rewarding him for a clean sheet.
The Lions nearly scored
an equalizer in a 35-minute goal, but was considered offside by the officials.
It was the first time
for a Philippine national team to win a match against Singapore for a decade.
The Azkals lost eight games and a draw in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.
The team will be
heading off to Laos for another FIFA (Federacion Internationale Football Association)
friendly match on Monday. The friendly matches are part of the Azkals’ Asia
tour for the Suzuki Cup on November.
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