The Philippine Azkals had failed to bring the victory after they lost to Kuwait Al-Azraq with score 3-0. The Azkals were not able to defend the midfield and the back line due to the absence of Azkals two defenders, Borromeo and Shrock. Another factors is the heat that scourges up at least 44 degrees centigrade although the game was held at night.
The Philippine Azkals use a 4-5-1 formation with Chieffy Caligdong playing at center and the team captain. The 4-5-1 formation uses 4 defenders, 5 midfielders, and lone striker. Angel Guirado moved to the left wing and a tactic making any offensive to have difficulty in attacking.
First half of the game, the Azkals have shown a heart of a tough team to beat. Their determination and good defence was enough to contain the more talented Kuwaitis to only one goal. The Kuwaiti’s have scored from a counter-attacked. Yousef Nasser had scored for Kuwait during the 18th minute through a header.
The 2nd point scored by Kuwait happened at around 68th minute, which was dubbed as a a controversial goal. From a corner, headed by a Kuwaiti and blocked by Neil, the ball drops to the ground in front of the goal chipped in from a scrambled. Goal for Kuwait scores 2-0.
At around 85th minute player #11 from Kuwait takes time to set up and shot just outside the box and slips passed Neil at the bottom left corner. Weak defense was the reason why the ball had just passed against four Azkals defenders. Kuwait scored their third and last goal settling the score to 3-0 in favor of Kuwaiti's Al-Azraq.
Highlights of the First Half Azkals vs. Kuwait:
Here is the highlights of the 2nd Half Azkals vs. Kuwait:
Coach Michael Weiss said: "In Manila, we will give Kuwait a very tough fight.". Team Manager Dan Palami also is confident that they would be able to beat Kuwait in the home court. The next game will be scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The Azkals needs to score a four goals in order to qualify for the next round. If ever the Azkals can score only 3 goals another extension will be made to determine the winner.
