Soccer Extreme : The Philippine Azkals’ unbeaten run has come into a halt after meeting Team Indonesia in the first leg of the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup semifinals.The Indonesians scored 1-0 to claim the first semifinal match against the Filipino booters at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Cristian Gonzales (pict) of Indonesia made the goal in the 31st minute.
With 80,000 Indonesians plus Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono watching live at the venue, their loud cheers definitely helped Team Indonesia to play their very best and win over the Azkals.
It was the first time the Azkals lost a game in this year’s Suzuki Cup. In the qualifiers last October, the Filipinos beat Timor Leste, 5-0, then drew with Laos (2-2) and Cambodia (0-0). They went on in the quarterfinals to score a 1-1 draw against Singapore and a 2-0 win over defending champion Vietnam. The Azkals eventually qualified for the semifinals by drawing with Myanmar, 0-0.
Filippine, Philip Younghusband (blue)The Philippines still has the chance to redeem itself from the loss to Indonesia in the second leg set on December 19. It can still win the tie if it scores a 2 goal difference in the second leg. The Filipinos next semifinal game against the Indons will also take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. (ABS-CBN)