MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals practically kissed their 2022 FIFA World Cup aspirations goodbye after absorbing a 0-2 loss to China at the resumption of the WC second round qualifiers early yesterday (Manila time) at Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
After initially holding the Chinese to a scoreless stalemate, the Azkals conceded two goals in a nine-minute span in the second half to get stuck at third and way behind the top two teams in Group A.
The Pinoy booters only have seven points to show on two wins, a draw and three losses and couldn’t catch up with unbeaten Syria (21 on seven wins) and China (13 points on 4-1-1) even if they sweep Guam and Maldives in their remaining outings. The Chinese can seal No. 2 with a victory against Maldives on Friday.