By Celest R. Flores - INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines was held to a stalemate again—this time a scoreless draw versus host Chinese-Taipei Sunday night in the Long Teng Cup.
The Azkals will need a dominating victory over Macau Tuesday as they are now lodged in third place with two points behind leaders Taiwan and defending champion Hong Kong, each with four points points buoyed by separate wins.
It was Fil-German goalkeeper Roland Mueller, debuting for the Azkals in the four-nation tournament, who showcased quality performance as he tirelessly thwarted all the goal attempts of the more aggressive Taiwanese side.
Muller salvaged the Philippines, which allowed the Taiwanese to slip past countless times for a shot on goal, with his timely saves.
The Azkals struggled to get in the rhythm on the attack early in the match marred by poor officiating and nasty defending, and then saw all of their clear-cut chances at a goal saved by Taiwan.
The Philippines came close to scoring when striker Phil Younghusband received the ball in the box with only the keeper to beat, but found his attempt foiled.
The Azkals opened up the competition in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with an unsatisfying 3-3 draw to Hong Kong Friday where they conceded a goal at the last minute.
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