Philippines stunned by two late Kuwaiti goals

Philippines left the pitch losing to Kuwait 2-1 after holding a 1-0 lead at half-time. However, the crowd gave the Azkals a standing ovation after they worked valiantly to pressure the highly ranked Kuwaiti side. In losing the match, the Philippines simply did not have luck on their side. Stephan Schrock broke the scoreless deadlock just before the half-time whistle with a magnificent effort from just over 20 yards. Leading at half-time it looked like the Azkals would then have the chance to push forward for more goals as Fahed Al Ebrahim received a second yellow card for a challenge on Chieffy Caligdong from behind and was sent off. Pressing forward, though, it was Kuwait that took the advantage, scoring an away goal to tie as Yousef Nasser Alsulaiman broke through to curl past Neil Etheridge in goal. Kuwait then scored the winner six minutes before time, counter-attacking and playing in Waleed Ali Jumah who secured Kuwait's 2-1 victory. The game was played at a high tempo, both teams pressing high and creating chances. Needing a huge win to qualify, the Azkals started playing a good passing game and looked to attack from the off. Both teams had chances to score in the first half, Caligdong took several free kicks and corners which first Rob Gier then Angel Guirado headed wide or straight at the goalkeeper. Kuwait came closest to opening the scoring first as Bader Al Mutwa was sent through on goal, with Etheridge rushing out. Al Mutwa tried to curl around the goalkeeper but seemed to lose his balance and struck the outside of the post. Manny Ott then struck from a distance, forcing a good save from Awaf Al Khaldi in the Kuwaiti goal. Caligdong cut in on the left and shot with his right but unlike against Sri Lanka he failed to hit the shot away from the goalkeeper. Schrock shocks Kuwait Just as it looked like the half-time whistle would blow without a goal, Caligdong forced the ball to Schrock who took a touch before launching a thunderous strike into the top corner. Football is about build-up, patience and weeks of preparation… but sometimes it's about getting the ball and whacking it as hard as you can. Schrock's strike was inch perfect, evading the dive of the Kuwaiti goalkeeper who conceded his first goal against the Philippines to put the score at 3-1 on aggregate. Going into the break a goal up, but needing two more to force extra time, the Azkals came out revitalized and looked to press. They fashioned another great chance as Phil Younghusband was sent through one-on-one against the Kuwaiti goalkeeper but again Al Khaldi kept out the Philippine striker with a good save. Soon after, though, Al Ebrahim was sent off for a second bookable offense as he slid in on Caligdong who needed to be substituted later on in the game. Turning points With Kuwait down to 10 men the Azkals immediately pushed forward, understandably searching for another goal, but Kuwait thwarted them, working the ball to Yousef Nasser who equalized for Kuwait. With the Azkals again pressing high up the pitch Kuwait counter-attacked and found themselves with a great chance six minutes from time; the Azkals' defense were out of position and breaking quickly and incisively they worked it to the left side to play in Waleed Ali who slotted past Etheridge. The ball had just enough power on it to carry past the last-ditch slide of Ray Jonsson who got a foot to the ball but couldn’t direct it away from the goal. Losing 5-1 on aggregate there is still much to be proud of. The fans understand this well now and the players left to a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd. The Azkals worked tirelessly to press Kuwait high up the pitch and force them into errors. The strategy was working well as throughout the match the Philippines looked the equal of the much higher ranked Kuwaiti team. Both teams were playing aggressively and pressed for the advantage, something Coach Michael Weiss and Manager Dan Palami should be well credited for. Several times the tenacious defense of the Azkals forced bad passes or saved the team with last-ditch tackles; Rob Gier in particular dispossessing the Kuwaiti strikers several times as they were ready to score. A bright future The team is young, however, and are still in the process of development. Once relying on long-balls Coach Michael Weiss and manager Dan Palami have taught the team to work together, pass the ball on the ground and fashion chances through good teamwork. The Azkals have retained their heart and passion, fighting for every ball, but now they’ve added a real quality to the team which even the opposition coach noted. At the press conference after the game, Kuwait Coach Goran Tufegdžić said that the Philippines had been much better than they had expected and had great potential: “We're higher ranked & more experienced. But in a short time, I hope to see you among the Top 10 clubs in Asia." Somewhat disappointed by the reflection of the score over the two games he said "The two games show just how bitter and hard football can be… we fought so hard not just over the last two games but the past six months and were severely punished here." After working so hard he admitted “After this game I think we all need a break, we have used the last drop of gas in the tank." The German Coach sees a bright future for the team who look to the Sea Games with a hope of winning a medal and the Challenge Cup to prove themselves by reaching the Semi-Finals. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support during the game with the majority of Filipinos cheered throughout and the official booster squad, the Kaholeros, even displaying the 'We Believe' signs at full-time cheering the team off the pitch. - JVP/HS, GMA News