The Philippine Azkals made a historic victory as they defeated the Middle Eastern powerhouse team, Bahrain with the final at 2-1, successfully making their first step in its long journey towards the 2018 World Cup dream. The game was held in one of the country’s most advanced football field, the Philippines Sports Stadium in Bulacan.
Watch the Highlights of the Azkals vs. Bahrain:
The country’s national men’s football team, considered by some football enthusiasts as the strongest line-up the Philippines have ever assembled, stood toe-to-toe against the more experienced and fancied Middle Easter side, Bahrain in the first half of the ball game.
Filipino-Iranian footballer Misagh Bahadoran broke the spell for the Azkals as he scored a goal at the 51st minute of the game courtesy of Fil-British striker Phil Younghusband assist.
China-based striker and Filipino-Spanish striker Javier Patino added another goal for the Philippine Azkals at the 59th minute of the game for a commanding 2-nil advantage as the Azkals dominated the rest of the way keeping the visitors at bay, but Bahrain managed to score a goal in extra time for the final results of 2-1.
The victory of the Philippine Azkals is the first-ever win against Bahrain in international play, giving the Philippines three points in Group H of the FIFA World Cup Second Qualifying Round which also features powerhouse Uzbekistan, North Korea and Yemen.
The second qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup features a home-and-away matches, the top two squads in the group will move on to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
