For the Philippines Azkals, the result against Singapore was utterly disappointing. Nonetheless, the players are keen to remain positive as they go against dark horses Indonesia tomorrow evening.
Playing with an extra man advantage for most of the match, the Azkals pummeled their Singaporean counterparts with opportunities to break the deadlock. The Filipinos recorded eight shots on target versus Singapore’s zero and obtained 65 percent of ball possession. But the most important statistic was the goals tally and the Singaporeans kept it level come full time.
“Of course we are disappointed that we didn’t score. For me it was like they were happy with the draw.
“After they got the red card, they played with time. They wasted time,” scoffed goalkeeper Roland Müller.
Unable to make a save in a game wherein the opponents didn’t look to score, Müller liked what he saw in front of him and was just frustrated his teammates had failed to produce the final ball needed to punish a Singapore team that was there for the taking.
“We created chances but we didn’t score. If we scored, I think it would be clear 3-0,” the 28-year-old goalkeeper remarked.
Mike Ott, who made his competitive debut for the Azkals, added to what Müller said. The Nürnberg II midfielder expressed disbelief over not turning their chances into goals.
“We’re not happy with the result. It’s 0-0. Just disappointed that we didn’t score a goal,” he reckoned.
Moving forward, the younger Ott would like to think the team had played satisfactorily in terms of ball movement and is hoping to make better use of it tomorrow.
Prior to the tournament’s start, there had been concerns surrounding the team’s defensive shape. When asked about his thoughts on the backline, Müller thought they were in good shape but hinted the game was not the best one to assess the state of the back four.
“The defense, it was not a big deal. They [Singapore] didn’t have so many chances against us. We made a good job but we didn’t have so much work.”
A bigger test certainly awaits them against the Indonesians and Müller is aware of the importance of getting the result on Tuesday. “We want to win every game and we have to [win every game] now. So we will do our best and we will win,” he vowed.
