DESPITE two losses in the AFC Asian Cup, the Philippine Azkals still have a chance to advance into the round-of-16 of Asia’s prestigious football competition.
The Azkals suffered losses to Korea, 1-0, and China, 3-0, to slide into the last spot in Group C with one match to go against Kyrgyz Republic.
Even with those defeats, the Philippines could still make it to the knockout stage as, aside from the top two teams in Groups A to F, four third-placers will also gain an entry in the round-of-16.
Of course, the Azkals must win their last group stage match against Kyrgyz Republic on Wednesday in Dubai to get three points in order to get a shot.
Group C W-D-L Goal Difference Points
China 2-0-0 4 6
South Korea 2-0-0 2 6
Kyrgyz Republic 0-0-2 -2 0
Philippines 0-0-2 -4 0
*Goal difference: Goals scored minus goals against
Points: Win = 3 points, Draw = 1 point, Loss = 0 point
Then, as posted in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) website, at least two must happen.
In Group B, Jordan and Australia, which are in first and second place with six and three points respectively, must not lose against their opponents in Syria and Palestine as the two only has one point in the table on Tuesday.
Group B W-D-L Goal Difference Points
Jordan 2-0-0 3 6
Australia 1-0-1 2 3
Syria 0-1-1 -2 1
Palestine 0-1-1 -3 1
In Group D, Yemen must draw against Vietnam or win by four goals or less in their match on Wednesday.
Group D W-D-L Goal Difference Points
Iran 2-0-0 7 6
Iraq 2-0-0 4 6
Vietnam 0-0-2 -3 0
Yemen 0-0-2 -8 0
In Group E, North Korea and Lebanon must draw, or North Korea wins by less than seven goals on Thursday.
Group E W-D-L Goal Difference Points
Qatar 2-0-0 8 6
Saudi Arabia 2-0-0 6 6
Lebanon 0-0-2 -4 0
North Korea 0-0-2 -10 0
In Group F, Turkmenistan and Oman must draw, or Turkmenistan win by less than two goals on Thursday.
Group F W-D-L Goal Difference Points
Uzbekistan 2-0-0 5 6
Japan 2-0-0 2 6
Oman 0-0-2 -2 0
Turkmenistan 0-0-2 -5 0
Needless to say, advancing to the knockout round is easier said than done.
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