The Philippine Azkals failed to secured the Top Spot on Group A as they were defeated by the more determined Vietnamese team who were inspired with the huge crowd turn out during the Friday’s AFF Suzuki Cup matches held at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Philippines was defeated with the final score at 1-3 in favor of Vietnam.
With the victory of the Vietnamese national football team, the ranked at the No. 1 spot and will face the second-ranked team in Group B of the tournament while the Philippines will face the top seed of Group A, which is probably Thailand, the current leading team in Group A.
The Azkals managed some possessions with the ball but the counter attack and superb defense of the Vietnamese hold the Azkals strikers to attack the goal. The lone goal for the Philippines during the match against Vietnam was courtesy of subsitute Paul Mulders who scored a goal during a follow up struggle made by Vietnam.
During the Azkals game against Vietnam, they just needed at least a draw to top the Group A, but they failed to score a win against the former Suzuki Cup Champion.
The Philippines also played without the service of defender Juani Guirado and striker Patrick Reichelt who sustained injuries in the game against Indonesia.
The Philippines next game will be against the top seeded team of Group B. In the Suzuki Cup Semi-finals match, the game will be scheduled as a home and away game. The first game of the Azkals will be held in the Philippines while the second game will be held at the homecourt of their opponent.
Watch the Highlights of the Philippines vs. Vietnam:
