Not a happy ending for Schröck and the Azkals as Indonesia soar high

Facing a hostile crowd despite playing at home, the Philippine Azkals failed to give Stephan Schröck the send-off he would've hoped for after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their rivals Indonesia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to officially put an end to their 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Campaign

Photo by: The Philippine Football Federation

The Azkals were aggressive since the opening whistle with team captain Stephan Schröck making the most out of his final 90 minutes. A couple of shots from him would bother Nadeo Argawinata but none of it would give them the first blood.

Despite a strong start in the first 15 minutes of the match, the Philippines conceded the opening goal in the 21st minute after a header from Dendy Sulistyawan who had his back facing the goal but still found the back of the net.

Argawinata would then be substituted in the 24th minute because of an injury but it didn't make matters better for the Azkals as the Garudas were in full attack mode since getting the opener.

Strikes from Dendy threatened the goal mouth but the Azkals were just barely holding on. They've also managed to hold on to more possession over the Philippines but were a bit wasteful.

However, in the 41st minute, Amani Aguinaldo tried to change the complexion of the match after meeting Mark Hartmann's free-kick but his header sailed over the bar.

All hope would then be lost after the Indonesians score their second of the night with Marselino Ferdinan scoring from the center of the box. Nothing that Anthony Pinthus could do to prevent the attacking midfielder from scoring.

One side went on the break with their heads held high while the other was dumbfounded, clueless, and just disappointed. In a non-bearing match and a send-off for one of the country's most decorated players, the Azkals seemed like they lost the fire in them that their fans, their own fans had to remind them of what they needed to do.

At least, in the second half, the Azkals did try to put up a fight with the injection of Sebastian Rasmussen and Sandro Reyes into the match. In the 75th minute, Rasmussen went on a counter but his strike was met by the keeper. Two minutes later, Reyes found acres of space only for his strike to be punched out by Syahrul Fadil.

Rasmussen would find the back of the net thanks to the retiring Schröck's delivery inside the box in the 83rd minute. His height was no match for the defensive pack of the Indonesians.

The Azkals almost concede a third goal but Jefferson Tabinas' defensive prowess prevented them from doing so in the 87th minute. It was a battle for the ages despite the knockout stages cast being complete after their second matchday.

The fire was still burning for the Philippines into the stoppage time but Reyes was just a bit heated and was given a yellow card after a strong challenge on the opposition in the 92nd minute.

The end came after five minutes of added time with the Azkals and their team captain Stephan Schröck coming off the pitch with the fans booing them out of frustration. However, it could be mixed with the boos from the Indonesians who made their way to the Rizal Memorial Stadium and made it feel like being inside the Gelora Bung Karno.

While Indonesia and Thailand progress to the knockout stages of the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, the Philippines, and its fans, await what could be a rebuilding stage if there's any.