Philippine football team, popularly known as Azkals, barged into the second round of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup by beating Sri Lanka Brave Reds Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
The game drew more than 13,000 people into the historic stadium despite the pouring afternoon rain. Philippine sports officials and celebrities have joined the crowd to cheer the Azkals and give support to the home team.
Sri Lanka failed to score against the highly-charged Philippine team. Early in the week the Azkals and Brave Reds finished with one win each in a game held in Sri Lanka last June 29.
Sunday's game was a far cry from the error-filled performance in Sri-Lanka as the Azkals routed the Brave Reds with a 4-0 victory to register a 5-1 aggregate score.
Azkals made a staggering 26 attempts at the goal and was successful in four attempts.
“Today, we finally opened the knot and showed the power and potential that the team has,”
said Phl coach Michael Weiss. “We created many chances and deservedly took the lead. We have quality players and I am very happy they showed what they can do.”
“The Philippines is a much, much better team today,”
said Sri Lanka coach Jang Jung on the Azkals.
The
Azkals will face Kuwait on Saturday, July 23
Listen
Print
Social Comments ()
Digital Journal Comments