Vindication for Phil Younghusband; revenge for Patrick Reichelt

MALE, Maldives—Phil Younghusband felt the burden of expectation; Patrick Reichelt was fueled by the desire for revenge.

On Saturday night, they joined forces in sending the Philippines to the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup at the expense of Turkmenistan, 2-0, at National Stadium.

As the country’s leading international scorer with 34 goals before the match, Younghusband said he will always be judged by the goals he scores, regardless of the performance he delivers in the other aspects of the Azkals game.

That’s why he felt the burden taken off his shoulders when he curled home a free kick in the 48th minute that set the Azkals on their way to an epic triumph.

“My role in the team is different now but I’m being recognized as a striker, so people are always going to judge me on how many goals I score even if I had a good game,” said Younghusband, who was deployed as an attacking midfielder. “It was good to get a goal and good for my confidence.”

Younghusband said he was of two minds before taking the free kick— whether to lay it off for Stephan Schrock or go for goal.

“The most important thing is you choose a spot and you aim for that spot.”

Reichelt had a score to settle with the Turkmen. Just a couple of weeks ago, Reichelt was part of the Ceres-La Salle side that absorbed a stinging loss to Turkmenistan side HTTU Asgabat in the AFC President’s Cup in Bacolod City.

Four HTTU players are members of the Turkmenistan national team. The Filipino-German striker called it the worst defeat of his career as Ceres conceded a goal in the final play of the match and got eliminated.

“The loss hurt so much and I promised myself to get back at them here,” said Reichelt, whose poacher’s strike from a Martin Steuble cross wrapped up the win in the 72nd minute.

“That goal was also for my Ceres teammates. It’s a great feeling as it also helps the team move closer to the goal of winning (this tournament).”

NOTES: The bus carrying the Afghanistan team figured in an accident in Addu City Saturday night, following its match against Laos. Five Afghans were injured and are doubftul for the semifinal match against Palestine… Azkals coach Thomas Dooley clarified that he was not complaining over the hosting of the tournament here which saw teams taking boat rides on rough waters before reaching the venues. “All I’m saying is that it’s an unusual way to prepare for the match. And when you have these factors, you can’t really play your best.”