Azkals advance to second round of World Cup

MANILA— The Philippine national football team barged into the second round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time in history with a stunning 4-0 shutout of Sri Lanka in the 2014 Fifa round one qualifying leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Saturday.

The Philippines, popularly known as the Azkals, peppered Sri Lanka with goals courtesy of star strikers Phil Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong and Angel Guirado.

Younghusband, who evem hurt his hamstring in the away leg in Sri Lanka, scored on a penalty kick in the 57th and the  Caligdong struck a goal to open up the scoring in the 19th minute while Guirado tripled it in the 51st.

The Fil-British Younghusband has been on the attack since the get go, despite a muddy and slippery pitch, but his early shots either sailed wide or gathered by the agile Sri Lankan keeper.

The Philippines’ second goal was first called off side, but was officially counted after a huddle by the referees.

Midfielder Fil-German Stephan Schrock, who lost his cool in a scuffle and skipper Aly Borromeo were booked for their second yellow card of the entire leg.

Schrock and Borromeo will be suspended in the next game of the Azkals as per FIFA regulations.

Heavy rain met the kickoff of the second leg between the Azkals and the Red Braves at the 77-year-old stadium in Manila.

But that did not stop the Azkals from totally dominating the match, a far cry from the 1-1 draw in Sri Lanka last Wednesday.

“The Philippines is a much, much better team today,” said Sri Lanka coach Jang Jung of the Azkals.

The Azkals will meet Asian powerhouse Kuwait in another home-and-away match on July 23 and 28. Inquirer