PHILLIPPINE AZKALS DREAM RUN ENDS IN NIGHTMARE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Mar 2012
The Philippine Azkals dream run in the AFC Challenge Cup ended in a nightmare when they held a 1-0 lead going into the 80th minute before conceding two goals to Turkmenistan in the semi finals in Kathmandu, Nepal on Friday.
Turkmenistan Player of the Year Arslanmyrat Amanov equalised in the 80th minute before Chonkayev settled the contest with four minutes left to play.
Another magnificent goal by Phil Younghusband who latched on two a fabulous cross by Paul Mulders off an excellent pass by Carli de Murga gave the Azkals a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute and sent spirits of the Filipino fans soaring.
It was Phil's 22nd goal in international matches for the Philippines and clearly established his credentials as a top class striker this time underscoring his ability with a classic header.
Although the youthful Turkmenistan side launched wave after wave of attack seeking an equalizer the Azkals defense held firm with Neil Etheridge as usual proving to be a tower of strength between the posts.
Some seven minutes later off a swift counter-attack Younghusband volleyed one straight at the Turkmenistan goalkeeper who made a great save.
Jason de Jong who occassionally broke right through the Turkmenistan defense took a cracker from some 30 yards out but again the Turkmenistan goalie couldn't be beaten.
The Azkals defense under increasing pressure dropped down even as the midfielders began to fade and flounder and it came as no real surprise when Turkmenistan scored in the 80th minute to level the count at 1-1.
Despite some probing runs and bursts of counter-attacks the Azkals were gradually broken down both physically and perhaps even psychologically and another terrible defensive lapse enabled the Turkmenistan side to go ahead 2-1 in the 85th minute.
The frustration of the Azkals clearly showed when Neil Etheridge lost his composure for a split second and kicked a Turkmenistan player in the back of his foot and after being given a yellow card the referee consulted the linesman who said it should be a straight red which the referee proceeded to show Neil.
Disgusted with himself perhaps and pained by the loss Etheridge ripped his jersey off and walked straight to the dugout while substitute de Murga was tested twice by an aggressive Turkmenistan forward line but rose to the occasions with two good saves.
Despite the loss the Philippine Azkals performed better than ever before and obviously missed the services of Angel Guirado and James Younghusband who were forced to sit out with successive yellow cards and the injury to Jason Sabio.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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