Stephan Schrock accounted for the Azkals’ lone goal in the 5-1 loss against Uzbekistan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Though the final score read 5-1, Uzbekistan coach Samvel Babayan admitted that the Philippine Azkals still gave his squad a run for its money on in their Fifa World Cup Qualifying match Tuesday at Philippine Sports Stadium.
“Though we won 5-1, I think Philippines has a well-organized team and I can also underline the coaching job with the play of the team,” he said. “I think the game was very tough and I think my players did all the things that I said.”
READ: Uzbekistan routs PH Azkals, 5-1, in World Cup qualifiers
Ranked number 71 in the world, Uzbekistan finally showed the killer form it lacked on its first two matches in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers to propel them to the second spot of Group H behind North Korea.
“The players did everything I told them before the game. Of course, it was very difficult in the pitch playing in these conditions, but the players did a very good job,” said Babayan.
Babayan said that this win over the Azkals should be a great building block for the Uzbeks as they try to become a powerhouse side in Asia.
“I think we will be improving game-by-game and soon, the whole Asia will be talking about us,” Babayan said.