Three takeaways from the Azkals' 0-2 loss to China in the World Cup qualifiers
Jun 8, 2021
Paolo Del Rosario
The Philippine Azkals dropped a 0-2 defeat to China in their return to action early Tuesday (Manila time) in the joint qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Despite the disappointing result in the national team's first match in 19 months, Filipino fans have something to cheer about following a respectable showing against the regional powerhouse. Here are three key takeaways from the match.
1. Jefferson Tabinas could be the future of the Philippine backline
It's difficult to pass judgement on any player based on one game, but there hasn't been a defender in quite some time who has excited Filipino fans like Tabinas.
Apart from being a battering ram on defense, the 22-year-old center half showed an uncanny understanding of the game that calmed the backline.
Tabinas also displayed a level of comfort while playing his way out of trouble instead of just hoofing the ball clear at every opportunity.
The young defender came in with a mental edge and it showed as he wasn't too bothered by the Chinese forwards throughout the contest.
"It was easy for me because I had in my mind a more special striker, but there was no one like that," said Tabinas. "It was easy for me to play with them."
While he felt he wasn't overmatched against the Chinese attackers however, the ending didn't favor him or his team.
"But we didn't win, so I can't say anything," he expressed.
It would be premature to crown Tabinas as the definite long-term successor to the likes of Aly Borromeo, Rob Gier, and Juani Guirado, but his debut has given Philippine supporters hope that he could elevate the defense to another level.
Jefferson Tabinas (right) showed promise in his debut as an Azkals defender. Neville Hopwood/Getty Images
2. The Azkals have upped expectations and are even more determined to rise to the challenge
In 2017, the Philippines was at the wrong end of a 1-8 demolition at the hands of China during a friendly. Back then, the Azkals were out to prove themselves worthy of making it into the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Two years later, the Azkals managed a draw - their first since 1919 - against China.
Fast forward another two years and the national team found itself fielding a significantly weakened lineup compared to its wishlist prior to the window. Sans all of Gerrit Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Neil Etheridge, and Bienvenido Maranon, coach Scott Cooper had to adjust accordingly.
Based on the new-look Azkals' performance, however, a full-strength squad arguably could have gotten much more than a draw against China.
The two teams were tied at the half before the young Filipinos finally broke and surrendered two goals at the 56th and 65th minute.
Still, the gallant stand is a far cry from 2017, when it was a pipe dream to make the Asian Cup.
Today, the expectation has changed and qualification to the continent's biggest competition is very much within reach.
3. Jarvey Gayoso's baptism of fire revealed the work he needed to do to elevate his game
Former Ateneo star Jarvey Gayoso was thrown into the deep end after the injury to Kenshiro Daniels in the first half.
Unexpectedly, he was thrust into the highest level of competition and had to up his game to keep up with the quality all over the pitch.
While the two-time UAAP MVP showed flashes of his pace and understanding of coach Cooper's system, it was clear that the attributes that made him a star in college and the PFL were not unique in this level of competition.
The opposition could match Gayoso in terms of strength, skill, and had a clear advantage in experience. Even more, he found all of his defensive know-how tested in a game where every Azkal had to weather wave after wave of China attacks.
This isn't to say the 24-year-old had a bad night, but now he knows the type of high-level exposure he needs to shine even brighter on the international stage.
Based on the talent Gayoso has displayed throughout his young career, this match would only make him a much better, more complete footballer moving forward.
The Azkals conclude the second round of their qualification campaign with matches against Guam and the Maldives on Friday and June 15, respectively.
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