By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The Philippine Azkals continued their hot form, pummeling Vietnam, 10-3, to advance to the semifinals of the Asia 7s Championship at the EV Arena Elmina here on Friday night, Oct. 11.
A few hours after sweeping the group stage with a 9-2 thumping of India, the Filipino booters kept their energy going as Mark Hartmann spearheaded the assault by scoring four goals in this 7-a-side football tournament.
Hartmann opened the floodgates early and scored in the second minute, before Patrick Grogg followed it up a minute later against two defenders.
Grogg also scored in the 31st minute as Arnel Amita also contributed two goals.
Other players who also scored were Stephan Schrock and Jed Francisco.
Prior to the quarters match, Azkals coach Hamed Hajimehdi already lauded his team’s efforts in the eight-team tournament although the Iranian mentor advised his stalwarts not to be too complacent.
“All the games are important. We don’t underestimate anyone,” said Hajimehdi, whose team made its title campaign felt with triumphs over Hong Kong, 6-1, and host Malaysia, 4-3, on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The Azkals’ quarters triumph arranged them a Final Four date against Hong Kong Saturday night, Oct. 12, after the Hong Kong booters eliminated Brunei, 2-0.
The other semis pairing pit powerhouse teams Japan and host Malaysia. The Japanese crew walloped India, 10-1, while the hosts routed Singapore, 5-1.
Hajimehdi said they are threading through the tournament one game at a time.
“Little by little, we manage to adjust,” Hajimehdi said. “We go slowly and just look at it and see if we can go to the finals.”
