MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals outclass Nepal, 4-0, in their friendly match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. Phil Younghusband scored 2 goals for the Philippine squad, while his brother, James Younghusband, and Matthew Hartmann struck the 2 other goals.
Phil's first goal, which came off a pass by Paul Mulders, pulled the hosts ahead, 1-0.
In the 29th minute, James rifled in a long-range strike that nutmegged a Nepalese defender and evaded the outstretched arms of the opposing goalkeeper.
It resulted in the Azkals enjoying a 2-0 advantage, but the goalfest didn't end there.
Phil struck his second goal in the 54th minute that sent the Filipino crowd in a cheering frenzy.
The Nepalese squad almost pulled one back in the 61st minute but Filipino-British goal keeper Neil Etheridge was keen on a clean sheet.
Phil nearly pulled off a hat trick with his attempts in the 65th and 67th minute.
He later delivered an assist for Hartmann, who scored the Azkals’ 4th goal in the 88th minute.
The Azkals displayed brilliant ball handling, enjoying majority of the possession against Nepal.
It was a fitting rebound for the Filipino squad, which recently lost to Singapore, 0-2.
The Azkals hope that their performance against Nepal will raise their FIFA world ranking.
Nepal is ranked 135th in the world, while the Philippines is placed 166th.
