Philippine Azkals head to Asia 7s semifinals with rout of Vietnam

Members of the Philippine Azkals 7s.

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia—The Philippine Azkals barged into the semifinals of the Asia 7s Championship here after a 10-3 victory over Vietnam in their quarterfinal match Friday at EV Arena Elmina.

Mark Hartmann delivered four goals in an emphatic result that sent the Azkals two wins shy of capturing the second edition of the international 7-a-side competition that features seven other countries.

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Arnel Amita and Patrick Grogg, who both play for One Taguig in the Philippines Football League, each produced a brace while Stephan Schrock and Jed Matthew Francisco also scored for the Azkals.

The Philippines was scheduled to face Hong Kong at posting time for a spot in the final against either defending champion Japan or host Malaysia.

Hong Kong beat Brunei, 2-0, in the quarters to set up a rematch of their Group B match with the Philippines on opening day.

READ: Philippine Azkals beat host Malaysia in Asia 7s

The Azkals defeated Hong Kong, 6-1, in their first meeting.

The win over Vietnam came hours after the Philippines rolled past India, 9-2, to wrap up the group phase unbeaten in three matches.

Misagh Bahadoran and Grogg each scored two goals in that contest.