Halftime: Kuwait takes 1-0 lead vs Philippine Azkals

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine national football team nearly opened up the scoring before yielding an early goal to trail behind Kuwait, 0-1, at halftime of the second round, first leg of 2014 World Cup Qualifiers Sunday.

Yousef Nasser of Kuwait scored on a header in the 18th minute, shortly after attempts by strikers Chieffy Caligdong and Angel Guirado to give the Azkals the away goal edge met the crossbar.

Phil Younghusband also had several clear early attempts in the 16th and 29th minute, but was outrightly denied by the Kuwaiti keeper.