Philippines came back from a goal behind to take the game in its hand. Alexey Negmatov had provided lead to Tajikistan in stoppage-time of the first half. Phil Younghusband equalized the score in 54th minute while Angel Guirado sealed the victory for Philippines in the 80th minute. [break]
In the sixth minute of the first half, Philippines keeper Neil Etherdidge saved one-versus-one of Dzhakongir Dzhalilov. In the 10th minute Tajikistan keeper Tuychiev Alisher blocked a power strike of Phil Younghusband from the tight angle. Phil Younghusband was set up for the shot from his older brother James.
Phil Younghusband squandered another chance of scoring as his shot was saved by the keeper in the 32nd minute. Tajikistan took lead through the header of Negmatov in a cross of Fatkhuloev Fatkhullo in the stoppage-time. Philippines players had appealed that they have cleared the ball from goal line but the assistant referee said that it has crossed the goal line.
In the 54th minute, Angel Guirado sealed the ball from Davronjon Ergashev and provided a cross to Phil Younghusband. Phil Younghusband was in front of the empty net and netted his third goal of the tournament. In the 61st minute, Tajikistan´s Dzhalilov Dzhakhongir´s powerful strike from the six-yard hit the side net.
Phil Younghusband was unlucky in the 68th minute as his powerful strike from the area hit the pole and returned back. In the 80th minute, Angel Guirado headed the cross of Phil Younghusband for the victory. With the win Philippines had made history of reaching semifinal in any big tournaments.
Philippines coach Hans Michael Weiss said that the team utilized the chances and advanced to the next round.
“Today is the historical and special day for the country. It is honor for me and is proud to be in the team,” said coach adding “Despite loosing five players we managed to qualify for the semifinal. We played as our plan.”
Tajikistan coach Kemal Alispahic said that the players were tired after two huge matches and were also afraid of the opponent. “We missed three key players in the match and the defense did not play as expected”
Philippines will face Turkmenistan in the semifinal.
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