GALLANT AZKALS GO DOWN FIGHTING VS BAHRAIN'S OLYMPIC TEAM
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 17 Jul 2011
The Philippine Azkals put on what the Gulf Daily News described as ?a memorable show? despite a 1-2 defeat to Bahrain?s under 23 Olympic team at the National Stadium in Riffa on Saturday.
Some 5,000 Filipinos braved the sweltering heat and humidity to flock to the venue some of whom were there four hours before kickoff at 7:00 p.m. Bahrain time for the first of two matches in the first ever Bahrain-Philippine Football Friendship Games.
Reporter Patrick Salomon said " The star-power of the Azkals clearly attracted the fans" and the Filipinos played their hearts out despite the heat abd the long and tiring flight from Manila.
With the fans cheering every kick Azkals' captain Alexander Borromeo told the Gulf Daily News "The way the fans were cheering for us; it was great."
Sayed Dhiya Saeed scored the winning goal for Bahrain early in the second half when he pounced on the Azkals weakness in defense. Saeed picked up a superb pass right in front of the goal and merely tapped the ball in past 'Azkals' goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano, who went the wrong way..
Abdulwahab Al Malood opened the scoring for Bahrain as early as th0e ninth minute when he finished a solo run with a fancy dribble and a cracking goal past defender Anton del Rosario. Al Malood's shot crashed into the top-left corner of the net, giving the hosts the early advantage.
Salomon reported ? while Al Malood's shot was impressive, Emelio Caligdong's equaliser five minutes before half-time was a sight to behold. Operating on the left flank, Caligdong unleashed a rocket from nearly 30 yards out that flew into the top-left corner of goal. Bahraini goalkeeper Eyad Nasser Salem had no chance of stopping the well-hit shot, and the Filipino fans erupted in celebration.?
Their joy was short-lived as only four minutes after the re-start, Saeed put Bahrain back in front with his tap-in from close range. Though it lacked the flare of the game's first two goals, it did its job for Bahrain.
Salomon said 'The Azkals' had a few chances to level the scores in the second half, but couldn't supply the finishing touch.?
Azkals coach Michael Weiss said "It was a good experience for our side against a good Olympic team from Bahrain.We were missing a couple of players here and there, but big credit to our guys who overcame their fatigue and the heat tonight. I was happy with the game, and I am looking forward to the second match. It will be a different day, so hopefully a different game."
Popular 'Azkal' James Younghusband, who hit a long-range shot just over the crossbar in the first half said : "It was a good test for us; especially to get used to this weather before Kuwait next week. Everyone worked hard, and we did well to keep the game close. The fantastic thing from tonight was all the support we got; it was outstanding to see all the fans come here and give us a cheer."
The 'Azkals' and Bahrain's Olympic team are set to meet in their final match at the Muharraq Club stadium in Arad on Sunday. The Friendship Games have been organised by Creator Marketing Consultancy in partnership with the Bahrain Football Association and Philippine Football Federation. AMA International University Bahrain are the major sponsors.
Bahrain's Olympic team is using the Friendship Games to help prepare for their upcoming campaign in the main round of Asian qualifying for next year's London Olympic Games. 'The Azkals', meanwhile, are gearing up for their matches against Kuwait later this month, which are in the second round of continental qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. 'The Azkals' are expected to fly directly to Kuwait City from Bahrain for the first leg scheduled on July 23. The return match will be played in Manila on July 28.
Friendship Games sponsors: AMA International University Bahrain, Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Shawarma Express, Staz, Yum Chow Asian Cuisine, Fakhrawi Frames, Caravan, Nonoo Exchange, Treobiz, Fil-Am Association, McDonald's, Zens Flower, Dabarkads Restaurant, Fitness First, Impression Beauty Salon and Spa, Sahari Computer, Hot Pot Restaurant, Bahay Kubo Restaurant, Houras Consultancy, Chuckay Restaurant, GDN and Abante Middle East.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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