FIFA Friendly Game: Azkals defend Teritory against Nepal 4-0

Azkals deserve the hard-earned respect with this win

           The Philippine Azkals enjoy their homecourt advantage and outwit Nepal, 4-0, in their friendly match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Tonight. 

          

           Filipinos fluck the stadium as Phil Younghusband scored 2 goals for the Philippine squad, while his brother, James Younghusband, and Matthew Hartmann struck the 2 other goals. Phil's first goal, which came off a pass by Paul Mulders, pulled the hosts ahead, 1-0. In the 29th minute, James rifled in a long-range strike that nutmegged a Nepalese defender and evaded the outstretched arms of the opposing goalkeeper. It resulted in the Azkals enjoying a 2-0 advantage, but the goalfest didn't end there. Coach Michael Weiss, seeing that the Philippines dominated the first half, decided to bring in Nate Burkey to replace Araneta. But it was Phil Younghusband who again scored the next goal 10 minutes into the half. Phil struck his second goal in the 54th minute that sent the Filipino crowd in a cheering frenzy. The Nepalese squad almost pulled one back in the 61st minute but Filipino-British goal keeper Neil Etheridge was keen on a clean sheet. Jerry Lucena was then stretchered off shortly after and replaced by Hartmann, Chieffy Caligdong was rested giving Misagh Bahadoran a chance to show his skill before Jason De Jong came in for Lexton Moy. Phil nearly pulled off a hat trick with his attempts in the 65th and 67th minute. He later delivered an assist for Hartmann, who scored the Azkals’ 4th goal in the 88th minute. The Azkals displayed brilliant ball handling, enjoying majority of the possession against Nepal. It was a fitting rebound for the Filipino squad, which recently lost to Singapore, 0-2. 

         The Azkals hope that their performance against Nepal will raise their FIFA world ranking. Nepal is ranked 135th in the world, while the Philippines is placed 166th. Phil Younghusband dedicated his performance to his mother, who died last month. Humble in the press conference, he commended his teammates who supplied him with the passes that allowed him to score twice and lead the Philippines to a one-sided victory.

Match Highlights:

        Halftime Goals Azkals 2-0 Nepal

*Video copyright courtesy of ABS-CBN Interactive.