No winning send-off for Schrock

MANILA, Philippines — Indonesia denied the Philippines and retiring skipper Stephan Schrock a go-out-with-a-bang moment in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, beating the Azkals, 2-1, Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

First-half goals by Indonesia’s Dendy Sulistyawan (21’) and Marselino Ferdinan (43’) proved too much to overcome for the youth-laden Filipinos, who wrapped up their campaign with their third loss against a lone win for three points and fourth overall in Group A.

Indonesia, with 10 points (three wins and one draw), advanced to the semifinals as group runner-up behind fellow 10-pointer Thailand, which took the top spot on superior goal difference, 10 against nine. The defending champion War Elephants sealed their group win via a 3-1 conquest of Cambodia in Pathum Thani.

It was not the ideal ending for the new-look Azkals, who were looking to finish strong and give Schrock a winning send-off.

“Obviously we wanted to win before finishing the tournament. I thought we gave a good fight and the performance was something we can all be proud of regardless of the result,” said the Fil-German veteran, who in one of his final acts set up Sebastian Rasmussen for the 82nd-minute strike that gave the team and 2,370 home supporters a sliver of hope.

Schrock, 36, performed his final duty as a national team player after 11 years, 57 caps and six goals.