Azkals nip Hong Kong in friendly

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A 33rd minute header from James Younghusband and a brilliant 69th minute penalty save from Neil Etheridge lifted the Philippine Azkals past Hong Kong, 1-0, in their FIFA International Friendly game on Tuesday, June 4.

The Loyola Meralco Sparks skipper put the national booters ahead 12 minutes before the end of first half after heading the ball past the far right corner of the Hong Kong goal.

Central to the goal is Bundesliga spitfire midfielder Stephan Schrock who created the chance by crossing the ball in the box. A Hong Kong defender tried to clear but saw his attempt go high, allowing the older Younghusband to capitalize in the air.

The second half saw the Hong Kong booters coming to life, creating chances and putting the Azkals on the back foot.

But Hong Kong’s attempts were no match to Neil Etheridge’s quality.

The Fulham reserve keeper showed his Premier League quality by saving every attempt Hong Kong delivered, especially the penalty kick in the 69th minute.

Center back Juani Guirado clipped a Hong Kong player inside the box who was making a run which led to the penalty. The elder Guirado was booked for a yellow card.

Guirado’s best chance came in the 79th minute when he attempted a bicycle kick inside the box but his shot went skyhigh.

Etheridge stood tall in the dying minutes of the game saving clear cut chances from Hong Kong in the 86th, 88th, 91st and 92nd minutes.

The 1-0 scoreline in Mong Kok Stadium marks the first win of the Philippines against Hong Kong in recent football history. – with reports from Lean Santos/Rappler.com