PH males’s soccer workforce vs Iraq within the World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers. –PHOTO VIA PFF
The Philippine males’s soccer workforce threatened to sneak an away level earlier than bowing to Iraq, 1-0, Thursday (Friday Manila time) within the World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers at Basra Worldwide Stadium.
Coach Tom Saintfiet’s first match in cost resulted in defeat because the Iraqis scored the eventual winner courtesy of Mohanad Ali in 84th minute which introduced delight to a packed crowd of over 64,000.
Ali acquired an extended ball and beat two defenders with a right-footed shot previous a speeding Etheridge and Iraq finally bought its third win in as many matches within the second spherical of the Asian Qualifiers.
READ: Saintfiet harps: PH soccer workforce able to compete towards Iraq
The workforce previously often called the Azkals, nonetheless, stayed on the backside of the group with only one level, needing to keep away from dropping extra within the subsequent three matches to keep away from lacking out a spot within the subsequent spherical of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Iraq has 9 factors adopted by Indonesia with 4 factors after defeating Vietnam, 1-0, within the different Group F match.
Vietnam stayed at three factors for third after its loss to the Indonesians at Jakarta’s Bung Karno Stadium.
READ: PH soccer federation retires Azkals moniker, eyes new route
Each nations will meet once more Tuesday, this time with Iraq enjoying as visiting aspect at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was among the many few brilliant spots for the Philippines, which entered the match as heavy underdogs.
A number of Etheridge saves frustrate the Iraqis and gave the Filipinos hope of manufacturing a consequence.
