Azkals Take On Laos

MANILA, Philippines — Perked up by their memorable 2-0 win over Singapore last Friday, the Philippine Azkals hope to close out their three-nation tour with a bang as they collide with Laos on Monday at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.

Led by Chieffy Caligdong and Stephan Schrock, the Azkals face the hosts at 7 p.m. at the Laotian capital in their first meeting since their 2-2 draw in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup qualifying stage.

In that match, the Filipino booters rallied from a 2-0 deficit with James Younghusband scoring the equalizer in extra time to force a tie. That feat eventually propelled the Azkals to the group stage where they clinched a semifinal berth – also a first for the country.

Coach Michael Weiss still considers Laos as a very dangerous team but with the way his boys played against the Singaporeans he expressed confidence of closing their three friendly games on a high note – even without brothers James and Phil Younghusband.

The Younghusbands immediately flew back home after their game to commemorate the first death anniversary of their mother.

Weiss was particularly happy with the brilliance displayed by Caligdong, Younghusband and Schrock.

Caligdong and Phil scored to help the Philippines beat Singapore, 2-0, at Jurong West Stadium in the Lion City.

The win over Singapore was the country’s first since 1972, thus making their feat the more impressive.

It was also a nice bounce back from Wednesday's scoreless draw with Cambodia where the Azkals blew a number of chances to score in the rain-drenched affair held in Phnom Penh.

Caligdong's eighth-minute goal set the tempo for the Azkals victory.

Younghusband tagged on one more to add some cushion to the lead – big thanks to Schrock’s gutsy effort.

source: mb.com.ph