Monday, July 4, 2011

Azkals vs Sri Lanka World Cup Qualifiers Results

The Philippine Azkals vs Sri Lanka Brave Reds' FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Game 1 match which was held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka ended up in a draw, 1-1, on June 29th.


Philippine Azkals vs Sri Lanka Brave Reds Game 2 Highlights | Courtesy of "dakerdz" of Youtube, Studio 23

Having the hometown advantage and thousands of fans and supporters cheering for them in Game 2 which took place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines on July 3rd, the Azkals successfully made a total of 4 field goals and did not allow the Sri Lankan team to score. The victory gave the Azkals a 5-1 aggregate score, allowing them to advance to the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers where they will be facing a Middle East football powerhouse, the Kuwaiti team.

Kuwait currently ranks 102nd in FIFA Rankings, while, the Philippines is at 159th. The Philippines vs Kuwait World Cup Qualifiers opening match will be held on July 23rd in Kuwait. The second leg will take place in the Philippines on July 28th.

Meanwhile, Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III released a statement on the Azkals' historic victory against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Check it out below:
The entire nation was thrilled by the victory of our very own Philippine Azkals. I join our people in celebrating their 5-1 aggregate win over Sri Lanka. Truly, there is no place like home, as those gathered at the Rizal Memorial and who gathered before their TV sets today experienced.

This victory allows our team to move on to the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers. To the Philippine Azkals, may the teamwork you displayed today on both sides of the pitch lead to more than just future victories; may you continue to inspire our youth to pursue teamwork, and the true spirit of sportsmanship that, win or lose, inspires excellence on and off the field—for if the Filipino people can work together, and if we can make the most of our inherent creativity and skill, then our victories as a country can extend far beyond the football pitch.

I urge you to continue to bring our countrymen together and give them even more things to be proud of. I wish you the best of luck against Kuwait!
Congrats, Azkals! :D