Inter de Madrid outclasses Azkals in Sendong benefit match

Defensive lapses cost the Philippines a 3-1 loss against the visiting Inter de Madrid in Saturdays' Dili Kamo Nag-iisa charity benefit game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Inter de Madrid took a 3-0 lead before James Younghusband pegged one back for the Azkals. Chieffy Caligdong whipped a cross to James Younghusband, who rose strongly to head past Ruben Fernandez in the Madrid goal. The Azkals' consolation goal spurred them on for a time but the Inter de Madrid side were well organized and saw out the game. Phil Younghusband got the first chance away as he burst past three defenders before shooting low. Fernandez saved and held the ball well before the Azkals' failure to hold a defensive line cost them. Inter de Madrid quickly exploited the holes in the Azkals lineup as they threatened several times before winning a penalty. The lack of available time to train together showed as the team's makeshift defense, with Anton Del Rosario moving from right back to partner with Jason Sabio in the middle, was opened up. The breakthrough came when Alain Cedillo played it smart to Daniel Fernandez, who was brought down by Eduard Sacapaño. Rufino Sanchez converted the penalty as the Inter de Madrid side began to assert themselves and they almost doubled their lead shortly after when Sabio’s poor sliding attempt to clear the ball allowed Madrid to go through on goal again but he was saved by the offside flag this time. The offside flag didn’t save the Azkals moments later, though, as Daniel Fernandez latched onto a creative through ball and slotted past Sacapaño to double their lead before half-time. After the break Inter de Madrid extended their lead as Sanchez added his second goal before being replaced soon after. Angel Guirado, perhaps the most motivated player as he ran everywhere until literally needing to be taken off, was replaced by Jerry Barbaso who went to right back and allowed Carli De Murga to join Lexton Moy in the center of midfield. The pair dropped deeper and acted as holding midfielders allowing Chieffy Caligdong and James Younghusband to push forward on the wings. The pair combined as Caligdong's dribble and cross was met by a powerful header from James Younghusband, who rose above his marker to beat the helpless Fernandez. With James Younghusband and Caligdong always attacking high down the wings the defense was more exposed throughout the first half but the change allowed Moy and De Murga to help the defense and the shape improved. Close chances and disallowed goals The game became more competitive and Phil Younghusband had a shot blocked by Ruben Fernandez as Caligdong's cross got loose and Younghusband blasted the ball at goal only to see Fernandez dive low and beat the ball away. Inter de Madrid then had a goal disallowed for offside as Alvaro Borahona’s celebration were cut short when the referee called the offside. The Azkals also had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half as Ian Araneta was sent through and finished expertly but was called back by the offside flag. This was the closest call, however, and the Azkals may have a legitimate complaint against this decision which would have brought them back into the game. The final chance of the game, though, fell to Madrid’s Ignacio Feijoo and was perhaps the best moment of skill in the game as a good through ball played the forward through and he cheekily chipped over Edmundo Mercado Jr. in goal, as the substitute keeper, coming only inches away as it bounced off the crossbar. The final whistle blew with the score at 3-1 and while the performance won’t give much hope, why they played will do. With roughly 8,000 fans in attendance, the gate receipts and online auctions are raising a lot of money for the victims of tropical storm Sendong.. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was also sung just before the game as an act of solidarity with those affected. After the game James Younghusband summed up the day’s events as he said that “we have a lot of work to do to prepare for the Challenge Cup but it was great to be a part of today”. Joined by Coach Edwin Cabalida, Weiss' absence may add to some speculation among fans regarding his future despite the success of 2011. — JVP, GMA News