In need of a boost against a familiar opponent in Vietnam, the Philippine national men’s football team turned to the smallest man on the pitch: Chieffy Caligdong.
InterAKTV file photo/Roy Afable
The 5-foot-4 Airman stood tallest after scoring the lone goal of the match at the 85th minute to give the Azkals a 1-0 victory over Vietnam in the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup Tuesday in Bangkok, Thailand. The win hearkens back to the 2010 edition of the tournament that saw the Philippine side upset Vietnam in a match that jumpstarted the popularity of football in the country.
This time, the Vietnamese were well aware of the ability of the Azkals, as the two sides battled to a nil-nil draw at halftime.
But the Philippines came out sluggish after the break, as Vietnam began to dominate possession. Caligdong, surprisingly left off the starting lineup, was one of a trio of substitutes along with Angel Guirado and Denis Wolf jumpstarted the attack for the Azkals, who took advantage of a shorthanded Vietnam side after an injury to skipper Minh Duc.
Continue Reading at InterAKTV
