Azkals defend Peace Cup title, trump Pakistan 3-1

(Updated 9:30pm) The Philippine Azkals improved from a poor opening game against Chinese-Taipei, as they stormed out to a 3-1 win against Pakistan at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, Tuesday. The result meant they defended their Philippine Peace Cup title after claiming the better goal difference, breaking a three-way 1-1 tie between the participating countries.

There was good news and bad news in the starting line-up for the Azkals as Juani Guirado was fit enough to partner with Rob Gier at the back, but Paul Mulders was still nursing a knock and so Chris Greatwich came in to replace him, while both Phil Younghusband and OJ Porteria weren’t fit enough, leaving no recognized striker up front.

First half

Pakistan took the lead early in the game as a flicked-on pass for Hassan Bashir was in turn flicked into the path of Kalim Ullah. Marked by Jerry Barbaso, with the rest of the defense pulled out of position, Ullah turned the right back and slotted into the corner to put the Pak Shaheens in front.

Looking to equalize, James Younghusband volleyed over at the back post from a Schrock cross, before the Bundesliga defender delivered another good cross for Patrick Reichelt, who was inches away from connecting, having gotten between two center backs in the 22nd minute.

The hard work paid off though, as a long ball from James Younghusband was flicked on in the 33rd minute by Stephan Schrock, to beat his marker. Through on the right wing, he held up the play, got to the byline to pull the keeper out of position, and fed the surging Patrick Reichelt to tap into the open net with his left foot and equalize, 1-1.

The tie almost lasted only seconds, as Pakistan’s goalscorer, Ullah, was sent through on goal. It took Etheridge charging out of his goal to slide at his feet to clear the danger.

Jerry Barbaso was brought off for Angel Guirado afterwards, with James Younghusband filling in at right back and Reichelt moving out wide. Soon after, Pakistan flashed a long-range free-kick wide, before Schrock laid off the ball for Guirado to get his first shot in, but it was tamely at the keeper before the break.



Second half

Pakistan came out quicker in the second half, as a long ball to Muhammed Adil up front glanced off Christiaens and let the goalscorer through. Luckily, the angle proved difficult, as Neil Etheridge was out quickly to spread himself and block with his left hand.

Chris Greatwich came close soon after as he was found in the middle and looked for the far corner. However, he didn’t have enough power on the shot and the goalkeeper got down quickly to tip away, while Angel Guirado drove the rebound just wide.

Schrock was then moved up top after playing all across the midfield. Growing in confidence and getting the better of Pakistan, the Azkals were almost caught on the counterattack though, as a diagonal ball to Adil found the forward in space. He cut inside beyond Christiaens again, but struck the ball softly into Etheridge’s hands.

Continuing to create good chances at the other end, Schrock drifted out wide to send in a good cross towards Misagh Bahadoran. It beat the defensive line with Bahadoran getting between the two defenders well, but was just a couple of yards away from the Global winger’s boot.

Turning his marker and driving at goal again, Schrock was the best threat on the pitch, but playing as striker, he had no outlet in front of him, and was tackled after getting past the second defender. OJ Porteria came on for Bahadoran next, but rather than playing as a striker, it was a like-for-like swap on the wing.

The Philippines then took the lead as Chris Greatwich popped up for his sixth international goal, hooking in after an Angel Guirado cross was headed at the keeper by Reichelt twice, 2-1. The Philippines almost extended their lead further after the restart, as OJ Porteria shot over from 10 yards out, Schrock and Reichelt combining well again to lay the chance off for the Kaya forward.

Pakistan worried the Philippine fans next as Saddam Hussain, his actual name, forced Etheridge into a stop from distance. Mark Hartmann came on soon afterwards, with five minutes to go, as Chris Greatwich came off to a big cheer from the crowd after another important goal for the country.

Things got better for the Philippines as Hartmann’s first involvement was to find Reichelt on the right. A great turn allowed him to drive forward from his own half into Pakistani territory, before playing in a great pass for Schrock. Stretching out to take a touch with his left, Shrock slotted home with his second touch to make the result, and the Peace Cup, safe in the 88th minute, 3-1.

Pakistan was able to worry the defense one last time as Bashir shot just wide from distance, before Phil Younghusband came on for a two-minute cameo. Replacing Schrock, who got a huge ovation leaving the pitch, the Philippines held on against the last Pakistani attacks, as they turned round a poor first game to win the Peace Cup with a decisive victory at the Panaad Stadium. - AMD/OMG, GMA News