Breaking news: RP scores greatest upset in AFF history
IN what is billed as the greatest upset in Asean football history, the Philippines shocked defending champion Vietnam, 2-0, in front of their jampacked crowd at the My Dinh National Stadium in the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Philippines, which lost to Vietnam in their last encounter back in 2002, now leads Group B on goal difference. RP has four points with a win and a draw. Singapore, which scored a last-minute goal to beat Myanmar, is second with four points but has conceded two goals to RP’s one.
Vietnam, which seemed headed for a sure semis seat after a 7-1 win over Myanmar, is third and must beat Singapore in its last game to make the semis.
The Philippines will take on Myanmar on Wednesday and only needs a draw to advance to the semis for the first time.
Vietnam dominated ball possession and had the advantage in shots on goal almost four to one.
But it was the Philippines who had the clearest opportunity. Ian Araneta’s header and followup hit the side netting and in the 38th Chris Greatwich glancing header between two defenders trickled to the far post.
Neil Etheridge flirted with disaster after catching the ball outside the box—with no Vietnamese player near him---and was carded. Fortunately, Vietnam botched the free kick.
In the second half, Vietnamese started strong but RP’s back four held on. Content to let Vietnam control the ball, the Philippines put premium on defense, putting nine sometimes 10 men behind the ball.
Etheridge, too, was a key figure, collecting crosses and beating the Vietnamese strikers in through-balls. He also had a brilliant reflex save from point-blank range which preserved RP's then one-goal advantage.
In the rare chances they got to the other side, the Azkals were menacing. Ian Araneta missed from point-blank range after beating the keeper, while Philip Younghusband's effort from close range was parried off.
However, the ball went straight to the Philippines and Philip got another chance.
This time, he made it count.
After getting the ball from inside the box, he pivoted once then deftly sent a left-footer past the keeper for the second goal of the match in the 78th.
“This is the greatest upset in AFF history!” one of the commentators was saying near the end of the match.
The Philippines, which lost to Vietnam in their last encounter back in 2002, now leads Group B on goal difference. RP has four points with a win and a draw. Singapore, which scored a last-minute goal to beat Myanmar, is second with four points but has conceded two goals to RP’s one.
Vietnam, which seemed headed for a sure semis seat after a 7-1 win over Myanmar, is third and must beat Singapore in its last game to make the semis.
The Philippines will take on Myanmar on Wednesday and only needs a draw to advance to the semis for the first time.
Vietnam dominated ball possession and had the advantage in shots on goal almost four to one.
But it was the Philippines who had the clearest opportunity. Ian Araneta’s header and followup hit the side netting and in the 38th Chris Greatwich glancing header between two defenders trickled to the far post.
Neil Etheridge flirted with disaster after catching the ball outside the box—with no Vietnamese player near him---and was carded. Fortunately, Vietnam botched the free kick.
In the second half, Vietnamese started strong but RP’s back four held on. Content to let Vietnam control the ball, the Philippines put premium on defense, putting nine sometimes 10 men behind the ball.
Etheridge, too, was a key figure, collecting crosses and beating the Vietnamese strikers in through-balls. He also had a brilliant reflex save from point-blank range which preserved RP's then one-goal advantage.
In the rare chances they got to the other side, the Azkals were menacing. Ian Araneta missed from point-blank range after beating the keeper, while Philip Younghusband's effort from close range was parried off.
However, the ball went straight to the Philippines and Philip got another chance.
This time, he made it count.
After getting the ball from inside the box, he pivoted once then deftly sent a left-footer past the keeper for the second goal of the match in the 78th.
“This is the greatest upset in AFF history!” one of the commentators was saying near the end of the match.
Comments