Azkals noble in defeat, as Indonesia advances to Suzuki Cup finals

The dream is over, but it was even better than simply good while it lasted. And Philippine football may well thank the 2010 national team that competed splendidly in the AFF Suzuki Cup for the likely revival and advancement of the game in the Azkals' home country. The Philippines lost the second leg of the semis match against Indonesia by the same score as in the first leg three days ago, 1-0 — a testament to its determination in defense and the remarkable quality it has shown on the field as a marked improvement for Philippine football. With the win, Indonesia earned the right to face Malaysia, which beat Vietnam in the other semis match-up, in the home-and-away finals slated on December 26 and 29. INA's Gonzales delivers anew Picking up from where he left off in the previous game, Christian "El Loco" Gonzales delivered anew for Indonesia on Sunday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. It was a brilliant strike by the Uruguayan-born Gonzales in the 43rd minute, from 25 yards out against a phalanx of defenders, the ball soaring high to the right corner of the goal, barely past the post and above the outstretched arms of a leaping Neil Etheridge, PHL's superb 20-year-old goalie. Gonzales had also delivered the game-winning goal, a header, in Indonesia's 1-0 victory in the first leg. This time out, he unleashed a left-footed bullet after his first long-range kick was deflected back to him.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Both sides had numerous chances at the goal in a highly entertaining, up-tempo game throughout the first half, but the Indonesians' swift forays were evidently more dangerous. Etheridge held his own against severe bombardment, and on the counter-offense, the Azkals managed to create several opportunities, which only lacked the fortune of a finishing touch. Yellow cards were issued to Azkals Ian Araneta (22nd) and Rob Gier (37th), which may have discombobulated the Azkals and had their defense turning shaky in the last seven minutes of the first half. In making his second goal in the semis match, Gonzales sent Indonesia two aggregate goals up by halftime, and put the Azkals in a bind, needing to come up with at least two goals in the next 45 minutes to send the game to extra time for the match decider. The second half saw the hosts honorably mounting the same quick-passing attacks, when they could just have held back in defense to assure themselves of advancing to the Finals against Malaysia, which ousted defending Vietnam Saturday. Etheridge again made a number of crucial saves, while his teammates desperately went into the attack themselves, also creating dangerous opportunities. Corner kicks and long throw-ins by the Filipinos had the Indonesian backline and goalie scrambling for lucky saves on several occasions. In the 57th minute, Chris Greatwich had a golden opportunity with a well-timed header as he rose above the fray, only to see the ball land on the top of the net. In the 69th minute, Anton del Rosario unleashed a powerful shot from the middle, 15 yards out, only to see the ball bounce against the chest of the Indonesian goalie. With pressure building up, emotions ran high on both sides. Greatwich received his second yellow card and had to leave the field in the 86th minute, while Del Rosario engaged the Indonesians in trash talk. The Azkals' offensive effort eventually proved futile, even as the hosts kept taking chances with their fluid forward thrusts until time ran out. In the end, it was still a magnificent effort by the Filipinos, who gained the respect of the region by advancing to the semifinals with a stunning win against Vietnam and holding their own for draws with Singapore and Myanmar. Forced to play its two-leg semis match away from home due to the lack of an adequate stadium in the Philippines, the Azkals had to endure the ear-splitting cheers and jeers of a home crowd of some 80,000 Indonesians. After Indonesia, the Philippines conceded the fewest number of goals in the tournament, only three in five glorious matches that saw the Azkals rise nobly to the occasion to win the hearts of their countrymen and the admiration of opponents. - KY, RCJ/HS, GMANews.TV