The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Azkals promised victory on home soil and they delivered. History unfolded at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex today after the Philippines secured a ticket to the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after beating Sri Lanka 4-0.

Azkals gained an early lead in the 19^th minute after Chieffy Caligdong slotted a goal past Sri Lanka's goal keeper Manjula Fernando. A goal less draw could have been enough to book them a spot in the second round but the Azkals indeed played their best before the home crowd estimated at more than 13,000.

The Philippine side dominated the game, played on full attack against the Brave Reds, preventing the opponents to score. Coach Hans Michael Weiss fielded the same starting line-up that played in the first leg in Colombo.

The second goal for the Philippines by Phil Younghusband in the 43^rd minute almost did not count after Sri Lanka protested it due to a foul called on Younghusband by the assistant referee. Sri Lanka's coach Jang Jung said the referee made a mistake by allowing the goal but gave no further comments on the officiating of his fellow Korean. Jang said the Philippines played well today. "Our team is a young team, this is a learning process for us," the Korean coach said.

Angel Aldeguer Guirado, a second division player from Spain, again showed his striking skills and scored a clear goal from a pass by James Younghusband in the 50th minute.

Sri Lanka's fate was sealed after the elder Younghusband again scored from a penalty kick in the 57^th minute. Younghusband was named Man of the Match but was rushed to the hospital immediately after the game due to severe cramps.

Fil-German Stephan Schrock and team skipper Aly Borromeo might miss the first match against Kuwait after they were booked for their second yellow cards. Based on rules, players with two yellow cards cannot play in the succeeding match.

Weiss said the team will face greater challenges ahead especially against the stronger Kuwait. The team is set to train in Bahrain in the coming weeks to prepare for Kuwait, a recognized powerhouse in Asian football.

Photos by Edna Villanueva. Some rights reserved.