THE Philippines’ debut in World Cup play ended in a 1-1 draw with host team Sri Lanka at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Nate Burkey, a late first-half substitute for a hobbled Phil Younghusband, headed in a free kick by Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong in the 50th minute that gave life to the embattled Philippine side.
The Brave Reds struck first when midfielder Chathura Gunaratne scored off a powerful free kick from 25 yards that was deflected by central back Rob Gier into the Azkals’ goal.
The Azkals struggled early in a testy first half as both squads played physical. But after an altercation in the 18th minute that saw midfielders Stephan Schrock and James Younghusband carded by Bangladeshi referee Shamsurraman Hassan after the former fouled Fazul Rahuman, the Philippines ironically gained control.
That is until Chathura’s stunning strike that nearly deflated the Philippine team.
But instead of folding, the Philippines came out after the lemon break with renewed intensity. Following Burkey’s goal, the Azkals saw several more chances, including runs by Caligdong and a volley by Ian Araneta, who came in for Burkey, that was stopped by Sri Lankan goalkeeper Manjula Fernando who played brilliantly all match long.
Fernando, who minds the net for Blue Star SC in Sri Lanka, stopped three scoring chances by Younghusband.
But the Azkals’ Neil Etheridge was also up to the task at goal.
In the 90th minute, Nimal caught the Azkals’ defense napping as he blasted a shot from just outside the box that the Filipino keeper successfully parried.
The final outcome wasn’t what the Philippine team was expecting but the nationals will have a chance to advance when they host Sri Lanka on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
In order for the Azkals to move on to play Kuwait, they have to win or hold the Brave Reds to a scoreless draw.
Three Azkals were given cautions in the match—Stephan Schrock, James Younghusband, and Aly Borromeo. Filipino-Dutch Paul Mulders started in place of regular left back Ray Jonsson, who failed to join the team in Colombo, while veteran utility player Roel Gener is reportedly nursing a fractured leg.
IN PHOTO -- FANS of the Philippine Azkals cheer while watching the live coverage of the football match with Sri Lanka courtesy of SkyCable at Dillinger’s in Makati City on Wedneday. Sri Lanka’s Nadeeka Pushpakumara Pasquelhandi (right) vies for a ball with the Azkals’ Emelio Caligdong during a preliminary-round qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Wednesday. --AP, ROY DOMINGO
