Philippine Azkals have once again proved that they were a team to reckoned with in Asia by salvaging a draw at 3-3 against powerhouse team Hongkong. Azkals were trailing on the early minutes not until Phil Younghusband scored a goal through a penalty kick.
Philippine Azkals mainstay Chieffy Caligdong played a superb football by knocking in two goals on his name giving the Philippine team an early advantage of 3-2 during the second half. Chieffy one of the most relialbe native born Filipino footballer had showed his tremendous ball handling skills by subduing its defenders and scoring two goals for the Azkals.
The only problem by the Philippine Azkals was the goal that was conceded after a free kick which was saved by newcomer goalkeeper Roland Muller but was followed up by another Hongkong player who rolled the ball easily to the net for the equalizer at 3-3.
Hongkong was actually ranked higher compared to the Philippines according to the latest ranking published by FIFA last September. Hongkong ranked 10 ranked higher than the Philippines. Hongkong ranked at 156 while the Philippines ranked at 166.
During the Philippine Azkals game against Hongkong, German Coach Weiss used a 4-4-1-1 formation for short p(–foul word(s) removed–)ing technique between each players. A better offensive weapons and faster counter attacking options. At the early stages of the game the Azkals were still adjusting on defense therefore conceding two goals for Hongkong.
The Philippine Azkals team competing for the 2011 Long Teng Cup were a mixture of old and new faces for Philippine football. Their line-up were composed of veteran players from the seniors team and the U-23 team members bound of the Jakarta Sea Games.
Starting for the Azkals vs. Hongkong were Roland Muller (GK); Oliver Poetschke, Roel Gener, Aly Borromeo, and Matthew Hartmann (back four); James Younghusband, Carli Martinez de Murga, Jason de Jong, and Chieffy Caligdong (midfield), and Angel Guirado and Phil Younghusband (forward).
Meanwhile here is the video replay and highlights of the game:
Philippine Azkals vs. Hongkong:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhEL1P4qKFc[/youtube]