Philippines Hold on to Victory against Maldives and Tied with China in Group A of FIFA 2020 World Cup Qualifiers!
Photocredit : Philippines Football Federation
As the FIFA 2020 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asia region is ongoing and approaching the mid matches, teams are hungry for racking up points to solidify their position in the standings. In order for a team to qualify to the next round of the qualification, teams need to be placed in top 2 teams of each group in which Philippines needs to win their match against Maldives to contend the top 2 standings.
Its a long road for the Philippines knowing that top caliber teams China and Syria are into the group, with a lot expecting these two teams to win. Philippines, Guam, and Maldives on the other hand are expected to be eliminated in Group A.
But after Philippines held a draw against China at home (0-0), they had the chance to battle the top 2 position considering the fact that China lost against Syria too making them have only 7 points in 4 official matches (2-1-1). This makes the Philippines in an inspired form knowing that if they'll win against Maldives, they will tie with China in total points after four matches (2-1-1). Their win against Guam, a tie with China, and their recent win against Maldives become a turning point for them to hope for the best in the qualification.
Photocredit : sports.inquirer
Right now, China leads only in goal difference. This is an important group stage because it isn't only considering the 2022 World Cup, but it will give an automatic spot for the 2023 Asian Cup. This means that if Philippines perform well in this group stage and they'll get eventually the top 2 spot (because Syria now has 12 points in 4 games, difficult to beat). They will have a ticket to be qualified for the Asian Cup, something they want to prove they can be on par with top teams after a failed run in the recent Asian Cup 2019.
Now talking about the match, it was Ian Ramsay on the 2nd half opened the scoring after great build up in the left flank in which he was left open after a chip from Strauss, making him comfortable place his kick that Maldives keeper couldn't handle.
Photocredit : abs-cbn sports
The second one was heroic, it was Patrick Strauss who battled himself courageous to get back the ball. As a defender, he managed to contest the ball in the opponents penalty box and was able to hustle. When the ball was cleared outside the box, stroke by Ramsay but hit on the goal post, then was followed up by Patrick Reichelt with a header but was chipped in by the Maldives keeper's hand before Patrick Strauss made a followed up that made the goal.
It was 2-0 at the end of the 90 minutes and a little bit concern on the dying minutes of the injury time when Maldives were able to score. Glad there was no follow up goal made by Maldives that made Philippines escape with a win.
The Philippines will be playing against the mighty Syria on November 19 in the Middle-East where a huge delegation of Filipinos working abroad will surely be supporting the Azkals. They need to strategies their flaws on the defensive line especially the Syrians taking advantage of Daisuke Sato's height where it became a concern for the Philippines when they played against them.
Photocredit : Philippines Football Federation
For more football updates and sports related talks, click the "Follow" button and support me by clicking that upvote button.
