PH Azkals stun North Korea with late comeback

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine men’s national football team completed an endgame comeback to stun the fancied North Korea, 3-2, in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup second round qualifiers on Tuesday, March 29, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Azkals, needing 3 goals to stay alive in the qualifiers, came alive late in the second after a deflating sequence bridging the two halves saw North Korea net two goals for the 2-1 edge.

James Younghusband instantly provided much-needed spark off the bench late in the second half as the Azkals claimed back momentum for good.

Manny Ott capped off a beautiful sequence and show of teamwork with the equalizer at the 84-minute mark.

As North Korea gasped to keep running alongside the Azkals, Iain Ramsay sent the ball straight to the net for the game-winner at the 89th. The Philippines held on and sealed the deal in the extra 3 minutes.

The second seed North Korea, which advances to the next round, scored its two goals during added time of the first half and in the early moments of the second. – Rappler.com