China outlasts PH Azkals in World Cup qualifier duel

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Philippine Azkals absorbed their first loss in the joint-qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup at the hands of China, 2-1.

It was not a good start for the newly formed Philippine football unit as they had trouble getting into their offensive sets that limited their opportunities to score.

On the other hand, the chemistry of the Chinese booters seemed to be on a roll early on but the Azkals managed to hold on in the first half and prevented the opposition from drawing first blood.

However, in the 56^th-minute mark of the second half, China’s Wu Lei was able to score the first goal of the match.

China attempted to step on the gas pedal and score but the Azkals’ defense finally picked up and was able to force several deflections.

Philippines would continue to maintain their defensive consistency for nine straight minutes just before disaster struck once again.

In the 65^th-minute of the match, the Chinese brigade went into an offensive frenzy once again and added another goal to their tally courtesy of Wu Xinghan.

The victory gave China a boost in points and is currently sitting at the no. 2 spot of Group A with 13 points.

Meanwhile, the Azkals dropped to 2-1-3 and maintained their third-place position in the same group with China.

Team captain Stephan Schrock and the rest of the Azkals are hoping for a bounce-back game as they take on Guam on June 11.