Philippines, China play to 0-0 draw

The Philippine men’s national football team, the Azkals, held China to a scoreless draw last Tuesday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City in the second round of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds.

“Every player from the bench, throughout the week, has been unbelievable,” said Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge.

Both Etheridge and his Chinese counterpart, Yan Junling, who plays for Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG FC, denied several attempts throughout the match.

However, China came close to breaking the deadlock in the second half after Espanyol winger Wu Lei misfired an attempt in the face of goal.

The Philippines remains third in Group A, while China fell to second place after Syria took sole lead of the group following their 4-0 win over Guam.

The Philippines next plays the Maldives next month, November 14./ASC, WDJ