Azkals blast Laos in AFF Suzuki Cup

Matches Tuesday (My Dinh Stadium)

4 p.m. - Indonesia vs Philippines

7 p.m. - Laos vs Vietnam

HANOI – The Philippine Azkals survived the ambush prepared by upset-conscious Laos and chalked up a 4-1 victory to start off their bid in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 last night at My Dinh Stadium here.

Despite conceding the first goal of the match, the Azkals reasserted their might and turned things around with Simone Rota (40’), Phil Younghusband (45+1’) and sub Patrick Reichelt (76’ and 88’) scoring to secure the full three points for Phl in Group A.

With the win in what coach Thomas Dooley described as an important game, Phl XI boosted its confidence heading into the next match against Indonesia Tuesday.

“It’s important to start the tournament by winning the first game. When we got the first goal, we looked okay,” said Dooley

The Azkals controlled possession from kick off but couldn’t find the mark. Worse, they even found themselves playing catch-up 21 minutes into the match.

A foul by Juani Guirado allowed Khampeng Sayabuth to fire a brilliant free kick to the left corner as the Laotians took charge, leaving Pinoys stunned.

But with Jerry Lucena organizing the attack on the midfield, the Azkals rebounded with goals from Rota and Younghusband late in the first half to seize the upperhand, 2-1.

Rota attacked Manny Ott’s corner and headed the ball to the bottom corner as Phl drew level. Younghusband later delivered a header off a Lucena cross – his 41st international goal – to put the Azkals in front.

Reichelt provided energy when he came off the bench to relieve Mark Hartmann at the 65th.

Working on a fine delivery from Younghusband, Reichelt fired a low shot to the back of the net to make it a two-goal lead. He completed a brace two minutes before final whistle as Phl finished with a flourish.

“Overall, I think we have 25 minutes where we really struggled in the first half. As expected, the first game of a tournament is always difficult. But the rest of the game, we created chances,” said Dooley.

 Since their breakout in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, the steadily progressing Philippine Azkals have got to live with the high expectations and pressure from their legions of fans, who anticipate a milestone championship no less, as well as from themselves.

“There’s always pressure to win a tournament. Ever since 2010, people think we can go on and win the World Cup,” admitted team skipper Rob Gier.

The Pinoy booters are back on the grounds of Hanoi, the very site of their milestone semifinal stint four years ago, a feat that sparked their rise to prominence.