The constantly improving and supremely confident Azkals of the Philippines hosted their second leg against Sri Lanka to kick off the day in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Having already begun to sell tickets to the second round in spite of the aggregate score being knotted at one apiece, the Philippines had many expectations placed upon their backs.However, what the fans received from the Azkals may have surpassed even their dreams. Emelio Caligdong (pictured, #13) opened the account. Recently injured Phil Younghusband (pictured, left) returned with a vengeance as he knocked home a brace with a goal in the first half to send it to the break 2-0 and one in the second half to seal the match at 4-0. Rohana Ruwan Dinesh was sent off for Sri Lanka late in the second half for his second yellow card. The 5-1 aggregate victory for the Philippines sends them on to the second round to face 2011 AFC Asian Cup participants Kuwait in what amounts to a winnable series for the Philippines. The Azkals advance beyond the first round for the first time in their history.
Mongolia was coming off its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a 1-0 result in their home leg. Myanmar was not so keen on becoming the biggest upset victim of the first round, however, and set their sights on overcoming the one-goal deficit in the aggregate tally. A scoreless first half certainly did not give the Myanmar fans any reason to celebrate. The hour mark came and went. Then, the breakthrough. Myanmar scored to even the aggregate at 1-1. Just when it seemed extra time was in store, Myanmar scored five minutes from time to garner a 2-0 victory on the night and a 2-1 victory in the series. Mongolia lost Ochbayar Olzvoi to his second yellow during added time, adding insult to their crushing defeat.
Myanmar will face Oman in yet another winnable second round series, but like the Philippines, Myanmar will enter as underdogs when qualifiers resume July 23.
Goals:
Philippines
Emelio Caligdong 19 (pictured, #13)
Phil Younghusband 43, 57 PK (pictured, left)
Angel Guirado 51
Myanmar
Soe Pai 61
Mai Aih Naing 85
Match Reports:
Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFP5AVQfkeU (Philippines v. Sri Lanka)
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