Stephan Schrock (L) of the Philippines vies with Zhu Chenjie of China during the group A match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 in Bacolod, the Philippines, Oct. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Du Yu) BACOLOD, the Philippines, Oct. 15-- Former English Premier League goalkeeper Neil Etheridge's outstanding performance helped the Philippines men's national football team to hold powerhouse China to a scoreless draw in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier at the Panaad Stadium here on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Filipino, who missed the hosts' first two qualifying games due to injury, delivered a standout game on goal with several saves at stoppage time on Hao Junmin's strike, while captain Stephan Schrock led by example with a workmanlike display as the Philippines achieved their biggest result to date. "It's nice to come back and play in the national team. It's been a long time being out just due to the international date and make a coming back from injury," said Etheridge during the post-game press conference. China had one final attempt to leave the Panaad Stadium with a win, but their last-second corner at 91st minute went straight into the hands of Etheridge to seal the draw and secure the point. "I'm satisfied with the player's performance in the second half. If we played like that in the first half, we will score and win the game," said China's head coach Marcello Lippi after the match. |