The Philippine Azkals will end their 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign without a win as they go down to a spirited Kyrgyz Republic side, 3-1 last night at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai.
Kyrgyztan picked up the pace from the opening whistle and benefited from a masterful performance from their forward Vitalij Lux, who scored a hat-trick to headline the win.
Lux stuck the opening goal in the 24th minute through a excellent pass from midfielder Akhlidin Israilov.
Numerous chances came for the Kyrgyz side after the goal, with Israilov shooting from range at the 34th minute but saved by Azkals goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard; and Edgar Bernhardt hitting the post with his close-range effort.
Lux scored his second of the match at 52 minutes, firing an unstoppable shot after a turn to elude the Azkals offense. He completed his hat-trick at the 77th minute, converting a rebound from a Kyrgyz attempt outside of the penalty box hit the post.
Stephan Schrock got the first Asian Cup goal for the Azkals at the 80th minute through a long, looping free kick from the left flank.
The goal sparked a late resistance for the Azkals but they’re not able to capitalise on it as Javier Patino was not able to get to the end of Phil Younghusband’s cross and Patrick Reichelt hitting the side netting.
Kyrgyztan held on to win and will wait for the final results from other groups to see if they will go through to the next round, while the Azkals will end their campaign winless and with only one goal registered.
