Azkals outplay Guam, regain confidence

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals stormed to a 4-1 rout of Guam yesterday to get back on track in the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup yesterday at the Guam FA National Training Center in Dededo.

Angel Guirado, Patrick Reichelt, captain Stephan Schrock and John Patrick Strauss took turns breaching the Matao’s defense as the Azkals rebounded from their 2-5 opening setback to Syria last week and put themselves in the board in Group A hostilities.

With three points, the Filipinos drew level with idle Syria and opening-night winner Maldives on points as of presstime. They now shift focus to the game against China on Oct. 15 over in Bacolod.

“It was a tough game but this is very positive for us. We can build from this win and look forward to China, try to get the win again,” said Azkals midfielder Martin Steuble.

Fil-Spanish striker Guirado proved he deserved to get a return stint with the team, drawing first blood just six minutes in with a fine header off a cross by Schrock.

Guirado then turned provider six minutes later, feeding Recheilt for the tap in and a 2-0 head start for the Philippines.

The Matao got a lifeline in the 65th as Marcus Lopez cashed in on a penalty kick off a foul by Carli de Murga inside the box. But the Azkals countered with two more goals to finish the home side off.

Pouncing on Guam’s faulty buildup near the half-line mark, Schrock dashed to the edge of the box and ably beat Dallas Jaye for a 3-1 cushion at the 71st before Strauss made good on his own 1-v-1 situation 10 minutes later to net his first international goal and seal the deal.