Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8) – Two goals in the second half propelled China to beat the Philippine Azkals, 2-0, in their joint 2022 FIFA World Cup-2023 Asian Cup qualifying match on early Tuesday morning (Philippine time) at the Sharjah Stadium in United Arab Emirates.
The victory by China is a big blow to the Philippines’ hopes of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Azkals are now at third place in Group A, but they still have a chance to qualify in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Wu Lei, the second all-time top goal scorer in Chinese Super League history, delivered China’s first goal by converting a penalty kick during the 56th minute. Lei was awarded with a penalty after he went down in a collision with Azkals goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann inside the box.
Chinese left winger Wu Xinghan scored China’s second goal in the 63rd minute with a left-foot shot off a cross from Tang Miao.
In the first half, the Azkals had two chances to score from forward Mark Hartmann but his attempts went way off the goal box.
The Chinese showed their might against the Filipinos by controlling most of the ball possession at 71%, taking the most shots at 13-4, and free kicks (20-12) and corners (10-2) committed. The Azkals also gave up more fouls (20-12) along with three yellow cards from Carlie de Murga, Jarvey Gayoso, and Oliver Bias.
Azkals team captain Stephan Schrock rued the team’s failure to pressure the Chinese booters after they scored their second goal.
“In the first half, we had better chances. The penalty threw us off and the second goal, eight or nine minutes later, obviously we’re not very happy and we’re not efficient physically and also not active in preparation for counter and bringing China to danger anymore,” Schrock said in a post-game interview.
The Scott Cooper-mentored Azkals will next face Guam on Friday night and Maldives on the night of June 15.
