Feature:

AZKALS: Who let the dogs out?

By Pepin

It was a vicious canine battle!

Filipino football enthusiasts flocked Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City to witness the gruelling match between the Philippine’s Azkals Team and Mongolia’s Blue Wolves in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) challenge cup.

Everything started with a welcoming atmosphere between the two teams, but the rough dog battle in the field heated up the tension and the people can’t rest on their seats to behold every moment of it.

The first thirty minutes turned out to be monotonous, with football fans expecting more from both teams. The Younghusband brothers of the Azkals played a powerful defense, and so are the vicious members of the Wolves.

Both teams, however, suffered from a lopsided aim, off-beamed head bounces, and a number of technical faults. The Philippine team was also threatened with an open goal for several times, while the rival team was denied to make any goal and one of its member was out early in game after receiving two yellow cards.

But it was near the end of the first half when the stadium roared the loudest after Emilio Caligdong made the first goal for the Azkals. His powerful body tap and kick trick to deliver a memorable goal wasn’t handled easily by the other team’s defense.

The second half ignited a greater excitement. The Wolves realized their need to score a goal and they became tougher on their guard. On the other hand, Ian Araneta and Anton Del Rosario of the Philippine team displayed more frustrated attempt to pass a goal over the rival team’s vigilant keeper.

Every second was vital for Mongolia and they played harder in the field. They shifted with greater speed and surprised the Azkals with a defense from behind. But all of that didn’t stop Phil Younghusband from making a second goal that blow the final whistle.

It was two to nothing, and the Azkals team proved that it was just too much to handle.