AZKALS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SALVAGE 1-1 DRAW

The Philippine Azkals national football squad displayed one of their worst showings in recent months, but still fortunate enough to score a 1-all draw against upstarts Sri Lanka in the first leg of their 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Colombo. Fil-American striker Nate Burkey, who substituted for the injured Phil Younghusband late in the first half, scored the tying goal in the 49^th minute courtesy of a good pass from Chieffy Caligdong. The Sri Lankans scored the opening goal on an amazing free kick by Gunarathne in the 41^st minute. So poor were the Azkals on both offense and defense. The Nationals were very tentative in their offensive attacks and struggled mightily with their ball control. Their backline defense was almost non-existent as the Brave Reds launched several attacks throughout the match. Adding woes to the Filipinos was the ejection of defender Aly Borromeo, who took his second yellow card in the match in the 63^rd minute, thus reducing the Azkals down to ten men the rest of the match. Striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado and hardworking wingman James Younghusband hobbled in most part of the match due to minor injuries. The only consolation the Azkals had in the game was the all-important away-goal, which could win them the tie if the second leg match in Manila ends in a scoreless draw. They have to look forward for a better showing on Sunday to advance further in the qualifiers, which will be played before an expected sell-out crowd at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.