Asian Cup Match 4: Philippines On Point With Win Over Tajikistan

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2020.

Asian Cup Match 4: Tajikistan v Philippines

Philippines On Point With Win Over Tajikistan

January 3^rd, 2020

Tajikistan 0 Philippines 2

 

Two first-half goals helped the Philippines in their first Asian Cup match against Tajikistan.

 

John-Patrick Stauß had an early attempt that needed Rustam Yatimov to save it well. Minutes later, Curt Dizon thought he had scored when he received the ball front and centre of goal, only to it the woodwork. Stephan Schröck stepped up in an attempt on goal, but his vital volley from a cross missed. Striker Àngel Guirado had a good shot.

 

With these, the Phillipines kept up the pressure, and that pressure turned into two goals. From Guirado’s attempt resulting in a corner, it was Schröck that scored as the ball came across the packs forming in the box. Schröck then set up Guirado right before the break, as Guirado led onto the ball. He easily slotted it beyond Yatimov and helped give his side that two-goal buffer.

 

Needing to peg them back, Tajikistan went on the attack early, with Jahongir Ergashev having a true peg, only for Neil Etheridge to parry it straight to Alisher Dzhalilov. The Tajik player, however, muffed a great chance to score. The ball fell to Ergashev again. This time Carli de Murga blocked the shot, and the Philippines grew in confidence, knowing their back five would hold true.

 

Ergashev was moved to the main striker role, and his grass cutter of a shot straight after just missed the mark. But with less than a half hour left, Tajikistan felt the game slipping away. The remainder of the game petered out, giving the Philippines the perfect start to their campaign.