Unfortunately, the Philippine Azkals lost against the Turkmenistan Green Men in the semi-finals a few hours ago with the score of 2-1 at hand. Not only that but James Younghusband and Angel Guirado were suspended from this game because of the two yellow cards they have picked up through the tournament. I'm betting a couple of girls out there cried when they heard it in the news. I did. No, not because Angel Guirado was sent out. I cried because James was. :(The game began with a goal from Phil Younghusband, the fourth goal he has put in the back of the net in the tournament, scoring at the 25th minute, heading a ball in that was sent through the field by Paul Maulders. Phil earned the title of highest goal scorer in the AFC Challenge Cup, I'm betting a few Asian clubs are eying him now for that.
Turkmenistan showed some mad skills out in the field. They dominated possession both in the first half and the second. Turkmenistan's player, Arslanmyrat Amanov scored the equalizer, kicking the ball in from long distance at the 80th minute. You can really see the shock in all the Azkals' faces, especially on hunky goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge.Turkmenistan lead at the 86th minute with a goal from Gahyrmanberdy Chonkaev, ending the Azkals' dream of going to the finals. Chonkaev beat four Azkal defenders, kicking the goal into the back of the net.
At the dying last minutes of the game, Neil Etheridge was given a heartbreaking red card which sent me to tears. Neil kicked the calf of one of the Turkmenistan's players while kicking out a goal kick. Etheridge was substituted by Carli De Murga since there were no substitute goalkeepers in hand.
Carli ended up with a sensational save during a free kick from one of Turkmenistan's men.
The Philippine Azkals will settle for the bronze medal if they win against Palestine on Monday.
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