Philippines vs Iraq in the Fifa World Cup/Asian Cup qualifiers at Rizal Memorial Stadium. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine men’s football team’s chances of progressing into the World Cup Qualifiers suffered a massive blow after a 5-0 defeat at home to Iraq on Tuesday before a big crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Hopes of replicating or even exceeding the narrow loss five days earlier to the same team in Basra disappeared when Aymen Hussein scored a penalty for the Iraqis 14 minutes into the contest.
Iraq scored two more in the first half courtesy of Amir Al-Ammari in the 30th and a second Hussein goal in the 36th before former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal and Zaid Tasheen found the back of the net after the break to deal the Philippines its worst beating in the qualifiers.
READ: PH men’s football team drops close loss to Iraq in World Cup qualifiers
Coach Tom Saintfiet’s home debut ended with the team, formerly known as the Azkals after new management decided to strip off the famous moniker, still languishing at the bottom of Group F with one point after four matches.
Philippines’ goalkeeper Neil Etheridge n the Fifa World Cup/Asian Cup qualifiers at Rizal Memorial Stadium. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Next for the Filipinos are two away matches in June to conclude the second round of the qualifiers against Indonesia and Vietnam.
A loss in either game practically relegates the Philippines into the third round of the qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup.
READ: PH coach Saintfiet sees ‘Surprise in Manila’ happening
Indonesia and Vietnam were playing the other group match as of posting time, with the result to determine the second placer after the second qualification window.
Iraq boosted its hold on top spot in the group with its fourth win in as many matches for 12 points.