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Philippines coach Scott Cooper’s voice reverberated inside the Azkals’ dugout just minutes before kickoff against China in their World Cup Qualifying match at Panaad Stadium here on Tuesday night.

In front of a crowd that was predominantly wearing the visiting team’s colors, the Azkals relied on a disciplined defensive display to end a 15-match losing streak against the Chinese, whom the Philippines last beat in 1919.

China has also beaten them three times in the last two years, including a 3-0 whipping in their maiden Asian Cup appearance last June.

Collectively, the Azkals showed they can play like one solid unit that can hold off even the most lethal of players in Chinese star striker Wu Lei and naturalized Brazilian Ai Kesen.

It wasn’t a win, 토토 but holding one of Asia’s top-ranked teams to a goalless draw surely felt like a victory.

Veteran goalkeeper Neil Etheridge marked his return with a commanding performance in between the sticks, while captain Stephan Schrock led by example with a dynamic display at midfield.

Some of the players looked up to Etheridge on how he was going to deal with situations. He's been very fortunate and blessed to play at the highest level in the world, so that helped.

“It’s no coincidence that we’ve gotten better,” said Cooper, noting that the camp in China last June gave the squad a huge boost. “I have got unbridled optimism on our players and the squad.”

Then Etheridge share about coopers sentiment!