Philippines thrash Timor-Leste 7-0 in second Suzuki Cup game
Philippine forward Patrick Reichelt scores one of the seven goals against Timor-Leste in the group stages of the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup on Dec 11, 2021. (Photo: SPORTFIVE)
SINGAPORE: Philippines won big in their second game at the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup as they beat Timor-Leste 7-0 on Saturday (Dec 11) in the Group A tie at the National Stadium in Singapore.
The Azkals took a 6-0 lead in the first half with goals from Martin Steuble, Amin Nazari, Angel Guirado, Patrick Reichelt, Jesper Nyholm and Bienvenido Maranon.
The first goal came in the 21st minute as Steuble's left-footed shot from distance flew into the goal off the hand of goalkeeper Aderito.
Ten minutes later, a cross from Stephan Schrock found its way to Nazari, whose shot slipped through the fingers of the keeper.
Aderito was once again beaten from close range as Guirado’s header made it 3-0 in the 35th minute.
Reichelt struck the next goal five minutes later before Jesper Nyholm scored his first international goal and made it five. Maranon also claimed his first Azkals goal during stoppage time.
In the second half, Kevin Ingreso joined the scoring party to make it 7-0 in the 78th minute.
Philippines' coach Stewart Hall hailed their performance, saying the team did exactly what they set out to do.
“I’m obviously pleased with the result, I set the players three targets: Firstly win the game, secondly score goals and thirdly get in front early because I wanted to make changes and use substitutes." said the Englishman.
“We started strong and fast, pressed them high up, moving the ball quickly, got crosses in and we got the result so we achieved all of our objectives.”
The result means the Philippines rank second in Group A with 3 points after two games. Timor-Leste remains at the bottom of the group with three defeats and 11 goals conceded.
Coach Fabio Maciel said the side was much better in the second half after the introduction of some of their rotated regulars.
“It’s difficult to explain and I don’t like to blame the players but the first half was shameful and the so-called senior players have to take responsibility for that. In the end I needed to bring the younger players on to try and change things and stop this shame," he said.
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