Stephan Schrock’s final match in the Philippine Azkals shirt did not go to plan as the home side folded to Indonesia 2-1 in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022, Monday, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Hoping to start fast against the Indonesians, the Azkals sought to break the deadlock early in the game. Schrock and Kenshiro Daniels had their attempts on goal but they failed to meet the back of the net.
The away side, though, was more clinical. The Merah Putih first gained the lead thanks to Dendy Sulistyawan’s header in the 21st minute.
Indonesia then doubled its cushion in the 42nd minute courtesy of Marselino Ferdinan’s close-range finish.
Come the second half, the Azkals were determined to salvage something from the game. Substitute midfielder Sandro Reyes had a sniff at goal for the Filipinos, only for substitute stopper Syahrul Trisna Fadillah to perform a fine save.
Another substitute, Jens Rasmussen, was able to head the ball home in the 83rd minute to give the Philippines light at the end of the tunnel.
Ultimately, there was no last-minute miracle this time around. Rasmussen had another attempt in stoppage time, only for it to go straight to Fadillah’s hands.
As Schrock’s international career came to an end, there were more questions as to where the Azkals will go from here after suffering yet another disappointing campaign in the regional competition.
The Philippines ended its campaign with three points on the back of one win and three losses.
In contrast, Indonesia made it to the semi-finals with 10 points behind three wins and one draw.
Philippines XI: Pinthus (GK), Lyngbo, Tabinas, Daniels, Bias, Aguinaldo, Schrock ©, Rontini, Minegishi, Hartmann, Menzi.
Indonesia XI: Argawinata (GK), Ridho, Ferdinan, Ramdani, Sulaeman, Sulistyawan, Arhan, Mangkualam, Kambuaya, Aryanto, Klok.
