Azkals play Nokor to scoreless draw

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals scored a big hit on enemy territory, holding rampaging North Korea to a stunning 0-0 draw to stay alive in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers yesterday before a shocked crowd at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang.

Ranged against taller, stronger rivals cheered on by 50,000 supporters, the Azkals bravely stood their ground and parried the relentless assault of the Chollima, especially in the second half plus the eight-minute added time, en route to sharing the spoils with the Group H leaders.

With the famous result, the Azkals improved to seven points on a 2-1-1 win-draw-loss card, overtaking Uzbekistan (six points) which was playing Bahrain over in Manama at presstime.

The Chollima failed to get the full points for the first time after three successive wins but maintained their hold of the lead with 10 points.

“It was a very difficult game. North Korea has physical, tall players and with all the long balls, it was difficult,” Azkals coach Thomas Dooley said during the post-match presscon.

The Nationals entered the match the overwhelming underdogs as they came off a humbling 1-5 setback to Uzbekistan, a side that the North Koreans clobbered, 4-2, when they faced off last June.

But the Pinoys were determined to make the most out of this rare trip to the reclusive state.

“The team fought and never gave up. This is definitely better than the Uzbekistan game. It keeps us alive. I’m very happy with the way we played,” said Dooley.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge stood at the forefront of defense, making timely saves on waves upon waves of North Korean attack. Amani Aguinaldo, Luke Woodland and Jerry Lucena provided solid support at the back.

There will be no rest for the weary, though, as the Azkals shift focus on another away game on Tuesday against Bahrain in Manama.

The Pinoy booters are scheduled to take a flight today to Beijing, where after a 15-hour layover, they will fly to Manama via Abu Dhabi.

The Azkals will seek to reassert their mastery of Bahrain, which they previously upstaged at home, 2-1, when they go at it again in the return match.