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Torrential rains did not stop the Philippine Azkals from prevailing 5-1 over Chinese Taipei on the opening day of the PFF Peace Cup.
Azkals skipper and defender Rob Gier was at the goalmouth at the right time to boot in the home side’s first goal of the tournament on the 25th minute. This was his first international goal for the country.
Not long after, Misagh Bahadoran sent a cross from the left wing to unmarked midfielder James Younghusband, who sealed the 2-0 half time scoreline.
Heavy rains started pouring in the 55th minute, followed by bursts of lightning on the 57th minute. This prompted match officials to suspend play for two thirty minute periods, as per international regulation.
After inspecting the newly renovated pitch made of artificial turf, match officials eventually resumed play.
Goal scoring for the Philippines ensued in the 65th minute, when a failed clearance attempt at the Azkals’ goalmouth led to an own goal by Chen Yi Wei.
Mark Hartmann bolstered the lead in the 74th minute after taking advantage of a flat-footed Taiwanese defense at the goal mouth.
Not to be outdone, the visiting side answered back after a few minutes minutes, when unmanned #22 pushed a goal in past a stunned Roland Muller. It was revealed later that it was #22’s first international goal in his 1st cap for Chinese Taipei.
Hartmann, the leading scorer in the UFL completed a brace in the 74th minute, as both teams were succumbing to fatigue.
“I would have put him (Hartmann) up front if i didnt beliece he could score goals,” said Azkals head Coach Thomas Dooley.
This was Dooley’s first win on Philippine soil as the Azkal’s helmsman. “It feels great, although a clean sheet would have been better,” he said.
The Azkals will face Myanmar in the Finals on Saturday at 7PM, while Chinese Taipei and Palestine will battle for third place at 4pm.
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