Azkals' World Cup bid suffers blow with loss to China

The Philippine Azkals' campaign to book a slot for the World Cup in Qatar was dealt a huge blow following a 2-0 loss to China in the joint qualifiers for 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup on Monday night at the Sharjah Stadium, UAE.

The national booters initially kept pace with the Chinese national team after the Filipinos kept them scoreless at the half.

But the opposing side found their groove after the turn and a penalty kick in the 56th mark by Wu Lei gave China a quick 1-0 lead over the Philippines.

The Chinese, who were originally the host of the joint qualifiers, doubled on the Filipinos after left winger Wu Xinghan converted a goal in the 65th minute, blowing the game wide open at 2-0.

The Azkals were not able to recover from that point on to wind up in third spot of Group A with seven points, putting their World Cup chances on the verge of slipping away.

They, however, still have the chance to make it to the Asian Cup when they face Guam on June 11 and Maldives on June 15.

—MGP, GMA News