5 takeaways from the Azkals' historic win against Tajikistan

The Philippines are going to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Needing at least a draw against Tajikistan to confirm passage to the regional meet, the Azkals did one better by coming from behind to win 2-1 at a packed Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

A Tajikistan goal midway in the second half stunned the hosts, but the Azkals’ spirits never wavered as goals from Kevin Ingreso and Phil Younghusband confirmed its first-ever participation to the tournament.

Here are five takeaways from the Azkals historic and heroic performance.

1. A historic night for the Azkals

In the first half, the Azkals were arguably the more dangerous side, troubling the Tajikistan team through counterattacks and set pieces. Needing only a draw, the Azkals employed a 4-4-2 formation, with the home squad players obviously erring on the side of caution.

But the Azkals never do things the easy way, and Tajikistan would take the upper hand in the 63rd minute with a penalty on a foul by Kevin Ingreso.

Channeling the never-say-die spirit, and no doubt buoyed by the jampacked grandstand at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Azkals refused to surrender and equalized through some good interplay on the left side with Kevin Ingreso making up for his error with a well-taken header to level things.

Phil Younghusband would put the icing on the cake with another goal in the 90th minute, and the Azkals were on their way to celebrating yet another historic night for Philippine football, which could prove to be the most significant in years to come.

Phil Younghusband's name has been synonymous to Philippine football. AFP

2. Phil Younghusband’s half century

Since the Azkals came to public consciousness eight years ago, nobody came to embody the team more than Phil Younghusband.

He was there with the team when barely anyone cared about the team; he is still here now that the team is headed to Asia.

Mention the Azkals, and his name will be the first one brought up, and for good reason. Phil’s goals have settled results and redefined a generation, and his 50th goal for the Philippines might be his most crucial yet, as he stated that "this night may be the best" of his football career.

When asked whether this win now cements his legacy, he deferred to his teammates, saying this win cements all their legacies. This writer humbly offers that his legacy is one that is still being written, with a chapter reserved for the 2019 Asian Cup.

3. Finally, a big tournament for the golden generation

Four years ago in the Maldives, the Azkals were a win away from going to the Asian Cup, only to be foiled by Palestine in the Challenge Cup final.

Neil Etheridge, Daisuke Sato, James and Phil Younghusband, Patrick Reichelt, Patrick Deyto, Simone Rota and Paul Mulders are the only holdovers from 2014 squad, and they will have now finally exorcised their demons and gained a big measure of redemption with the Azkals qualification.

More importantly, for many of the players, this was perhaps their last chance to join the big dance and the motivation not to miss out was summed up perfectly by one who did.

Chris Greatwich, a long-time member of the Azkals and now assistant coach to the national team, sums it up.

“I mentioned to the boys, some of the older players who understood the magnitude of this game and understood that this might be their final chance to play at a major tournament.”

“I never got that chance, I missed that opportunity. The likes of myself, Rob Gier, Juani Guirado, these guys, they missed that opportunity and I think today, it was fantastic to have the opportunity to be part of it, albeit in a coaching capacity.”

“It is an amazing achievement for everyone involved in Philippine football."

4. What now for Thomas Dooley?

After the debacle of the 2016 Suzuki Cup, the barest minimum requirement for Coach Thomas Dooley was to qualify to the Asian Cup, and he has done that, even if it had to go down to the last game of the group stages to clinch a spot.

At the post match press conference, Dooley gave credit to his players, praising the team spirit ahead of the win against Tajikistan.

“This is the best team we have, the best camp we have. Everyone was energized and focused,” said Dooley.

He also enumerated his list of notable achievements under the Azkals, including guiding the team to its highest ever FIFA Ranking and culminating in the participation to the Asian Cup.

While he has feuded with some high-profile players, and despite the aforementioned debacle in the Suzuki Cup, he has masterminded some of the Azkals greatest results, including a win against North Korea.

With his contract ending, the big question on everyone’s minds was: Has he done enough to warrant an extension?

5. Monumental support from the fans

Before the big match, the Azkals issued a rallying cry for fans’ support, and the fans duly answered the team’s call.

Literally packed to the rafters and with fans even occupying the aisles, the fans cheered the team on, even when 0-1 down and facing the unthinkable prospect of defeat.

The Ultras Filipinas, clad in their trademark black shirts, led the chants and exhorted the fans to voice their support. The cheers went a long way in ensuring a memorable night for Philippine football.

Assistant coach Chris Greatwich said: “Even at 0-1 the fans weren’t despondent. They shared in our belief as well. With the crowd behind us, I think we almost always find an extra gear. They pushed us to give our extra 5-10 percent which is what we needed.”

It is now hoped that this win sparks another renaissance in Philippine football, and that fans would continue to come and support the national team. Surely now, big TV networks could not ignore the huge turnout on a weekday in the middle of Holy Week.

Team manager Dan Palami summed it up perfectly: “Sarap ng pakiramdam! We had several heartaches, and now in front of kababayans we won.”

For a change, things are looking up now for the Azkals.

Ryan Fenix is a football writer and a FIFA Ballon d'Or juror. Rampaging Fullback is his football column for GMA News Online.

—JST, GMA News