Azkals roar to semis, rout Indonesians

HANOI – The Philippine Azkals returned to the scene where it all began, exacting sweet revenge over their tormentors as they pulled off a decisive 4-0 victory over Indonesia-- their first in 80 years – and clinched a semifinal berth in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 at the My Dinh Nationa Stadium here yesterday.

Playing with fire in their eyes and showcasing a fluid passing game, the Azkals put the Merah Putih on the backfoot most of the way en route to the vengeful four-goal verdict over their conquerors in the 2010 semis and a 2-0 card in Group A.

With six points after two matches, the Pinoy booters assured themselves of a Final Four seat with a match to spare in the group stages. They play host Vietnam Friday night.

Indonesia, which had never lost to the Phl in the Suzuki Cup and previous other meetings since a Filipino victory way back 1934, remained with one point after the first-day 2-2 draw with host Vietnam.

“It was an excellent performance from everyone – from the goalkeeper to the left forward to the two subs who came in. You can’t play better in the situation that we’re in,” said a proud and pleased Azkals coach Thomas Dooley. “We controlled the game from the beginning and we even had chances to score more but I’m happy with the 4-0 (result).”

It was a stirring victory that embellished the Azkals’ return to the Hanoi turf where they shocked the best in the region in 2010 with a semifinal finish, a feat that sparked the Azkals-mania back home.

The Azkals got their opportunity 14 minutes in when Misagh Bahadoran drew a foul from Merah Putih captain Firman Utina inside the box. Phil Younghusband stepped in and beat Kurnia Meiga Hermansyah in his spot kick for a 1-0 cushion and his 42nd international goal.

Phl sustained the charge in the last 45 minutes against the uncharacteristically slow-footed Indons, who were down to 10 men with the sending off of Rizki Rizaldi Pora at the 72nd.

Manny Ott (51’), Martin Steuble, (68’) and sub Rob Gier (78’) took turns at netting it home as the Phl beat Indonesia for the first time in over 80 years.

“I was told we made records and stuff but to me, what’s more important is we reached the semifinals and now we have to prepare for our last game (in the group) against Vietnam and that’s an important game,” said Dooley.

Indonesia mentor Alfred Reidl admitted his ill-prepared wards were simply overpowered. “It was a match between a fit against an unfit team. From the first minute they were fresher, were running faster and moving better.”

But there was a price to pay as veteran Juani Guirado, who started at center back, limped out 12 minutes into the match, clutching his hamstring. He might be out for two weeks. Patrick Reichelt twisted his knee and Amani Aguinaldo hurt his knee, too.