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Post by cjeagle on Nov 18, 2019 19:07:22 GMT 8
Azkals take on Syria Game Tuesday (Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai) 10 p.m. — Syria vs Philippines The Philippine Azkals aim to get a favorable result against Group A leader Syria in their FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup second round qualifiers match at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. Kickoff is set at 10 p.m. Philippine time with the Azkals facing a tall order against a Syrian side that has won all four matches since the qualifying phase began in early-September. One of those wins came at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City when Syria recovered from conceding an early goal to win 5-2. But the Azkals have never lost since, posting two wins and a stunning draw against second-running China. Last Thursday, the Azkals downed Maldives 2-1 to draw level with China at seven points apiece. Iain Ramsay and Patrick Strauss accounted for the two goals to secure the win for the Philippine side. Ramsay, Strauss, Stephan Schrock and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will look to prevent Syria from getting another win at their expense. Omar Al Somah is expected to continue his hot for Syria, scoring seven goals in the second round. He produced a brace in their first meeting with the Azkals. sports.mb.com.ph/2019/11/18/azkals-take-on-syria/
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Post by cjeagle on Nov 19, 2019 10:10:07 GMT 8
19 November 2019 PH Azkals eye revenge vs Syria in World Cup qualifiers By: Cedelf P. Tupas DUBAI—Surprisingly level with China at the end of the first round of matches in Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifying, the Philippines seeks payback against another powerhouse in Group A as the Azkals take on Syria anew on Tuesday at Al Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium here. The Azkals arrived in this bustling economic hub in high spirits after their 2-1 away win over the Maldives in Male last Thursday. But they’ll be battling a Syrian side that has won all of its matches so far, including a tough 2-1 victory over China last Thursday that kept China at seven points just like the Azkals after four matches. Syria came from behind to drub the Azkals, 5-2, in their first round duel at Panaad Stadium last September in Bacolod City – a result that left a bitter taste for captain Stephan Schrock. “That was a hard result to swallow that night so we’re looking for redemption,” said Schrock. “We’re looking to learn from our mistakes. The next game will prove that we learn from our mistakes. We took in even more tactical stuff for this match and we’re looking to connect better on the pitch.” Azkals coach Scott Cooper said his team “got too brave and adventurous” against the Syrians in their initial meeting. “We saw in Bacolod how strong and talented they are, but we rocked them in the first 20 minutes so that gives us confidence,” said Cooper. The race for the top spot in the group remains open with Syria holding a five-point edge over China and the Philippines. A win for the Azkals will trim that gap to just two points with the Philippines still to play Maldives and Guam at home next year. The other Azkals assignment in June 2019 will be against China on enemy ground. Only the top team in the group will advance to the third round of qualifying together with the four best second-placed teams from the eight qualifying brackets. sports.inquirer.net/373922/ph-azkals-eye-revenge-vs-syria-in-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers
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Post by cypher210 on Nov 20, 2019 1:58:42 GMT 8
decent display by the Azkals in the second half but couldn't score. Strauss is starting to solidify his spot in the middle.
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Post by cjeagle on Nov 20, 2019 3:39:15 GMT 8
19 November 2019 Improved 2nd half display not enough as Azkals bow to Syria anew By: Cedelf P. Tupas DUBAI — An improved second-half performance by the Philippines was not enough as the Azkals bowed to Group A leader Syria, 0-1, Tuesday night in their joint Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifying match at Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium here. Ward Alsamh struck in the 23rd minute as the Syrians survived a late Azkals barrage for their fifth win as many matches in the group. The win gave the Syrians an eight-point gap over China and the Philippines. The Azkals missed golden opportunities in the second half with Angel Guirado sending a first-time shot off target in the 54th minute off a fine ball from Curt Dizon. Substitute Mark Hartmann also sent an effort straight Ibrahim Alma in the 73rd minute after some nice interplay between Mike Ott and Iain Ramsay on the left. The Azkals will be left ruing a missed chance to trim the lead of the Syrians in the group. Syria overwhelmed the Philippines, 5-2, in Bacolod last September but the Azkals showed more defensive solidity this time, keeping their shape when the hosts were in possession. But a momentary lapse in concentration led to the only goal of the match as a quickly taken free kick found Osama Omari’s run on the right. Osama’s low cross rolled past Alvaro Silva and Justin Baas before finding Alsamh who struck an unstoppable effort to the roof of the net. The Azkals have a long break with their next match against Guam scheduled March 26 at home. Read more: sports.inquirer.net/374084/improved-second-half-display-not-enough-azkals-lose-vs-syria-breaking#ixzz65kjxJQyF
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