The Philippine Azkals received praise from their former coach for their gallant stand against AFC Challenge Cup champion North Korea on Friday.Simon McMenemy said the Filipino squad showed improvements in its game despite its 2-0 loss to the Koreans at the Halchowk Stadium in Nepal.
“In reality, a strong result for the Azkals. This year's 2-0 loss is a 2-2 draw in two years and maybe a 2-0 win in 4 years. Onwards,” McMenemy said through his Twitter account.
The Koreans displayed better ball handling than the Nationals, but the persistent Filipinos still managed to hold the defending champions scoreless in the first half.
The speedy opposition eventually wore down the Azkals. The game ended 2-0 in favor of the Koreans.
Team captain Aly Borromeo, who stayed home due to injury, said the game actually showed that the Azkals progressed.
“We just played a World Cup team and lost only by 2 goals! We are moving forward! DPR never changed their stride going forward, they are absolute machines!” he tweeted.
Borromeo believes his teammates will fare better in their upcoming game versus former champion India.
“Strong feeling the boys will bounce back against India,” he said. via ABS-CBNnews.com