The Philipine National Football Team was caught flat-footed by the lowly Laos team and scored a 2-1 win over the Philippine Azkals. The ranking isn’t important with the outcome of the game as the Azkals were shocked with the defeat against the lower ranked Laos.
Yisay Phaphouvanin scored a penalty at around 53rd minutes of the game after he was fouled by Rob Gier inside the box. The foul was then seconded by goalkeeper Neil Etheridge at around 79th minute and sent Laos to penalty in which they converted both.
Rob Gier on the other hand scored a goal for the Philippine Azkals after a long throw made by Jason Sabio in the injury time after the Azkals were really exhausted for playing against a team which was determined to score a win against the Philippines and protected their unbeaten record against the Azkals.
For the entire first half of the match the Philippine Azkals found it difficult to contain the young but determined Laotians. Laos was able to take a shot from target while the Philippines was empty handed although they have shots but were clearly off target.
At the beginning of the second half the Azkals made changes on its line-up by fielding Misagh Bahadoran and resting Chieffy Caligdong. The Laotian team on the other hand made four changes including the goalkeeper.
Kanya Kounvonga made a penalty from a foul made by Gier to Visay Phaphouvanin at around 52nd minutes. Neil Etheridge was sent the wrong way on his defense with the goal and Laos scored a goal.
One of the most controversial scene during the game against Laos was one of the Laotian player actually punched Misagh in his face as he tangled with him off the ball. The referee didn’t see it, and only gave one player a card for dissent.
After the first controversial incident, Schröck and Sabio got stuck into Keoviengphet Liththideth who reacted badly to a tackle. Some of the players jumped in and a melee ensued as players starting pushing and punching against each other. The Laotian TV crew smartly focused the camera on the crowd and not showing what really happened on court.
The details of the melee was still unknown for some time but eventually sent off Misagh Bahadoran. It is still unclear whether the referee or the officials from FIFA will review the unsportsmanlike conduct made by a Laotian player to Misagh Bahadoran.
The Philippine Azkals ended their ASEAN Tour with a total of 1-1-0 records, winning only once against Singapore, losing to Laos and drawing with Cambodia.
UPDATE: According to FIFA, the referees during the match were not recognized by FIFA, therefore the win by Laos was invalid. It will not affect the Philippines rankings.
