Breaking down the Azkals' solid win against Singapore

James Younghusband (C,white jersey) was a solid midfield presence anew for the Azkals. Andy Alvarez/AFP

The Philippines opened their 2018 Suzuki Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over regional rivals Singapore on a balmy evening in Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

Ranked 45 places above Singapore in the FIFA rankings, the Azkals looked to be favorites against their more storied opposition, who have already won this competition four times.

But the Lions proved to be more than a match for the home side, defending resolutely, being physical when needed, and repeatedly thwarting Azkals attacks with timely fouls.

The Azkals, with former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson now leading the charge, fed off of a noisy Panaad crowd and started the match on a high note with chances coming in quick succession from set pieces.

Phil Younghusband, making his 100th appearance in an Azkals shirt, started at the number 9 position but was left isolated for periods of time as the midfield failed to link up with him.

Defender Alvaro Silva was widely tipped to start in the heart of the Azkals defence, but due to his lacking the necessary paperwork, Coach Sven tapped the evergreen Paul Mulders and Carli de Murga along with Martin Steuble and Luke Woodland for the Azkals’ back four.

While this combination provided experience and stability, there were genuine concerns as to how they would deal with quick counterattacks.

The introduction of Romania based Daisuke Sato gave the Azkals more attacking verve and energized the team, as he made his trademark overlapping runs from deep.

The Azkals were dominant in possession but the final ball lacked the necessary cutting edge and clear-cut chances for the Azkals remained elusive, with Singapore entering the halftime break happier with scores level at 0-0.

For most of the match, it seemed like even the Azkals themselves have yet to know their best eleven, but the second half gave the coaching staff a glimpse of the possible answer.

Debutante John Patrick Strauss was a revelation in the defensive midfield role. The 22-year-old Strauss who plies his trade with 2.Bundesliga’s Erzgebirge Aue, freed up Manny Ott from his defensive duties and allowed the Ceres man to get more involved in the attack.

Showing maturity beyond his years, Strauss’ anticipation was sublime as he kept things neat and tidy in front of the back four. His name will be among the first in the Azkals’ team sheet.

Joining him there in that list is the returning Stephan Schrock, whose star shone the brightest.

Tormenting the Singapore right back to no end, Schrock showed the Azkals fans what they missed as he repeatedly created chances from the left flank.

His opposite number on the right flank, Patrick Reichelt was electric as well, winning fouls and using his speed to great effect.

But it was his excellent close control on the ball and his refusal to give up which led to the Azkals only goal, sparking relief and jubilation in equal amounts on the field.

James Younghusband is no longer the speedy winger he once was, but the 2018 version of JYH is no less effective. His physicality and aerial ability are his calling cards nowadays and it was his won aerial ball which ultimately led to the Reichelt’s goal.

The 1-0 Azkals victory may seem like a hugely underwhelming win, but against a team that came into the game vowing to stay "organized and compact," it is a good result.

Make no mistake, it is extremely important that the Azkals started off with the full three points, never mind the nature of the victory.

While a draw would have been the end of the world, the victory was important to give the team confidence that it can convert superiority on the field to tangible points on the table.

More importantly, it now sets up a solid platform for the Azkals in its quest for another semifinal appearance, and possibly further.

It is similarly imperative for Sven Goran Eriksson to sort out his best eleven on the field. He will have his options available, with even Felda United winger Iain Ramsay and Kevin Ingreso remaining unused subs.

The Philippines finally emerge victorious against Singapore in the Suzuki Cup, but truth be told it was really a game that the Azkals are expected to win if we dream of reaching the final on December 15.

Lowly Timor Leste is up next, in an away game to be played in Malaysia. On paper it may seem an easy game, but it is absolutely imperative the Azkals take care of business with the minimum of fuss.

Only then should we think about the true tests of this group — defending champions Thailand at home on November 21 and Indonesia away on November 25. —JST, GMA News