Azkals crush Nepalese, 4-0

The Philippine Azkals didn’t play their best but still scored a 4-0 rout agaimst the Nepal Tigers in an international friendly game last night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Looking for redemption after losing to Singapore 0-2  also in a friendly game last Friday in Singapore, the Azkals attacked early as planned but met a solid wall in Nepal’s defense.

After several attempts, Phil Younghusband finally found the back of the net with a cross from the right wing at the 17th minute of the ballgame.

The first goal was followed by several more attempts by the Azkals, who couldn’t seem to close their plays.

But James Younghusband followed his younger brother’s lead and scored a goal at the 29th minute of the match with a flick of his right foot from the left, just outside the penalty box.

The first half ended with the Azkals leading 2-0.

In the second half, Nepal tightened its defense to a point of employing rough play but Phil Younghusband once again took the lead to score a goal at the 55th minute.

Matthew Hartmann came in with less than a few minutes left but he did not waste the few minutes of play he was accorded after he wrapped up the Philippines’ rout of Nepal with the team’s fourth goal at the 89th minute.

Coach Hans Michael Weiss fielded in winger Chieffy Caligdong, who emitted cheers from the crowd every time his feet  touches the ball.

However, the Iloilo native failed to score a goal and had to be carried out of the pitch on a stretcher after he seemed to have re-injured his leg.

The Azkals were missing the services of Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado, who sprained his ankle during their match with the Singaporeans.

The Nepalese were ranked 135th in the world before this match. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON