Indonesia spoils Stephan Schrock's Azkals retirement match to seal place in AFF ME Cup semis

Dendy Sulistyawan was mobbed by his teammates after scoring the opening goal for Indonesia. PFF

By Ivan Saldajeno

PUERTO PRINCESA—Indonesia handed Stephan Schrock a defeat in his final match as a Philippine Azkal as the visiting Garudas formalized their place in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals with a 2-0 win in the final night of competition for Group A play on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Dendy Sulistyawan put the visiting squad ahead with a 21st-minute header off a long throw-in to the penalty box that Anthony Pinthus could not tap away.

Marselino Philipus then slotted a 43rd-minute goal from just the edge of the box as Pinthus was once again beaten to the ball.

The Ultras Filipinas expressed their dismay for the Azkals' rough first half by flashing placards that spell "Put some f****** fight!" with emphasis on the letter P and the 2 F's as an apparent message to the Philippine Football Federation.

Jens Rasmussen, however, responded to the challenge by striking one back for the Azkals in the 83rd minute.

Despite falling short in the end, the Azkals succeeded in spoiling Indonesia's bid to steal the top seed in Group A even as Thailand survived a tough challenge from Cambodia for a 3-1 home win.

Over at the Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand, the host squad found itself in danger of entering halftime goalless as Cambodia, needing a win to sneak into the semifinals, brought the challenge to them for most of the first half.

However, Teerasil Dangda converted a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time to put Thailand ahead.

Sumanya Purisai then started the second half with a 50th-minute strike to give the Thais a 2-0 cushion.

Cambodia got back into the match as Sieng Chanthea razzled and dazzled past the Thailand backline for the 68th-minute goal to make it 2-1.

Thailand got the last laugh as Dangda completed his brace just before the second-half stoppage time began.

Thailand and Indonesia finished the group stages unbeaten at three wins and one draw each for 10 points, but Thailand took the top spot with a better goal difference.

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