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Post by cjeagle on Sept 7, 2016 2:06:59 GMT 8
Reichelt: Kyrgyzstan beats Kazakhstan last week 2:0. Kazakhstan then drew Poland 2:2 couple of days ago!Shows what for a great result that is.
Etheridge saved our bacon.
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Post by cjeagle on Sept 7, 2016 2:44:30 GMT 8
Travel weary and playing their first competitive international game after six months, the Philippine Men’s National Team’s preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup gained a much needed boost after the Azkals secured a vital 2-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan Tuesday night at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek. Kevin Ingreso and Misagh Bahadoran found the back of the net for the Azkals as they took the win over an opponent that is 29 places above them in the FIFA rankings. Neil Etheridge loomed large in the friendly by keeping Kyrgyzstan at bay with a string of saves — including a penalty save late in the match. It was not an easy match for the Azkals against the taller Kyrgyz players. Dennis Villanueva started on defense along with Amani Aguinaldo, while Daisuke Sato and Martin Steuble operated in the flanks. Ingreso and Manny Ott were deployed in central midfield while Bahadoran and Iain Ramsay were out wide. Brothers Phil and James Younghusband started up front. It was Phil Younghusband’s first game back for the Azkals and he was involved in both goals. It was all Kyrgyzstan in the first half. A chance came for the hosts in the 24th minute after Villanueva was beaten but Etheridge tipped the ball over and out of danger. Etheridge was called up again nine minutes later with a tough save from the free kick. Ingreso broke the deadlock with three minutes left in the first half. The goal served as vindication for the Ceres-La Salle midfieder after he gave away the ball in the previous play. The midfielder sent a lofted ball off a Phil Younghusband short free kick leaving the keeper rooted to his spot as the ball went in to the top corner to put the Philippines up at the half, 1-0. Coach Thomas Dooley made his first change at the half. Junior Munoz made his debut in place of goalscorer Ingreso. The substitute did not disappoint in his first international appearance, providing the assist for the second goal in the 52nd minute. Phil Younghusband sent a long ball for Ramsay on the right flank. The winger delivered the cross for Munoz, who flicked it to the path of Bahadoran. The Azkals number 9 provided the finishing touch to make it 2-0 on the night. Kyrgyzstan pulled one back at the hour mark to set a thrilling final 30 minutes of the match. Vitalij Lux outsmarted Aguinaldo by beating the offside trap and left Etheridge rooted as the forward sent it to the bottom corner. It was all Kyrgyzstan for the rest of the second half and almost snatched an equalizer in the two minutes from time. Substitute Simon Greatwich gave away a penalty in the box. However, Etheridge correctly guessed the path of the ball to preserve the slim margin. Two more saves from the Azkals custodian deep into stoppage time confirmed the victory over the 105th-ranked Kyrgyzstan. The Azkals return to Manila on Wednesday and will shift their sights on Bahrain for a match on October 7, and then another friendly, this time against DPR Korea, on October 10. Both games will be at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan. football.com.ph/azkals-surprise-higher-ranked-kyrgyzstan/
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Post by cantfall on Sept 18, 2016 16:54:35 GMT 8
Just would like to share a Vlog post from an OFW in Krygyzstan who watched the game. No wonder Filipinos are all over, keep the support coming! It seems sometimes, Filipinos abroad are more enthusiastic on cheering the Azkals....regardless to knowledge of the game. Well, just my opinion
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