AFTER losing its opener, the Philippines bounced back strong with a 7-0 thrashing of Timor-Leste in Group A of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2020 last Dec. 11, 2021, at the Singapore National Stadium in Singapore.
The Azkals dominated early and had a commanding 6-0 lead at halftime.
Martin Steuble scored the opening goal in the 21st minute. Amin Nazari scored his second goal in the tournament with a goal in the 31st minute. Four minutes later, veteran striker Angel Guirado added a third goal for the Philippines. Patrick Reichelt, Jesper Nyholm and striker Bienvenido Maranon scored in the last five minutes of the first half.
Kevin Ingreso added insult to injury and scored one more goal for the Azkals in the 78th minute.
With the win, the Philippines moved up to third place with three points behind second place Thailand and first place Singapore.
The Azkals will be in a very important match with Thailand on Dec. 14, 2021. The Philippines needs to beat Thailand if it wants to advance to the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup.
Thailand is coming off a 4-0 win over Myanmar.