Azkals defeat Guam, 4-1

By Adrian Stewart Co

After earlier falling 5-2 to Syria during the second round opener of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds, the Philippine men’s football team, the Azkals, bounced back with a 4-1 win over Guam yesterday at the Guam FA Field.
Striker Ángel Guirado opened scoring in the seventh minute, which was followed up with a goal five minutes later by former Ceres-Negros FC forward Patrick Reichelt.
Guam nearly scored in the 25th minute but the attempt was foiled by Azkals keeper Michael Falkesgaard.
The Philippines then nearly made it 3-0 but striker Mark Hartmann’s shot struck the crossbar.
Azkals forward Javier Patiño and Stephan Schröck, midfielder for Ceres FC, were also unsuccessful with their attempts.
The Philippine side went into halftime up 2-0.
Into the second half, Guam earned a penalty opportunity after the Azkals’ Carli de Murga, a Ceres-Negros FC defender, was fouled in the box. Striker Marcus Lopez successfully converted the penalty, making it a one-goal match.
However, four minutes later, Schröck got his goal and put the Philippines up 3-1.
Azkals midfielder John-Patrick Strauß later made it 4-1 in the 81st minute.
The Philippines next plays China on October 15./ASC, WDJ