Azkals head home with eyes set on next prize

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals made Filipinos proud once again after their performance in the recently concluded third PFF Peace Cup, which came to a close last Saturday with the national team placing second against the hungry team of Myanmar in an exciting final match.

It was a good start for the Philippines’ national football team as they triumphed over Chinese Taipei in the semifinal round with a leaping lead of 5-1. Mark Hartmann led the squad with a brace, while team captain Rob Gier and James Younghusband also scored goals to assure their place in the finals. While trying to block a shot, Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yi Wei scored a goal for the Azkals, raising the lead of the Philippines.

However, the finals round proved to be more challenging as expected. The fans at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and the 2.5 million people who watched on ABS-CBN Sports+Action and Balls Channel have witnessed the close and heart-stopping match against Myanmar. The tight battle resulted in two 15-minute extensions where the Nationals stayed true to their “Sugod Azkals” battle cry and continued to fight with all their heart.

Throughout the match, Daisuke Sato and Phil Younghusband strived and went all out to deliver good plays scoring two goals for the team. Myanmar closed the tournament with a tight score of 3-2 and taking home the Peace Cup crown.

With their resilient attitude, the Azkals are already getting ready to charge towards more challenges that are well on the way.

The Azkals continue their battle in international matches scheduled in the coming months, particularly this November in Southeast Asia’s biggest tournament, the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup. This year’s competition will be hosted by Vietnam and Singapore.

In full support of “Sugod Azkals”, ABS-CBN Sports+Action will be airing the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup.

With ABS-CBN Sports+Action airing the matches and with the undying support of the fans, the Azkals will surely feel more inspired and encouraged to attain victories during the AFF Suzuki Cup and to improve their current highest FIFA World Ranking of 128th place.

Fans can further show their support and charge alongside the Philippine Football Team with the official “Sugod Azkals” shirt, now available at the ABS-CBN Store and online at www.abs-cbnstore.com/