Azkals lose shot at Suzuki Cup title after second loss to Vietnam in semis

FILE: “It wasn’t to be for our boys. We bow out of the Suzuki Cup, 4-2 on aggregate.” (Photo: Azkals (Philippine National Football Team)/Facebook)

It was an unsuccessful night for the Philippine Azkals as they exit out of the running into the AFF Suzuki Cup finals after surrendering to Team Vietnam last Thursday, December 6 at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.

The score ended at 2-1 with the game goalless in the first 82 minutes. However, on the 83rd minute, Quang Hai fired with an easy goal that excited their Vietnamese home crowd. Soon after, “Vietnam’s Messi” Nguyen Cong Phuong, decided he was not going to disappoint The Golden Dragons’ supporters and came out with his own shot at the 86th-minute mark. The Philippines tried to answer back, with substitute James Younghusband converting a corner kick into a penalty shot success, but it was not enough for them to receive that “miracle in Hanoi” that the Azkals had been hoping for, referring to the last time the team beat Vietnam in 2010. For Team Philippines it was difficult from the beginning as their 18-man lineup was down by two with midfielder Manny Ott and keeper Michael Falkesgaard both injured.

Team captain Phil Younghusband shared, “It’s not easy for everyone and I think that everyone showed how hard they’ll fight for the team, fight for the Philippines,” when referring to the fourth time the Philippine representatives missed their chance at a finals appearance. The official Azkals Facebook page added, “It wasn’t meant to be for our boys. We bow out of the Suzuki Cup, 4-2 on aggregate.”

Besides winning their 14th game in a row on their home court, Team Vietnam is now preparing themselves to compete against Malaysia for the tournament’s finale. The first game is happening on December 11 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

For Team Philippines, coach Sven-Goran Erikkson officially closes his first run with Azkals as head of the coaching staff.