'Team should be ruthless': Fans weigh in on Azkals' draw with Indonesia with sharp comments

The Philippine Azkals had an early bright spot in Tuesday's match against Indonesia at the packed Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, as Patrick Reichelt scored a goal 26 minutes in.

It was a much-needed boost after the Azkals were blanked by Vietnam in their opening game in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

But Saddil Ramdani sneaked one in at the 70th minute for Indonesia, and the Azkals settled for a draw.

Of course, fans weren't shy about expressing their thoughts about the match on social media. 

Some were just happy to see Manny Ott and Kevin Ingreso playing together again.

Glad we got to see that Manny Ott and Kevin Ingreso tandem again with the Azkals.

— Claro Manzano (@ClaroManzano) November 21, 2023

Some got excited with some stretches of the Azkals' performance.

We didn't win, but this 17-minute stretch yesterday is the best the Azkals have played in years. You can see everything Weiss wants - higher pressing, winning the ball in the middle of the field, quick transitions - the only thing missing is the striker. https://t.co/pExEl0a1iJ

— chino 🇵🇭 #StandYourGround (@drogbaaaa_) November 22, 2023

However, they noted that the Azkals need more gifted players such as striker Sebastian Rasmussen to finish the job.

Our play style right now is so direct, but it'll only work if we have a gifted winger (Holtmann) who's rapid on counterattacks and a gifted and physical striker (Rasmussen) who can finish chances. Put both of them in those situations today and we would have been 3-0 up.

— chino 🇵🇭 #StandYourGround (@drogbaaaa_) November 22, 2023

Others, meanwhile, pointed out the lapses of the Azkals and what they need to work on to finally gain momentum after years of frustration.

azkals vs indonesia match review:

very good effort from the azkals ended up petering out by the 2nd half, we got sloppy and ended up committing a defensive error that lead to an indo goal

just like watching chelsea

— 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙤.🌹 (@franc_ohhhh) November 21, 2023

pic.twitter.com/UCe0AixXvr

— PFL Fans United! (@PFL_Fans_United) November 21, 2023

pic.twitter.com/Gl8d4RV0fZ

— PFL Fans United! (@PFL_Fans_United) November 21, 2023

Observations: Management needs to look into conditioning. We seem to have an issue with our players' stamina. Game changed right after Kiki's goal, we need to be true to our slogan. Pilipinas Malupet, the team should be ruthless. Still, good game Azkals!

— PFL Fans United! (@PFL_Fans_United) November 21, 2023

The frustration, it seemed, was also palpable on the pitch. Azkals captain and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge reportedly got into a heated discussion with a fan and yelled, "We did everything we could. We did everything!"

Neil Etheridge screamed apparently at someone from the Ultras in a quite heated demeanor: "We did everything we could. We did everything!"

— ?? (@hotspurhaneul) November 21, 2023

One user was more blunt with this comment. 

If I'll be honest, it's about time they feel the frustrations of the fans. This was a winnable match but threw that opportunity away.

Hardcore supporters, as much as they're loyal, don't tolerate mediocrity. https://t.co/lpI65LkZ56

— Kent Garcia (@kentgrc_) November 21, 2023

The Azkals will aim to bounce back next year when they take on Iraq in home and away matches in March.

ALSO READ: Gauging the opposition: Azkals take on rough neighbors in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Only the top two teams per group will advance to the third round.

(PM)