What Went Right For The Azkals?

Everyone is still riding high on the euphoria of the Azkals' 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka's Brave Reds. In fact, the Azkals that showed up for yesterday's game seemed totally different from the ones that played 5 days ago.

It's time to break down what went right for the Azkals in this game.


An active Guirado and Schrock. Guirado finally found his groove and facilitated the defense in a way only he can. Several times, Guirado made the extra through pass or the reverse pass to get the Sri Lankan defense off balance, leading to bad spacing a extra chances from the wings. Schrock was also very involved on both offense and defense, breaking up several plays and reeling off several long runs that kept the Brave Reds back on their heels. It's a pity that he was unable to rein in his competitive fire, earning a second yellow card and possibly missing the match against Kuwait.

Phil Younghusband playing like Phil Younghusband again. Phil is the team's most lethal scorer and he certainly showed why in this game. Early on, he flubbed several chances, looking nothing like the Phil we know, until he pounced on a Sri Lanka error and crossed the keeper to score an easy goal. After that, it was like the floodgates were opened for Phil, as his kicks became stronger and more spot on and he became more aggressive in pursuing balls on the open field.


Stout, hard defense. Hats off to Ally Borromeo, Rob Gier, Paul Mulders and Anton del Rosario. They were brillaint in this game, barely giving the Sri Lankans any room to breathe. There were no silly mistakes this time around and they pwned the Sri Lankan forwards so hard those guys barely ventured into the box.

Brilliant technique. ladies and gents, that is how football should be played. Deft one touch passes, pinpoint long  passes, long runs with pass-backs, quick through balls and good tackling, you name it, the Azkals did it. Coach Weiss technical expertise was showcased brilliantly in this game.

That being said, it doesn't mean that the Azkals will have an easy time with Kuwait, their opponent in the 2nd round of the World Cup qualifiers. But that's an issue we'll tackle in the weeks to come.

For now, let us bask in the glory the Azkals have reaped for our country.

SALAMAT, AZKALS!