A new goalkeeper played for the Philippine Azkals in their second game.
And Fil-Danish newbie Michael Falkesgaard proved his worth when the Azkals held off a late attack from Timor-Leste for a 3-2 win Saturday evening at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Malaysia.
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson put in Falkesgaard in place of Neil Etheridge to give him exposure.
One of Falkesgaard’s saves took place in the 83rd minute when he got in the way of an attempt by Henrique Wilson Da Cruz Martin’s left-footed shot from outside the box.
This handed the Azkals their second win in two matches in their ongoing ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup 2018 campaign.
Etheridge was sidelined because of a minor thigh problem and is expected to be back with the Cardiff City FC in the English Premier League for the meantime.
With Etheridge gone, Falkesgaard could see himself starting for the Azkals in future games.
“The first half was good, I enjoyed it,” said Falkesgaard of their performance.
“In the second half we were not good enough, but in this tournament, the three points is all that matters,” added Falkesgaarde, whose mother is from Capiz.
The Azkals took control midway in the first half and seized the lead in the 27th minute when Phil Younghusband struck with a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom left corner from an assist by Stephan Schröck.
In the 33rd minute, Martin Steuble added a second goal for the Azkals, with his left-footed shot from outside the box hitting the bottom left corner off a pass from Kevin Ingreso.
On the 68th minute, Carlos de Murga knocked in a third goal for the Philippines, with his header from close range to the bottom left corner after another cross from Ingreso.
Timor-Leste then went on the offensive afterwards, but Falkesgaarde was able to make seven blocks and three saves.
Falkesgaard foiled an attempt in the 58th minute when he blocked Nataniel De Jesus Reis’ right-footed shot from outside the box.
The Philippines moved to a share of the lead in Group B with Thailand, which won over Indonesia, 4-2, in Bangkok.