Peace finals: Azkals vs Myanmar

Known more for his defense and leadership, Rob Gier found the back of the net this time as the Philippines overwhelmed Chinese Taipei, 5-1, Wednesday night in the Philippine Peace Cup at a rain-soaked Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals skipper scored his first international goal in the 24th minute, setting the tone for a glorious evening for the Azkals, who advanced to the finals on Saturday against Myanmar (Burma), which dumped Palestine, 4-1, in the earlier match.

Substitute Mark Hartmann bagged a brace, while James Younghusband, deployed as a striker alongside his brother, Phil, was also on target for the Azkals. A Yi Wei own goal in the 64th minute added more misery to the Taiwanese, who beat the Azkals, 2-1, in Bacolod City last year.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Gier of his goal, which came off a cross from Phil Younghusband that he met with his right foot inside the box.

“It’s obviously nice to score and get the ball rolling. The team played great and this is a decent scoreline.”

Azkals manager Dan Palami expressed delight at the result, but stressed that a victory against Myanmar on Saturday remains imperative.

“We’ve to finish the task against Myanmar and keep the Cup,” said Palami.

Playing their first match since their loss in the Challenge Cup finals last May, the Azkals dominated a young Chinese-Taipei side that chased shadows all game. Except for conceding an 80th minute goal to Yen Ho Shen who pounced on an error, it was an otherwise superb display for coach Thomas Dooley’s side.

“We played well and created chances,” said Dooley, who also gave 19-year-old Kenshiro Daniel his first start surprisingly at rightback.