PH Azkals absorb heavy defeat to start World Cup qualifying bid | Inquirer Sports

PH Azkals absorb heavy defeat to start World Cup qualifying bid

By: - Reporter / @cedelfptINQ
/ 09:33 PM September 05, 2019

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippines failed to capitalize on an early advantage as it absorbed a heavy 2-5 defeat to Syria last Thursday night at the start of second round of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers at Panaad Stadium here.

Javier Patiño gave the Azkals a dream start with a header in the 6th minute, but the home side struggled to cope with the Syrians’ vaunted attack the rest of the way.

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Omar Al Soma bagged a brace while Faris Al Khatib, Khaled Almbayed and Mahmoud Almawas also found the back of the net for the Syrians who took the lead in Group A on goal difference ahead kf Maldives which beat Guam, 1-0, earlier.

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The Azkals started with three at the back with Alvaro Silva in the middle flanked by Martin Steuble and Daisuke Sato.

Angel Guirado got a start in his return to the national team, pairing up with Patiño up front. The partnership immediately paid off with Guirado flicking the ball to Patiño to head the opener.

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But Syria quickly responded with Al Soma firing a header past Falkesgaard before Almbayad’s shot from a tight angle gave the visitors the lead. Al Khatib struck from the spot in the 48th minute after a handball on Daisuke Sato. Al Soma got his second with another header before Mike Ott pulled a goal back for the Azkals six minutes from time.

Almawas put the outcome beyond reach with a clinical finish in the 86th minute as the Syrians grabbed maximum points.

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TAGS: Football, Philippine Azkals, Sports

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