Sunday, July 3, 2011

...the World Cup Dream

Philippine Azkals 4, Sri Lanka 0


By Celest Flores, Mark Giongco
INQUIRER.net
 
Philippines' Philip James Younghusband, right, , kicks the ball past Sri Lanka's Dilki Wewalage, on his way to score another goal during a preliminary round qualifying match between Philippines and Sri Lanka for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Manila, Philippines, Sunday, July 3, 2011. The Philippines trashed Sri Lanka with a 4-0 homecourt victory watched by thousands of screaming Filipinos who braved a downpour in a Manila stadium.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
 
MANILA, Philippines — The World Cup dream is on for the Philippine Azkals after they shut out Sri Lanka, 4-0, in the second leg of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers round one at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Sunday.

The Philippine team moved to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time in this country’s football history and will meet Kuwait in another home-and-away match on July 23.

The Philippine Azkals peppered Sri Lanka with goals courtesy of star strikers Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong and Angel Guirado.

Younghusband, who hurt his hamstring in the away leg in Sri Lanka, scored on a penalty kick in the 57th and the 43rd minute.

Caligdong struck a goal to open up the scoring in the 19th minute while Guirado tripled it in the 51st.

The Fil-British Younghusband have been on the attack since the get go, despite a muddy and slippery pitch, with his shots either sailing wide or being gathered by the Sri Lankan keeper.

The Philippines’ second goal was first called off side, but was officially counted after a huddle by the referees.

Midfielder Fil-German Stephan Schrock, who lost his cool in a scuffle and skipper Aly Borromeo were booked for their second yellow card of the entire leg.

Schrock and Borromeo may be suspended in the next game of the Azkals as per FIFA regulations.

Heavy rain met the kickoff of the second leg between the Azkals and the Red Braves at the 77-year-old stadium in Manila.

But that did not stop the Azkals from dominating the match.

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