More ratings:
www.pinoyfootball.com/articles/11101699/Rating-the-Azkals-vs-BahrainBY Ced Seredrica
MANILA —The players of the Philippine National Football team have just shown the footballing world that they are no pushovers. Faced with the task of getting a win against a Bahraini side ranked 30 points higher, they came out with flying colors. The Azkals couldn’t ask for a better start to their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, beating the visitors 2-1 for our first ever win in the 2nd round of the qualifying matches.
Now on to my ratings on how the team’s fared.
GK: Neil Etheridge (6.5): Was rarely troubled by an impotent Bahrain attack. Did well to snuff out the few shots that came his way and performed well in his return to the starting line-up. Could have done better against that late Bahrain goal but was solid all throughout.
RB: Jerry Lucena (7): Playing the same position he plays at club level, the Denmark based Filipino had a solid showing at the right side of defense. His exceptional positional awareness was enough to make up for his lack of pace against Bahrain’s speedy left side players. Combined well with Martin Steuble in keeping Bahrain’s wingers at bay.
CB: Rob Gier (7.5): Was rock solid in the heart of defense. Got the nod to start over youngster Amani Aguinaldo and he showed that there’s plenty of gas left in the tank. Was excellent in dealing with arial threats and was very composed with marshaling the backline.
LB: Daisuke Sato (7): Was a handful down at the left hand side. His defensive awareness is improving every game and putting a solid claim on the left back slot. Provided a couple of dangerous balls in the box that troubled the Bahrain defense.
RWB: Martin Steuble (6.5): Did well to shut down Bahrain’s left wingers throughout the night. Went forward with aplomb and his crosses into the box caused fits for Bahrain’s defense. Put his feet off the gas in the dying seconds of the match and was caught out of position by Al Malood for the consolation goal.
LWB: Stephan Palla (6): Was tenacious in defense. Despite having less than 3 days playing with his new teammates, linked up well with Ramsay and Sato. Was too overzealous at times, booked for a crunching tackle on the 27 minute. Had to come out due to cramps but played well in his debut.
CM: Manny Ott (7): Was a literal “Azkal” for the night and provided the bite in midfield. Did not shy away from the physicality and kept things tidy in his end.
CM: Phil Younghusband (8): Showed his versatility with a solid showing in the center of the park. Played his role well despite being played out of position. Had an excellent two way game. Was willing to do the dirty work by going after 50-50 balls. A much underrated passer. Collected an assist on Misagh’s first ever International goal.
RW: Stephan Schröck (5.5): His pace and technique troubled Bahrain’s defenders. Showed enthusiasm after a year away from the team. Was having a field day against his marker before an unfortunate injury forced him out in the 23’.
LW: Iain Ramsay (7): Took a while to get his game going. Provided an excellent outlet for Phil on that left hand side. His combination of pace and trickery dazzled the crowd and caused problems for the opposition. Work rate was impressive and was willing to track back and defend.
CF: Javier Patiño (7.5): A typical fox in the box. Was a handful for Bahrain’s center backs. His off the ball movement caused headaches, attracted double teams which gave Ramsay and Schröck plenty of space on the wings to exploit. Rewarded for his efforts by pouncing on a rebound from Misagh’s shot.
SUBSTITUTES
Misagh Bahadoran (8): Repaid his coach’s faith. Misagh “Hollywood” Bahadoran finally opened his Azkals account after 37 caps. Often bashed for being just a pretty face, Misagh played the game of his career in national colors. Showed tremendous work rate and was rewarded by connecting on an excellent cross from Phil Younghusband. Was unlucky not to add to his tally later in the second half with an unmarked header going wide. Will give coach Dooley headaches regarding where he plays against Yemen and his goal will definitely help his case in winning his starting job back.
Juani Guirado (6): Came in for Palla as the latter left the field with cramps. The Azkals switched to 4-4-2 to try and preserve the lead. Was caught napping by Al Malood for the late consolation goal but had a decent outing overall.
Simone Rota (-): Came in late to shave time off the clock. Did not have enough time to assert himself in the game.
Coach Thomas Dooley: (8.5): The 3-4-3 worked. Putting Phil in the middle as a playmaker was a masterstroke. His decision to replace Schröck with Bahadoran was a hit. Was finally able to figure out what Misagh’s most effective position is for the Azkals by playing him as a forward. Will have some tough line up decisions to make against Yemen but these are the kinds of problems that he would love to have. cs