The Azkals were on tamad mode. They are far, totally far, from the form that got them the nice wins over Laos and Indonesia.The Filipinos ran into an inspired and determined Vietnam side 3-1 on Friday in Hanoi. The result saw both sides going through the semis with Vietnam topping group A with seven points and the Philippines finishing runner-up with six points to show. It was a virtual no bearing contest for the Philippines having qualified three days before after winning over Indonesia 4-0. Thus, the loss only impacted the placing of the Azkals that is poised to meet a dangerous Thailand side next week in the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan for the first leg of the two-legged semis. However, the loss exposed the chink in the armor of the top-ranked Azkals on defense. Missing the services of top defense specialist Juani Guirado due to a hamstring injury, the pressing defense of the Azkals and a high-octane counter was absent last night in Hanoi. Coach Thomas Dooley and the rest of the coaching staff needs to find a suitable replacement for Guirado at the back four. Alvaro Silva, the Fil-Spanish center back plying his trade in the Gulf area, is expected to fill the vacuum.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:49:33 +0000
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