PHILIPPINE AZKALS BEATEN BUT NOT DISGRACED
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 09 Mar 2012
The Philippine Azkals were beaten 2-0 by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea more commonly known as North Korea, but were certainly not disgraced in their first Group B match in what has come to be known as "The group of Death" in the Asian Football Confederation "Challenge Cup: at the Halchowk Rangsala in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Resolute defense and some superb goalkeeping by Neil Etheridge who also kept a clean sheet in the first half when he calmly prevented a retaken penalty, gave the small crowd of cheering Filipinos who were among the 1,500 fans, hopes of pulling off a stunning upset against a North Korean team which included seven players from its last World Cup squad.
But after launching wave after wave of fluid attacks the defending champions eventually broke through when Chol Pak-Nam scored from six yards out in a goalmouth scramble.
The spirits of the Filipinos wasn't broken and they occasionally launched forays into the North Korean half but the experienced Koreans who have played together for years marshaled their defense and thwarted every desperate effort by the Azkals to score.
The North Koreans who are favored to lift the "Challenge Cup" once again effectively sealed the victory when lanky substitute Kuk-Chol Jang scored off a well-taken corner in the 66th minute as Etheridge who had made several fine saves failed to gather the ball.
Coach Michael Weiss who was constantly shouting instructions and commending his players when they did something good sent in little Air Force sparkplug Chieffy Calidong for a visibly tired Paul Mulders who only arrived in Nepal three days ago but even Chieffy couldn't take off and pull one back as the Korean defenders muscled him out of his sweet spot.
Earlier Lexton Moy came in for Marvin Angeles who worked hard defensively and while Moy showed his skill with some one touch passes and the Philippines did earn its fair share of corners, the Azkals failed to convert even with two successive corners in the 85th minute.
Although the 0-0 scoreline at half-time didn't reflect possession the Azkals did manage three shots at goal but with only one on target while the North Koreans fared better with 8 shots with 3 on target.
As always Etheridge was a tower of strength between the posts
The Indian referee Pratap Singh awarded the North Koreans a penalty in the 16th minute when Jason Sabio didn't get too much of the ball with his tackle and brought down the Korean striker on the border of the penalty box but Song-Chol Pak's goal was disallowed as the North Korean players encroached into the box too early.
Etheridge who was beaten all ends up in the first take read his man perfectly and dived to his right to save an almost certain goal and set his stamp on a game which the Azkals were never expected to win but battled gallantly to hold a World Cup squad to a mere two goals.
The DPR pressured the Azkals from the kickoff but solid defense prevented the North Koreans from capitalizing on a free kick well inside the Philippine half. In a flash the Azkals launched a counter-attack with Angel Guirado and Phil Younghusband combining well but the Philippines ace striker who found so much room saw his shot saved by the North Korean goalkeeper.
The physically stronger and obviously fitter North Koreans felt at ease in the 19 degree temperature and the 1,400 meter altitude and on occasions used their physicality to advantage.
Carly de Murga had to be stretchered off in the 20th minute but after some attention was back on the field in three minutes. But the biggest scare was when Etheridge in the 29th minute was agonizing on the field after Pak Sung Chul rammed into the Azkals goalie as he went for a save which upset Neil especially since he hurt his hand.
Filipino medics raced onto the field to attend to the Fulham No.2 keeper even as the Azkals rushed to confront Pak as his DPR teammates gathered around to help cool things off.
The Azkals play onetime "Challenge Cup" champions India on Sunday followed by their final Group match against another previous winner Tajikistan on Tuesday with coach Weiss hoping to salvage second place in the group and earn a semi final berth.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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