Azkals can build on fightback vs Indonesia

AFF Suzuki Cup game between Philippines and Indonesia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Philippines fought back from a goal down twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against Indonesia to stay in the hunt for a semifinal berth in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Phil Younghusband scored the equalizer with a curling free kick in the 81st minute after Boas Salossa put Indonesia ahead early in the second half. Misagh Bahadoran was also on target, leveling the game at 1-all with a 31st minute strike off a Stephan Schrock delivery, after Fachruddin Aryanto headed the visitors in front seven minutes into the match. The fightback evoked memories of past Azkals matches where they dug deep and find enough resolve to stay alive. A loss would have spelled doom, but the Azkals refused to wilt in what turned out to be an epic Suzuki Cup game.

READ: Azkals keep semis bid alive with draw vs Indonesia

The Azkals now turn their attention to Thailand – a team it has not beaten – in this competition. The Thais will be a step up in the level of Indonesia and Singapore, but the hosts can take heart from their fighting performance against Indonesia.

The Azkals were much more dynamic, going forward against Indonesia, which offered them more space than Singapore, a team that took a very cautious approach in their Group A opener. But questions remain on the stability of their defense. They once again conceded on a set piece and weren’t alert enough to snuff out the threat when Andik Vermansyah’s shot hit the post and landed in front of the goalmouth for Salossa to finish. Indonesia regularly picked apart the Philippines on many occasions. But the Azkals also looked threatening on the counter. Now that they have found their feet going forward, the Azkals are raring to pull off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history against Thailand on Friday to advance. It’s a tough proposition, but Azkals can go into the game motivated by the thought that their fate is still in their hands. An Azkals draw or a loss against the Thais means the winner of the Indonesia-Singapore game at Rizal Memorial Stadium will advance.

READ: Azkals’ heart

MATCH RATINGS

Roland Muller 7.5 – Seems to have regained his timing and positioning as he kept the Azkals in the game with a string of big saves in the second half. An assured performance from the current first choice goalkeeper after a long absence from competitive play at club level.

Phil Younghusband 7.5 – An all-action performance from the Azkals skipper. Dictated play from midfield again and scored a precious equalizer that could mean more if the Azkals get the job done against the Thais on Friday.

Stephan Schrock 7.5 – Looked threatening each time he had the ball. Showed desire and commitment to the cause with the way he tracked back and helped out the defense on several Indonesia counterattacks. Delivered the ball that Bahdoran poked home for the equalizer in the first half.

Misagh Bahadoran 7 – Deployed on the wing again, but also had a spell playing up front, putting Indonesian defense on its heels. Showed good instinct and movement in booting home Schrock’s fine delivery.

Manny Ott 6.5 – Tested the Indonesian goalkeeper with a curling strike after the Azkals conceded. Still instrumental for the Azkals, going forward, but didn’t influence the game as much as he liked unlike previous matches.

Mike Ott 6.5 – Looked lively going forward, but ran out of ideas on numerous occasions and lost the ball. Still one of the better technical players in the side and should be more influential as he develops understanding with other attacking players.

Kevin Ingreso 6 – Supported the attack on the left well, but struggled to cope with the speed of Andik Vermansyah.

Amani Aguinaldo 6 – Showed good fight against Boas and Lerby, but once again left exposed as the Azkals pushed more men forward. Still could have done more in organizing the defense.

Jeffrey Christiaens 6 – Made a couple of crucial challenges, which shows he is growing into his role in only his second game in the position.

Pika Minegishi 6 – A quiet evening for the winger after sparkling against Singapore. Dribbled past defense on a couple of occasions but there was always the feeling that he could have done more in picking apart the defense.

Martin Steuble 5.5 – Caught out of position and gave up the foul that led to the free kick. Beaten in the air by the much bigger Aryanto for the opener, although Younghusband was also culpable in allowing the Indonesian to peel away to the area. Looked comfortable as the much went on and played a key role in building attacks out of the back.

Iain Ramsay 5.5 – Although he has scored three times since making his debut last year, Ramsay has yet to break out in his first Suzuki Cup. Another subdued performance on the left side after coming on for Minegishi in the 55th minute.

Mark Hartmann N/A – Got a needless booking for a foul on the Indonesia keeper. Although he fought well against the Indonesian defense as the Azkals chased the game, Hartmann has yet to assert his presence as the Azkals’ supposed target man.

OJ Porteria N/A – Looked off the pace in the first minutes when he came on as it was his first competitive match in many months. But his activity and movement allowed the Azkals to keep the ball and take the game to the Indonesians.