Manila Bulletin

AFC ASIAN CUP PH Azkals lose to China, 3-0

- — JONAS TERRADO

Game Wednesday

(Rashid Stadium, Dubai)

9:30 p.m. – Kyrgyzstan vs Philippine­s

The Philippine Azkals conceded two sensationa­l goals by Wu Lei before suffering a 3-0 defeat to China in Friday’s AFC Asian Cup match at the Mohammad bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Wu struck the opener in the 40th minute before adding a second with a sensationa­l volley off goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaar­d in the 67th to virtually deal the Azkals a second straight loss in their maiden appearance in the region’s biggest football competitio­n.

Substitute Yu Dabao added a third goal in the 80th as China booked a spot in the round of 16 with its second consecutiv­e victory following its 2-1 triumph over Kyrgyzstan last Monday.

“We forgot about Wu Lei,” said Eriksson, as quoted by the AFP.

Eriksson coached Wu during his spell with Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG.

“If you do that he will punish you and he did with two great goals,” he added.

The Azkals face a must-win situation on Wednesday against Kyrgyzstan in Dubai to keep their slim hopes of becoming one of the four best placers after the group stage.

Kyrgyzstan fell 1-0 to South Korea in the other Group C match.

“We paid a heavy price but we are not home yet. We still have hope – but small hope, probably,” Eriksson said.

Eriksson’s side entered the match coming off a gritty display in a 1-0 defeat to South Korea in Dubai, but Wu capitalize­d on every defensive gaps by the Azkals to set the tone for China’s strong showing.

Wu’s floated a one-touch attempt into the far corner to break the ice, but his second was even more impressive when he volleyed a free kick past Falkesgaar­d.

The Azkals had little chances to score, with Javier Patino’s attempt off a counteratt­ack was blocked by a Chinese defender. Kevin Ingreso tried to equalize before halftime but his shot was deflected.

Eriksson lost in the match against China coach and good friend Marcelo Lippi, who guided Italy to the World Cup title in 2006.

 ??  ?? RAY PARKS JR.
RAY PARKS JR.

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