AFF Suzuki Cup 2014: Philippines 4 Indonesia 0

A first half penalty from Phil Younghusband, his 42nd international goal, and second-half strikes from Manuel Ott, Martin Steuble and Rob Gier gave the Philippines their first victory over Indonesia in the tournament after five defeats.

They top Group A with six points after an opening 4-1 victory over qualifiers Laos with their final match against former champions Vietnam on Friday.

The Azkals played fast, fluent football and showed they have improved markedly since former US captain Thomas Dooley took over as coach.

Dooley said that he was delighted at the win which was the result of a great team performance.

“I am obviously very happy that we have reached the semi-finals (after just) the second game as we didn’t expect that when we came over here,” he said.

“An excellent (team) performance, you cannot play better in the situation we were in and that’s why I am proud of everyone.

“I think we controlled the game from the very beginning. We had even more chances to score a goal, but I am happy with four-nothing.”

Philippines made one change from the side that started in the opening 4-1 win over Laos with two-goal hero Patrick Reichelt coming in for striker Mark Hartmann, who he replaced on Saturday.

Indonesia captain Firman Utina and Samsul Arif, who scored the equaliser after replacing Boas Salossa in the 2-2 draw with Vietnam, started in place of Manahati Lestusen and Salossa respectively.

After a bright opening, Philippines came close in the 10th minute with Indonesia goalkeeper Kurnia Meiga Hermansyah having to look smart to tip over a deflected shot from Misagh Bahadoran.

The Azkals kept up the pressure and took the lead from a Younghusband penalty after Bahadoran had been hauled down in the box by Firman following a great run down the left wing.

Reichelt could have doubled the advantage a minute later but his snap shot from inside the box went just wide with Kurnia beaten.

Philippines were forced into an early substitution, experienced central defender Gier coming on for the injured Juan Guirado.

Just before half-time, Philippines ‘keeper Patrick Deyto came to his side’s rescue, preventing an own goal from Daisuke Sato, who headed goalwards under pressure from Sergio Van Dijk, and at the other end Reichelt squandered a glorious opportunity to double the advantage.

Philippines increased the lead in spectacular fashion in the 52nd minute, midfielder Ott firing home an unstoppable shot from outside the box.

Gier, up for a corner, nearly made it three 11 minutes later but his shot on the turn was beaten away by Kurnia.

The third goal did come in the 67th minute, US-based Steuble catching the Indonesia defence napping with a quickly taken free kick inside the penalty area.

Indonesia’s day of woe worsened six minutes later when Rizki Pora was a shown a straight red after pulling down Younghusband from behind as the striker was bearing down on goal.

Substitute Gier added a fourth for Philippines in the 79th minute sweeping home after his initial header had come back off the upright.

Indonesia coach Alfred Riedl said that the Philippines were the fitter, better team.

“You saw today a fit team against an unfit team,” he said. “I am surprised by the result. I thought we could challenge this team.”