Just Four Things: South Korea Vs. Philippines

Credits: The National

Azkals Hold Their Own

It’s pretty much expected that Philippines will crowd their own final third. They were deep, but not too deep and they looking to catch South Korea on the counter. And credit to The Azkals, it nearly worked for them. They made life for the heavy favorites difficult for them and given the skill level between them, who can blame them for doing this? it was clear what Sven Goran Eriksson was going to do.

The defensive shape Philippines had frustrated the Taegeuk Warriors, forming at least two lines of players in a considerable distance to stop them from getting the ball forward. The front line stopped the midfield from getting the ball forward, forcing the forwards to come down and provide additional support. But as time went on, it was all hands on deck for The Azkals to cut out danger in any way they can to try and win a point. And keeper Michael Falkesgaard provided a few good stops, notably a point-blank save to deny Hwang Ui-Jo a second goal.

Heck, they even had a proper go in attack a few times. It was a valiant and disciplined effort, but sadly, all of it was in vain as The Azkals got off to a losing start in their maiden Asia Cup campaign.

Cut The Sloppiness

The difference between that Asian Games’ match and this one was that South Korea looked far more inspired and creative. They made 719 passes overall to just 100+ of Philippines. But occasionally during the match, the Taegeuk Warriors was guilty of misplacing passes when it looked so promising. Koo Ja-Cheol and Jung Woo-Young were examples of culprits doing this often.

At some times early on in the match, they looked a tad clueless to break down a stubborn Philippines defence. It was only about midway through the second half when they finally making some convincing headway. So it didn’t take long for them to finally make the breakthrough after Hwang Hee-Chan’s cutback found Hwang Ui-Jo to finish superbly with a snapshot.

But for a team like South Korea, it’s baffling that they keep wasting their possession like that. They can be thankful that in their eyes, it’s only the Philippines, who only had around 20% possession in the whole match. Against any other top side, they will be punished.

Solid As A Rock

Alvaro Silva was not as memorable as he would’ve hoped to be during his spell at Kedah last season. So can you imagine how many people in Malaysia watching this match scratching their heads whether it was the same player they just watched. Alvaro was definitely the best player for Philippines in this match with a great defensive performance.

Alvaro was everywhere in his own box. He really got in to deny whatever chance South Korea had. It was a brave display by the ex-Kedah defender and he bullied Hwang Ui-Jo and co by getting physical with them. So you can imagine his frustration when Ui-Jo’s shot went in despite his best efforts to stop it. He was forgettable in the entire 2018 Malaysia Super League season, so Kedah has to wonder where was this Alvaro when he was in their ranks. The entire defence line did well to thwart South Korea, but Alvaro stood out among all of them.

Patino’s Resilience

Not far behind Alvaro though was forward Javier Patino. Despite having prolific goalscorer Phil Younghusband in their disposal, Eriksson opted for Patino to start. No wonder he was chosen as the main striker.. Patino looked like a threat whenever The Azkals have the ball rolling in South Korea’s half.

He never gave up trying to make the move going forward, even if he was facing a few South Korean defenders. He launched a warning shot when Daisuke Sato’s daft long ball found the Buriram United forward. Patino then launched a volley first time that forced South Korea keeper, Kim Seung-Gyu to an equally great save. He was so persistent that he caused two South Korea players to foul him and earn yellow cards much to their annoyance. It was one of these persistent runs that gifted him another chance in the second half, but he failed to wrap his foot around the shot that made it easy for Seung-Gyu to handle.
Given that he is with Buriram for his second spell (Both of which has been terrific) and a great stint with Chinese Super League outfit, Henan Jianye, we really shouldn’t be surprised that he caused the South Korea defence to think about what he is capable of