China’s Wu Xi (C) and Al Kesen (L) view for the ball with Philipines’ Stephan Schrock during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification football match between between China and Philippines at the Sharjah Football Stadium in the Sharjah in the UAE on June 7, 2021. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals fell to China, 2-0, in the joint 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers Tuesday (Manila time) at Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
After an encouraging first half of play, the Azkals yielded two goals following intermission.
Chinese star Wu Lei converted on a penalty in the 56th minute before winger Wu Xinghan padded the lead in the 65th minute.
China’s players Wu Lei and Zhang Linpeng celebrate after scoring during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification football match between between China and Philippines at the Sharjah Football Stadium in the Sharjah in the UAE on June 7, 2021. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP)
The loss delivered a big blow to the Azkals’ World Cup bid. The Philippines remained in third place in Group A with seven points with a 2-1-3 record.
Second-running China, on the other hand, boosted its chances to advance with 13 points (4-1-1).
The Azkals, who had a long layoff before the match against China, take on Guam on Friday.