By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Philippine Azkals suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of China in the joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at the Sharjah Stadium in United Arab Emirates.

Second half goals by Chinese star Wu Lei and Wu Xinghan became the difference maker as China tightened its hold on second place in the group with 13 points, behind Syria, which is way ahead with 21 points.

The national men’s football team, on the other hand, remained at third spot with seven points but have formally ended their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes, but still has a shot at the third qualifying round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Aside from the defeat, the Azkals also sustained injuries from its players with defender Michael Kempter getting elbowed by an opponent while Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo’s Kenshiro Daniels suffering a hamstring injury.

Regardless, the Azkals had their opportunities early in the game with Mark Hartmann having two good chances but his first shot was too tame and cleared easily while his header was saved by China’s Yan Junling.

Chinese, however, managed to take the lead in the second half as Wu Lei converted a penalty at the 57th minute after being fouled by Azkals’ goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann.

The Chinese doubled the advantage at the 65th minute mark as Wu Xinghan was left undefended by the Azkals defense allowing him to convert from close range.

The Azkals only had one decent look at the goal in the second half when Hartmann found Patrick Reichelt, who got into a nice position but his cross to Angel Guirado was just past the striker.

The match also served as the baptismal of fire for Azkals head coach Scott Cooper’s new call ups in defenders Kempter and Jefferson Tabinas midfielder Mark Winhoffer.

The national men’s football squad will look to bounce back from the China defeat when they face Guam on Friday evening (10:00 p.m.) at the same venue./ASC, WDJ